Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated travel advice urging citizens to avoid all travel to eight countries in the wider Middle East, following the launch of United States and Israeli operations against Iran. The developments have already led to flight cancellations and diversions at Larnaca and Paphos airports, affecting at least 250 passengers.
Updated travel advice
In a post on the platform X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, in light of the evolving security situation in the broader Middle East region, updated travel guidance has been issued.
Ανακοίνωση του Υπουργείου Εξωτερικών για τους Κύπριους πολίτες που βρίσκονται στην ευρύτερη περιοχή της Μέσης Ανατολής - χρήσιμα τηλέφωνα 👇
— Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) February 28, 2026
🔗https://t.co/Zudx6XVfGN pic.twitter.com/4fIPrAYAvQ
Cypriot citizens are advised to avoid all travel to the following countries: United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Further information on the travel advisories is available on the official government website.
Flight cancellations at Larnaca airport
According to Hermes Airports, the operator of Cyprus’ airports, 250 passengers have so far been affected by cancellations. At Larnaca airport, all flights to and from Israel have been cancelled.
A Wizz Air flight from Larnaca to Tel Aviv, which departed at 07:35, returned to Cyprus shortly after take-off. The scheduled arrival of a Wizz Air flight from Tel Aviv at 13:20 was also cancelled.
Two departures were additionally cancelled: a Wizz Air flight to Abu Dhabi scheduled for 14:25 and a SunDor flight to Tel Aviv scheduled for 20:55.
For the following day, the arrival of a Tus Air flight from Israel at 19:05 has been cancelled, as well as the departure of a Tus Air flight to Israel scheduled for 12:00.
Disruptions at Paphos airport
At Paphos airport, Air Haifa’s arrival from Haifa scheduled for 16:00 and its departure at 16:55 were cancelled.
Ryanair flights to Amman were also cancelled.
Flight diversions to Larnaca
Two Wizz Air flights were diverted to Larnaca: one operating the Budapest–Amman route and another on the Sofia–Tel Aviv route.
Passengers disembarked at Larnaca airport and are expected to return to Budapest and Sofia respectively.
Travellers are advised to contact their airline or travel agent before heading to the airport.
Police reinforce security measures
In a statement, Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos said the Cyprus Police have proceeded with the reinforcement of already heightened security measures across all critical infrastructure of the Republic, as well as other locations considered high risk.
He said the measures are preventive in nature and form part of the overall operational planning aimed at deterring any potential threat.
The Police remain on alert, with the protection of citizens and the safeguarding of public safety as their primary priority.