The Mediterranean Island many Brits call their favourite getaway has found itself at the centre of a major security scare.
It is one of the most popular Easter destinations in Europe. Cheap flights, guaranteed sunshine, and a welcoming atmosphere have drawn British holidaymakers year after year. For many families, Cyprus is not just a holiday; it is a tradition.
But nowadays, Cyprus is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. On 2 March 2026, a suspected drone struck RAF Akrotiri, a major British military base on the southern tip of the island. Around 60 flights were cancelled in the immediate aftermath, and a passenger terminal at Paphos International Airport was temporarily evacuated. The incident sent shockwaves through both the island’s tourism industry and the thousands of British families with Easter bookings already confirmed.
The FCDO has since cautioned that “terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out,” and its travel page now warns that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.” Brits are advised to sign up for FCDO email alerts and monitor local and international media for the latest developments. The advice is being updated regularly, a sign in itself of just how quickly the situation is moving.
Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean, much closer to the Middle East than many Brits realise. Cyprus has also imposed an immediate blanket ban on all civil and private drone use across the island. Tourists have been warned to leave drones at home entirely. Authorities have made clear they are taking the security situation seriously and expect visitors to do the same.
A spokesperson for travel company Ski Vertigo said: “Given how close Cyprus is to an active conflict zone, and with the situation in the region remaining deeply uncertain, our strong recommendation is to avoid travelling there this Easter. The reality on the ground is shifting day by day, and no holiday is worth compromising your safety over. But if you are set on going, make sure you are checking the FCDO website regularly and staying across the latest developments, as things can change overnight.”
The Foreign Office has stopped short of advising Brits not to travel to Cyprus. But with Easter just weeks away and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean still shifting, thousands of British families are now weighing up whether the risk is one worth taking. The FCDO also says that no travel can be guaranteed safe, and travellers should keep their departure plans under review.
Check the latest FCDO travel advice for Cyprus on GOV.UK before you travel.
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