Thousands of holidaymakers are currently stranded or scrambling for answers after easyJet and other major carriers scrapped flights to Paphos and Larnaca. It’s a mess. The disruption follows a drone strike on the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus during the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026. If you’re one of the people stuck at the airport or staring at a "cancelled" notification on your phone, you don't need corporate PR talk. You need to know your rights and how to get home.
A suspected Iranian drone hit the British sovereign base, and while no injuries were reported, the ripple effect on civilian aviation was instant. Paphos International Airport was evacuated earlier today, and over 60 flights across the island have been grounded. easyJet specifically called off several return services between the UK and Cyprus as a "precautionary measure."
The Current State of Cyprus Flights
The situation is moving fast. easyJet has grounded three return flights today, affecting routes from major hubs like Manchester and London. They aren't the only ones pulling the plug. The Lufthansa Group—including Austrian Airlines and Swiss—has suspended services, and British Airways has also axed flights to Larnaca.
Right now, the airports aren't technically closed for the week, but they are under massive strain. Hermes Airports, which runs both Larnaca and Paphos, confirmed that 42 flights at Larnaca and 18 at Paphos were hit by the first wave of cancellations. easyJet claims they plan to resume a normal schedule from March 3, but that's a "wait and see" situation. If regional tensions escalate further, that schedule will be the first thing to burn.
Why airlines are grounded
Airlines hate cancelling flights—it costs them a fortune. But when a military base 60km away gets hit by a kamikaze drone, the risk profile changes. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice today, warning of "heightened regional tension." While Cyprus remains "green" for travel, the proximity to Middle Eastern conflict zones means airspace can become restricted without warning.
Your Rights Under UK261 Regulations
Don't let the airline tell you you're on your own. Because these flights were cancelled due to "extraordinary circumstances" (security threats and military strikes), the rules are slightly different than a standard technical delay.
- Compensation: You probably won't get the standard £220–£520 cash payout. Airlines don't have to pay compensation for things they can't control, and a drone strike on a military base definitely qualifies.
- Duty of Care: This is where you shouldn't budge. easyJet is legally required to provide you with "care and assistance." This includes food and drink vouchers, two phone calls or emails, and—most importantly—hotel accommodation if you're stranded overnight.
- Re-routing: If your flight is cancelled, the airline must get you to your destination at the earliest opportunity. If easyJet can't fly you for three days but British Airways has a seat tomorrow, they should technically book you on that rival flight.
Honestly, easyJet is usually pretty good about the "Manage Bookings" portal, but when 5,000 people are trying to use the app at once, it crashes. If you can’t get through, keep every single receipt. Buy a reasonable meal, book a mid-range hotel (don't go for the 5-star suite), and keep the itemised bills to claim back later.
Paphos Airport Evacuation and Safety
The evacuation at Paphos was a proactive move after a drone was spotted in restricted airspace. Security teams cleared the terminal around 12:45 pm local time. While the airport has since been "cleared," the atmosphere is tense.
If you're in Cyprus now, the best thing you can do is stay away from the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) like Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Local authorities are on high alert, and while the Republic of Cyprus itself is not a target, the military infrastructure on the island makes it a complicated spot for civilian travel right now.
What You Should Do Right Now
If your flight is cancelled, don't just sit at the gate.
- Check the Flight Tracker: The easyJet app is the most accurate source of truth for their specific fleet movement.
- Screenshot Everything: Take photos of the departure boards and any "cancelled" messages. You’ll need these for insurance.
- Book Your Own Hotel if Necessary: If the airline staff are overwhelmed and can't find you a room, find one yourself. Stay within a "reasonable" price range (think 3-star equivalent) to ensure you get your money back.
- Contact Your Insurance: Travel insurance often covers "Travel Abandonment" or "Disruption" which might pay out where the airline won't.
Stop waiting for a representative to find you in the terminal. They are usually just as in the dark as you are during the first few hours of a geopolitical crisis. Take charge of your own logistics, keep your receipts, and monitor the FCDO updates hourly.
Download the easyJet app immediately and set up push notifications. If they open up a "rescue flight" or a seat on a later service, the people who click "rebook" first are the ones who get home. Everyone else ends up sleeping on a terminal floor.
