Britons are axing their vacation plans to Cyprus amid escalating military activities near the island, despite reassurances from locals and politicians about its safety. Although the UK’s Foreign Office has not issued any travel advisories against visiting Cyprus, recent attacks have heightened tensions in the region, bringing the European country closer to conflict.
Last week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment of the Type 45 Destroyer to the Mediterranean following a drone incident at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on March 1, causing minimal damage. Subsequent drone activity on March 2 resulted in minor damage to a hangar, with no reported injuries. British warplanes successfully intercepted two additional drones later that day.
While there have been no further attacks on Cyprus, local businesses have reported a sense of unease among tourists, leading to some cancellations. Vassilis Georgiou, a local business owner, mentioned a decline in bookings and travelers reconsidering their plans amidst the ongoing tensions.
Despite the cancellations, some hotel owners like Nick Aristou have noted that the majority of cancellations are for March, with fewer affecting bookings in April. However, Agia Napa Municipal Secretary, Fotos Kikillos, downplayed the impact of cancellations, emphasizing the safety and normalcy of life on the island.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, representing UK independent travel agents, indicated a stabilization in cancellations related to Cyprus, with a shift in interest towards destinations like Spain, the islands, Greece, and Portugal. Cyprus’s foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, urged tourists not to cancel their trips, emphasizing the normalcy of activities on the island.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support to Cyprus by dispatching additional warships to enhance security in the Eastern Mediterranean amid concerns over the Iran war. Macron’s visit to Cyprus aimed to show solidarity following the drone attack on the British air base, marking the first incident of its kind in Europe during the ongoing conflict.
Various defense measures, including the deployment of the UK’s HMS Dragon and French frigate Languedoc, have been implemented to bolster anti-drone and anti-missile defenses in the region. As tensions persist, travelers planning trips to Cyprus are advised to stay updated on the latest travel advice from the FCDO.
