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60 Flights Cancelled In Cyprus Amid Middle East Tensions

Middle East Unrest Disrupts Cyprus Air Travel

The ongoing escalation in the Middle East, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions from Tehran, has led to the cancellation of 60 flights to and from Cyprus airports. This swift disruption highlights the susceptibility of global travel networks to geopolitical instability.

Impact On Larnaca Airport Operations

According to data provided by Hermes Airports, 42 flights at Larnaca Airport have been cancelled, evenly split between 21 arrivals and 21 departures. This significant interruption serves as a reminder of the need for robust contingency planning in the aviation sector.

Service Interruptions At Paphos Airport

The remaining 18 cancellations affect Paphos Airport, where 9 arrivals and 9 departures have been suspended. Both airports’ operations have been markedly influenced by the regional tensions, underscoring the broader impact on travel and commerce.

Guidance For Affected Passengers

Air passengers are advised to check flight status with their airlines or travel agents before heading to the airport, as schedules may change. Authorities recommend confirming departure times in advance to avoid disruption.

Cyprus And Greece Outline Joint Tourism Plans For Summer 2026

Strategic Partnership Enhances Tourism Prospects

The Cyprus Tourism Authority (EOT Cyprus) presented proposals for summer 2026 focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, with joint efforts aimed at attracting visitors from long-haul markets.

Greece: The Top Destination For Cypriot Travelers

At an event on April 28, Athena Spakouri, Director of EOT Cyprus, said Greece is expected to remain the main travel destination for Cypriot residents, with plans extending beyond established locations to include lesser-known regions. This approach reflects a broader effort to diversify travel options while maintaining strong demand between the two countries.

Complementary Destinations, Unified Vision

Building on this, Spakouri noted that Cyprus and Greece offer complementary tourism experiences rather than competing directly. Joint programmes are therefore being positioned to attract visitors from markets such as the United States and China, while tourism activity continues to be assessed in the context of broader geopolitical developments.

Robust Air And Sea Connectivity

Supporting this cooperation, Konstantinos Kollias said around 600,000 Cypriots travelled to Greece in 2025. Frequent flights, short travel times, and ferry connections between Limassol and Piraeus continue to facilitate movement between the two countries and sustain travel flows.

Diverse Tourism Offerings for a New Era

Konstantinos Kollias highlighted that Greece’s tourism portfolio spans from traditional seaside holidays to sectors such as cultural, religious, gastronomic, agritourism, ecotourism, spa, conference, and medical tourism.

This range reflects the expansion of tourism offerings across different segments and travel preferences. In parallel, Joseph Iosif referred to Greece as a “second homeland” for Cypriot travellers, pointing to longstanding cultural and travel links between the two countries.

Innovative Programs And Strengthened Connections

Building on this approach, the EOT strategy includes initiatives focused on gastronomic routes, cultural trails, thematic and religious tourism, as well as curated city breaks in destinations such as Athens and Thessaloniki. These programmes were presented at the event alongside references to historical, cultural, and religious connections between Cyprus and Greece, including remarks from Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

Boosting Air Connectivity And Island Accessibility

At the same time, airlines including Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, and Cyprus Airways outlined plans to expand connections between Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on increasing access to island destinations. The event also brought together stakeholders from the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Hermes Airports, tour operators, and ACTAA, reflecting coordination across different parts of the tourism sector.

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