Budget carrier easyJet has announced the cancellation of all flights connecting the United Kingdom and Cyprus after a drone, resembling the Shahed model, struck the RAF Akrotiri airbase on the Mediterranean island. This military installation is the largest Royal Air Force base outside the UK, playing a critical role in regional security and operations. The incident has raised immediate safety concerns, prompting airlines to suspend services as a precautionary measure.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed early this morning that a one-way attack drone had impacted the runway at RAF Akrotiri, disrupting normal operations. The attack triggered sirens around midday, and fighter jets were scrambled from the base in response to the threat. This sudden escalation has heightened tensions in the area and led to widespread travel disruptions for passengers flying to and from Cyprus.
At Cyprus’s primary international gateway, Larnaca Airport, as well as Paphos Airport, flight information displays showed numerous cancellations affecting routes to London Gatwick and Manchester Airports. British Airways has also suspended its flights to Larnaca for the day. Moreover, the airline has extended cancellations to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, and Tel Aviv, with these suspensions lasting through March 5. A spokesperson for British Airways emphasized that the airline is vigilantly monitoring the evolving situation and prioritizes passenger safety above all else. They assured that flights will only resume when it is deemed safe to operate, and that affected customers are being contacted to provide support and reassurance during this uncertain period.
EasyJet, in a statement, explained that due to the overnight events impacting the RAF base in Akrotiri, three return flights between Paphos, Larnaca, and the UK scheduled for today have been cancelled as a precaution. While flights from March 3 onwards are currently planned to proceed as scheduled, the airline advises travelers to regularly check their flight tracker for the latest updates. EasyJet is actively working to reduce inconvenience by offering rebooking options, refunds, and assistance with hotel accommodations and meals for those stranded. The company reiterated that the safety of both passengers and crew remains their utmost priority as they continue to closely observe the security situation in the region.
Passengers affected by these cancellations are reminded of their rights under UK law, as outlined by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In the event of a flight cancellation, airlines are obligated to provide reasonable care and assistance, which typically includes vouchers for food and beverages, access to communication, accommodation if rerouting requires an overnight stay, and transportation between the airport and lodging. The CAA stresses that these provisions must be maintained until passengers can be safely transported to their destinations, regardless of the delay’s cause or duration.
However, the CAA also acknowledges that during significant disruptions, airlines may struggle to deliver care to all passengers promptly due to stretched resources. In such cases, travelers have the right to arrange necessary assistance themselves and later seek reimbursement, provided they keep all receipts and avoid excessive spending. It is important to note that expenses deemed unreasonable, such as luxury hotels or alcoholic beverages, are unlikely to be refunded. Airlines usually provide guidance on what constitutes reasonable costs to help passengers manage their claims effectively.
