Relative calm prevailed on Tuesday in four Paphos communities near Paphos Airport that were ordered to evacuate on Monday. However, concern remains among residents who found themselves abruptly confronted with an unprecedented situation. The presence of Greek F-16 fighter jets at Andreas Papandreou Air Base has further divided opinion, with some residents expressing reassurance and others voicing increased anxiety.
The evacuation order followed recent security developments and heightened regional tensions, prompting precautionary measures in communities close to critical infrastructure.
Evacuation and local response
In Mandria, located five minutes from Paphos Airport and home to approximately 2,000 permanent residents, the majority of inhabitants left the area on Monday evening, seeking temporary accommodation with relatives and friends in neighbouring communities.
Community leader Christos Michaelides stated that patrols were conducted throughout Monday night and into Tuesday to identify any residents requiring immediate support. For those who chose to remain, the community authority issued a warning message with clear instructions, advising that in case of danger they should proceed to the Statos-Agios Fotios Community Museum via a designated route intended to avoid traffic congestion.
Regarding schools, Michaelides clarified that Mandria Primary School and the local kindergarten operated normally on Tuesday. Parents were informed that in the event of any new developments, they should immediately collect their children.
He described the situation as particularly difficult and unprecedented for the community, noting that it had never faced similar conditions before. He appealed for calm and restraint, expressing the view that the situation would improve over time.
Local resident Yiannakis Spyrou said that upon receiving notification of the evacuation, he travelled with his family to Polis Chrysochous, where they stayed for a few hours before returning home.
Greek F-16 presence divides opinion
The arrival of Greek F-16 fighter jets at Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the deployment of two Hellenic Navy frigates have become a subject of discussion among residents.
Some told Politis that they feel safer following the deployment. Others, however, argue that the presence of military assets may increase the area’s visibility as a potential target, causing additional fear and concern.
Paphos Airport operations
After a brief suspension of operations at midday on Monday, Paphos Airport resumed normal functioning on Tuesday. Nevertheless, several flights were cancelled due to developments in the wider region.
According to Hermes Airports, flights to Israel and Jordan remain cancelled. In addition, one flight from the United Kingdom to Paphos operated by EasyJet was cancelled on Tuesday. All other flights, including those that had previously been diverted, are operating normally.
Flights to Amman and Israel have not operated since Saturday.
Criticism over handling of Monday’s measures
Reactions continued on Tuesday in the communities that were ordered to evacuate, with residents criticising what they described as confusion and lack of planning.
The President of the Paphos Union of Communities and head of the Anarita Community Council, Michalis Nikandrou, spoke of what he described as incorrect handling by Civil Defence. In his view, it was a mistake to instruct approximately 5,000 residents of Anarita, Timi, Mandria and Acheleia to use the old Limassol-Paphos motorway and proceed to two primary schools in the Municipality of Geroskipou, locations unfamiliar to many.
He argued that the confusion and panic created a risk of traffic accidents and that, in the event of a missile or drone attack, residents would have been gathered in the same location. “I do not know who made this decision,” he said, “but I believe it was not a wise one.”
Nikandrou stated that at 12:45 on Monday afternoon Civil Defence contacted him with instructions to evacuate Anarita and direct residents to the two primary schools in Geroskipou. A message was immediately sent to all residents, both Cypriot and British, and the local primary school staff and parents were informed so that children could be collected and families could proceed according to the instructions.
Approximately 15 to 20 minutes later, he said, a second call was received from Civil Defence informing them that residents could return home. A new message was sent reflecting the updated instruction. The rapid sequence of decisions caused disruption, with many residents visiting the Anarita Community Council offices seeking clarification.
Call for better coordination
Timi Deputy Mayor Giorgos Polykarpou stated that proper information and coordination serve as a protective shield for citizens.
Referring to the sequence of instructions, first to evacuate and then to remain at home, he said the situation clearly demonstrated the importance of effective coordination in emergencies. Immediate, responsible and unified communication with citizens is critical in such circumstances, he added.
Polykarpou suggested that the incident could serve as a useful lesson for Civil Defence. Although not a specialist, he said the existence of shelters and basic protective infrastructure is an issue that the state should examine promptly and with due seriousness.
He acknowledged that public panic was understandable under the circumstances. The hundreds of phone calls he received, he said, reflected the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by the local community.