Communities neighbouring Paphos International Airport have been placed on high alert for potential evacuations following reports of an incoming aerial threat on Monday afternoon.
The community councils of Timi and Mandria are reportedly studying evacuation plans for their residents as a precautionary measure. The move comes after security authorities received information regarding a possible strike by an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) targeting both the civilian airport and the adjacent Andreas Papandreou Air Base.
Airport buildings cleared
Shortly after 12:00 PM, authorities ordered all personnel to evacuate the airport buildings. Hundreds of staff members from various departments have gathered in the airport’s parking lots, awaiting further instructions.
The evacuation has also affected hundreds of passengers who had arrived early for scheduled afternoon departures. They are currently gathered in outdoor areas alongside airport employees as security protocols are implemented.
Incoming aerial threat
According to preliminary reports, the evacuation order was triggered by the detection of a flying object heading toward the Paphos district’s strategic aviation infrastructure. Security forces have cordoned off the area and are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
The disruption at Paphos follows the earlier cancellation of 18 flights at the airport due to the general regional instability caused by the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.
