Paphos Life

It does seem like Cyprus is being dragged into the Iranian conflict..
Here are two News Headlines this morning 2/3/26

"UK draws up overland rescue plan for 94,000 Britons trapped in Gulf states: As PM lets US troops use British bases to launch strikes on Iran, ministers prepare for a mass evacuation of tourists and ex-pats via Saudi Arabia"

"RAF base in Cyprus 'is hit by Iranian drone': Ministry of Defence confirms blast and says it is monitoring 'live situation'

"RAF base in Cyprus is hit by Iranian drone: MoD evacuates families living on military base after overnight attack"

This was our Facebook post this morning:

There was a small one-drone attack on RAF Akrotiri (near Limassol) last night. No injuries and minor damage. The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Cyprus, noting the issue and advising that you should follow any instructions given by local authorities.

►MAIN STATEMENT
Regional risks
There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.

There is no advice not to go to Cyprus.

The following messages were published by the British Forces Cyprus Mass Notification System.
01:19
A small Drone has impacted the airfield at RAF Akrotiri and all agencies are responding. There are no casualties but there is minor damage. However the incident is ongoing. Please remain in place and await further instruction as there may be additional impact.
01:33
There is an ongoing security threat. Please return to your homes and stay inside until further official notice. Move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture. Please await further instruction. Potential impact to the WSBA.
01:51
There is potential for a further incident. Please return to your homes and stay inside until further official notice. Move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture. Please await further instruction.
02:56
The current security incident has concluded however please remain indoors as a precaution. Further Everbridge messages will be sent to keep you updated.
06:04
As a precautionary measure, a temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel based at RAF Akrotiri is being planned. This will be a phased dispersal. Akrotiri schools will be closed. Please ensure essential personal items including identification documents (e.g. passports, status cards, base passes), prescription and other medications, and baby supplies are packed. You will be notified on the ground when it is your turn to move. Please remain inside and await further instructions. You are strongly advised to comply with the recommendation to disperse.
06:07
As a precautionary measure, a temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel based at RAF Akrotiri is being planned. Both the primary and secondary schools at Episkopi Garrison will be closed to be used as reception centres. The Episkopi Early Years will remain open. At all other locations (Epi, Dhk, Ay Nik), workplaces, businesses and facilities will remain open as normal and there are no restrictions in place.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
►For latest Foreign Office advice on Cyprus

■ https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
►Latest Flight Info

Paphos:
■ https://www.hermesairports.com/flight-i ... rtures-pfo

Larnaca:
■ https://el.hermesairports.com/flight-in ... rtures-lca

It's important not to panic in response to current events. The Republic of Cyprus has not been attacked. It is the British Overseas Territory of the Sovereign Base Areas that has been attacked, and by a single small drone. It is likely this was in response to the announcement from the UK that their bases can be used by the US military. Iran will be well aware of the difference between the Republic and a British Overseas Territory that is not part of the Republic.
The vast majority of people on this forum either live in or regularly visit the Republic, mainly to Paphos, Peyia the their surrounds. The base area is 70km (43m) from Paphos so well away from any similar action.
So relax and don't panic. It's probably best to stay away from the base area but otherwise keep calm and carry on.

People on some other media are very quick to blame the UK military presence in Cyprus.

Perhaps they should remember this:

https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-D ... -air-base/

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/c ... expansion/

Cyprus is as ‘safe’ as anywhere in this day and age.

Old post but useful to know.

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/opinion ... 0-seconds/


Does anybody know where local shelters are??

I was down at the Seafront just before lunch and there was ZERO sign of anybody panicing.

Now, with regards to Paphos Airport being evacuated, the latest unconfirmed report I have heard is that it was down to a local drone flier (idiot), and essentially a false alarm.

Latest news report.

We will strike Cyprus hard, Iranian general says over American presence on island

A senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned of intensified missile strikes on Cyprus, claiming the United States has significantly expanded its military footprint on the island, Iranian media reported.

IRGC General Sardar Jabbari was quoted by the Iranian outlet Khabar Fouri as saying that Washington had relocated most of its aircraft to Cyprus, a move he described as a provocation that would draw a forceful response.

“The Americans have moved most of their aircraft to Cyprus. We will launch missiles at Cyprus with such intensity that the Americans will be forced to leave the island,” Jabbari said, according to the report.

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/w ... on-island/

From the local press.

In a move of the utmost national and geostrategic importance, Athens is deploying forces in the region. By an official decision of the Governmental National Security Council (KYSEA), Greece is sending a total of two Navy frigates to Cyprus. Among them is the ultra-modern "Belaras"-class frigate, the "Kimonas".

The naval deterrent force will be accompanied by Greek fighter aircraft of the "Ef-16" type, creating a strong protective shield. In the context of this key decision and for the absolute coordination of actions, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, is already in Nicosia.

Dominic wrote: ↑Mon Mar 02, 2026 3:12 pm I was down at the Seafront just before lunch and there was ZERO sign of anybody panicing.

Now, with regards to Paphos Airport being evacuated, the latest unconfirmed report I have heard is that it was down to a local drone flier (idiot), and essentially a false alarm.

I'm not panicking, but it was certainly unsettling yesterday when I heard the air raid siren from the army camp near the airport (I'm in Anarita) and more so later when we got a text message to evacuate. That was not something I thought I'd ever see (other than for a fire). It made no sense to me though, as it told us to go to Geroskipou which would involve driving closer to the airport and getting onto a busy road. So I stayed put in my nice country house, and it was lifted quickly anyway.

I live near the big army camp in Anarita (mainly a training camp) and yesterday morning and today there was a steady stream of cars driving up with young guys in uniform. I guess they've been called up, but can't see what they can do against drones....

It is depressing how much bullshit is floating around. Fortunately on our Facebook Group Paphos Chat, we have to approve all new threads. It is a pain but at times like this pretty much essential. The amount of lies people were trying to spread were unbelievable. That is why I do news posts without any editorial comment and just containing links to official sources.

Dominic wrote: ↑Tue Mar 03, 2026 1:56 pm It is depressing how much bullshit is floating around. Fortunately on our Facebook Group Paphos Chat, we have to approve all new threads. It is a pain but at times like this pretty much essential. The amount of lies people were trying to spread were unbelievable. That is why I do news posts without any editorial comment and just containing links to official sources.

Thanks Dominic, I do follow your FB group too.

Some of the UK media headlines I've had come up on my Facebook feed (not sites I follow, I hasten to add) are absolutely ludicrous

Here in the UK, the news feeds on my laptop this morning are, quite frankly, ridiculous.

I agree & this old adage comes to mind "Never Let the Truth Get in the Way of a Good Story"

Firefly wrote: ↑Wed Mar 04, 2026 3:11 pm Here in the UK, the news feeds on my laptop this morning are, quite frankly, ridiculous.

I am glad that you see them as what they are.... rediculous

As far as I am aware at the moment both civilian airports are working as normal. The latest news I have seen for today 4/3/26 is....

"Cyprus Travel Update March 4th 2026
TUI and Easyjet have cancelled their flights for (Wednesday). BA and Jet2 flights are still going ahead. Flights to the Middle East are still disrupted"

A friend of my daughter was forced to spend the night in his car because of the drone attack. He lives in Akrotiri and it was closed off when he returned home (or at least tried to).