Repatriation plan activated as Cyprus moves to bring home hundreds stranded

Cyprus has activated its repatriation plan to bring home hundreds of its citizens stranded by the war in Iran and the wider Levant, with authorities saying the priority is the safe return of those affected, a message reiterated after security consultations on Friday.

Government sources inform several hundred Cypriots have registered for assistance, with estimates placing the figure at around 600, the vast majority of which are in the United Arab Emirates, mainly visitors in Dubai.

The foreign ministry is in constant contact with those registered on the connect2cy platform, guiding them through arrangements as airspace closures continue across the region.

For Cypriots currently in Abu Dhabi, the government has said it will cover accommodation costs, while efforts are ongoing to support those in Dubai.

Cypriots who travelled with Emirates have been advised that the airline will cover their expenses directly, while others have been asked to update their airline details through the registration platform to facilitate coordination.

A smaller number of Cypriots remain in other affected countries, with officials saying their return will take place once airspace restrictions are lifted.

“The safe repatriation of citizens is our priority,” foreign minister Konstantinos Kombos told an extraordinary meeting of the foreign affairs council of the EU, stressing the need for coordination and a unified flow of information.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Cyprus was fully operationally ready to assist.

“All actions are being taken so that we are in readiness and can act as soon as this becomes possible,” he said, adding that Cyprus continues to play a humanitarian role in the region and is examining requests “with responsibility and a positive approach”.

Officials have underlined that Cyprus is not a target and is not participating in military action, even as security protocols have been activated at critical infrastructure.

President Nikos Christodoulides said the government’s focus remains on safety and humanitarian support.

“We remain committed to acting as part of the solution,” he said, while confirming that contacts with European and regional leaders are ongoing as the situation develops.

Authorities have urged Cypriots abroad to continue registering on the platform and to follow official guidance only, as repatriation planning continues amid rapidly changing conditions.

Late on Sunday night, a drone struck the British air force base at Akrotiri, causing minor damage but no injuries, according to base authorities.

Personnel were instructed to remain indoors amid warnings of possible further impact, while explosion and siren sounds were heard in nearby Limassol.

The incident prompted an extraordinary meeting of the national security council, as well as an early morning session of the national council chaired by President Christodoulides, attended by party leaders, former president Nicos Anastasiades and the heads of the national guard, police and intelligence services.

Officials have stressed that the drone attack does not alter Cyprus’ stance.

“Our homeland is not participating in any military operation,” Christodoulides affirmed in a televised address.

Conflicting statements over whether missiles had been fired in the direction of Cyprus were also addressed at government level.

British defence secretary John Healey had spoken of missiles launched “in the direction of Cyprus”, while Nicosia moved swiftly to reject any suggestion that the island was targeted.

Letymbiotis said “there is no indication whatsoever that the country was under threat”, a position later confirmed after a telephone conversation between Christodoulides and UK prime minister Keir Starmer.

Cyprus has also signalled readiness to assist other states under its established evacuation framework, should formal requests be submitted.