In a significant disruption to air travel between the United Kingdom and Cyprus, budget carrier easyJet has suspended all flights connecting the two countries after a drone strike targeted the RAF Akrotiri base on the island. The incident involved a Shahed-style unmanned aerial vehicle striking the runway of the Royal Air Force’s largest overseas installation, raising serious security alarms and prompting immediate operational changes.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that a one-way attack drone had impacted the runway earlier today, causing heightened alertness at the base. The RAF responded swiftly, with fighter jets reportedly scrambling following the sounding of sirens around midday. This rapid military reaction underscores the strategic importance of RAF Akrotiri, which serves as a critical hub for British forces in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The repercussions of the attack quickly extended to civilian air travel. Both Larnaca and Paphos airports, Cyprus’s primary international gateways, displayed numerous flight cancellations affecting routes to and from London Gatwick and Manchester Airports. British Airways also announced the cancellation of its scheduled service to Larnaca for the day. Furthermore, the airline revealed that flights to several Middle Eastern destinations—including Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, and Tel Aviv—have been suspended until at least March 5, reflecting the broader regional security concerns.
A spokesperson for British Airways emphasized the airline’s commitment to passenger safety, stating that they are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have taken the decision to cancel flights to affected areas as a precaution. The airline is actively communicating with impacted customers to provide reassurance and support during this uncertain period. They reiterated that flights will only resume when it is deemed safe to operate.
Similarly, easyJet issued a statement explaining that three return flights between Paphos, Larnaca, and the UK scheduled for today would not operate due to the overnight events at the RAF base. While flights from March 3 onwards are currently planned to proceed as normal, the airline advises passengers to regularly check flight status updates. EasyJet is also offering affected travelers options such as rebooking on alternative flights, refunds, and assistance with accommodation and meals where necessary. The airline stressed that the safety of both passengers and crew remains its highest priority as it continues to monitor the security environment closely.
For passengers facing cancellations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has outlined their rights under UK law. Airlines are obligated to provide reasonable care, which includes food and drink vouchers, means of communication, hotel accommodation if rerouted for the following day, and transportation to and from lodging. This support must continue until the passenger reaches their destination, regardless of the delay’s cause or duration.
However, the CAA acknowledges that during major disruptions, airlines may struggle to assist every passenger promptly due to stretched resources. In such cases, travelers are entitled to arrange necessary care themselves and later claim reimbursement, provided they keep all receipts and avoid excessive spending. It is important to note that airlines typically do not cover luxury expenses or alcohol, but they often provide guidelines on what constitutes reasonable costs.
This incident highlights the growing complexities and risks associated with operating in geopolitically sensitive regions. The drone strike on RAF Akrotiri not only disrupts military operations but also significantly impacts commercial aviation and the travel plans of thousands of passengers. Authorities and airlines alike are navigating these challenges with heightened vigilance, balancing security imperatives with the need to minimize inconvenience for travelers.
