Monday, 2nd March 2026
The aviation crisis currently paralysing the Middle East has taken a sharp and worrying turn towards the Mediterranean this afternoon. For UK travellers, the conflict is no longer a distant disruption affecting long-haul hubs; it has reached the popular short-haul holiday destination of Cyprus. Following an overnight strike on a UK military facility on the island, major airlines have begun a mass suspension of civilian flights, leaving thousands of British holidaymakers in a state of high anxiety.
The Attack on RAF Akrotiri
What happened: In the early hours of Monday, 2nd March, the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted in a drone attack. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the strike, which is believed to be a retaliatory action by Iranian-linked forces following US-Israeli operations in the region. While the base is military, its proximity to civilian flight paths and the general escalation of tension have prompted immediate “precautionary” groundings of commercial aircraft.
Who is involved: British Airways and easyJet were the first to react. BA has cancelled its Monday service to Larnaca (LCA), while easyJet has suspended all return flights between the UK and both Paphos (PFO) and Larnaca until at least Thursday, 5th March.
Why it matters to UK passengers: Cyprus is a staple for British sun-seekers, especially during the early spring season. The suspension affects routes from London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester. Unlike the Gulf hubs, which are largely transit points, Cyprus is a primary destination. This means thousands of Brits are not just “delayed in transit” but are effectively stuck in their hotels or at the airport with no clear timeline for a return flight.
Analysis: A New “No-Fly Zone” in the Mediterranean?
The inclusion of Cyprus in the regional disruption is a significant escalation for the UK travel industry. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice today, warning of a “heightened risk of regional tension” in Cyprus and stating that further escalation could lead to additional travel disruption.
For years, Cyprus has been viewed as a safe haven near the Middle East. If the island’s airspace remains volatile, it puts immense pressure on other Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Turkey to absorb the displaced passenger volume. EasyJet holidays has already begun contacting customers on package deals, offering full refunds or re-bookings, but independent travellers are facing a scramble for the few remaining seats on other carriers still operating, such as Pegasus or Aegean.
