British travellers are cancelling their holidays to Cyprus as war in Iran escalates.
British holidaymakers cancel Cyprus trips after nearby drone strike
A recent drone strike near the British military base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus has prompted a wave of booking cancellations, despite officials insisting the island remains safe for travel.
The Mediterranean destination, which hosted four million international visitors in 2025, depends heavily on British tourism, with UK travellers making up roughly a third of arrivals.
However, its proximity to Lebanon and Syria has heightened concerns as tensions rise across the Middle East.
The incident on 2 March, carried out by a pro-Iranian militia, placed the island closer to regional instability and triggered the cancellation of numerous flights — 36 alone on Tuesday (10.03.26), according to the Cyprus Mail.
Local hotels report bookings are down compared with last year, particularly as the Easter holidays approach.
Vassilis Georgiou, a local business owner, told the Guardian: “People are thinking twice about visiting. Hoteliers are noticing a drop in bookings.” Ayia Napa town hall representative Foto Kikillos echoed concerns but stressed that life on the island remains safe.
He said: “The last thing we want in Cyprus is to be dragged into this war.”
The UK Foreign Office continues to list Cyprus as safe to travel, advising only that regional escalation poses security risks and could cause travel disruption.
In a move to protect Cyprus from further Iranian attacks, the Royal Navy dispatched the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon from Portsmouth on 10 March.
While it may take a week to reach the Mediterranean, French and other European naval forces are already positioned near the island.
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