The Cypriot government is on high alert, monitoring the escalating conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East while coordinating the return of hundreds of citizens stranded abroad.
Following a meeting of the National Security Council on Sunday afternoon, officials sent a message of calm, stating there is “no specific reason for concern” regarding the island’s safety. Cyprus continues to position itself as a pillar of stability and a humanitarian hub for the region.
Hundreds stranded in the Gulf
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently tracking approximately 600 Cypriot citizens who have requested repatriation. The vast majority are located in the United Arab Emirates, specifically visitors in Dubai who were caught by sudden airspace closures.
The government confirmed it will cover accommodation costs for those stranded in Abu Dhabi. For those in Dubai, the Ministry is coordinating with Emirates, which has pledged to cover expenses for its own passengers. Other citizens in Dubai have been instructed to update their details on the connect2cy.gov.cy platform, specifically noting their airline in the “Address 2” field to assist coordination.
ESTIA plan and international requests
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that while no formal requests to activate the “ESTIA” evacuation plan have been received, three nations have already made informal enquiries.
“We are taking all necessary actions to remain in operational readiness,” Letymbiotis said. He noted that official requests are expected once regional airspaces begin to reopen.
Government denies base attack reports
The government categorically denied reports circulating on Sunday morning that British bases in Cyprus had been targeted by Iranian missiles.
“I can repeat that there was no incident aimed at our country,” Letymbiotis stated, adding that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak clarified the matter in a phone call with President Nikos Christodoulides. The spokesman emphasised that security protocols at critical infrastructure, including airports, have been at “enhanced levels” since Saturday morning.
President Christodoulides has maintained a steady line of communication with world leaders over the last 48 hours, including the heads of the European Commission, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and several EU counterparts, to coordinate the humanitarian response and push for regional de-escalation.
