Cyprus has become a key exit route for foreign nationals fleeing escalating tensions in Israel and Lebanon, following Iran’s missile attack on Tuesday night.
Hermes Airports reported a significant surge in demand for commercial flights from Tel Aviv to Cyprus.
Flights are operating at 90-95% capacity, with the majority of passengers being Israeli nationals.
“On average, there are 14 daily arrivals from Tel Aviv across both airports – 10 in Larnaca and 4 in Paphos,” a Hermes Airports spokesperson told philenews.
These scheduled flights, previously used mainly by Israeli tourists, are now ferrying hundreds seeking safety.
Larnaca Airport has handled the largest volume of foreign nationals. On Tuesday night, 12 flights carrying 1,858 passengers were diverted to Larnaca, with 349 people accommodated in hotels while awaiting repatriation flights.
On Wednesday, Larnaca Airport scheduled 10 arrivals and 9 departures to and from Israel, while Paphos Airport had 3 arrivals and 4 departures.
Evacuation from Lebanon has proven more challenging, with most airlines suspending flights to the country. Currently, only Middle East Airlines operates two daily flights from Beirut to Larnaca Airport.
The limited air routes have led to increased maritime traffic, particularly at Ayia Napa and Larnaca marinas.
By Wednesday afternoon, approximately 30 boats carrying 450-500 people, mostly European citizens requiring no visa, had arrived at Ayia Napa marina.
“In the past 24 hours, we’ve seen 6 to 7 luxury yachts arriving daily, each carrying a small number of passengers,” a marina official said.
Some operators are capitalising on the situation, advertising sea journeys to Cyprus via social media platforms like TikTok, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per person.
“I’m here now and I feel safe,” said George, a Portuguese national who arrived at Larnaca Airport, planning to return home via a flight from Paphos Airport.
Many arrivals are Israeli citizens who had planned holidays for Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year).
Namal, staying in Limassol with family members, expressed relief: “We feel safe here and can take a breath. What we want is for the war to stop, for the hostages to return home, and for peace.”
Local hotel associations report increased interest in bookings, particularly from Israeli and Lebanese nationals seeking flights to Cyprus.
