Cyprus is affected by Iran’s threats of retaliation against Israel, with reports indicating a surge of Israeli citizens arriving on the island and in Greece.
Journalist Yuval Azoulay highlighted this in a piece on Israeli media.
Despite major airlines suspending flights to Tel Aviv, Cyprus still maintains air connectivity with Israel. However, Azoulay’s report suggests some Israelis are facing challenges in finding repatriation flights, potentially leading to a “stranding” situation in Cyprus.
The Cyprus Police have heightened security measures in response. This includes intelligence evaluation for timely intervention and increased policing in high-risk areas, measures linked to Middle East tensions and the notable Israeli presence in Cyprus.
Azoulay’s report cites a “significant number” of Israeli passengers and security personnel heading to Cyprus and Greece. He attributes this to passengers seeking flights home from destinations near Israel, with security guards deployed to ensure safe flights.
The situation has led to what Azoulay describes as “chaos,” with several airlines including Aegean, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Ryanair, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, among others announcing cancellations of their routes to Israel, Lebanon and Iran.
In the case of Ryanair, the decision to delay flights to Israel was taken after its crew in the country refused to remain there due to worries about the escalating conflict.
Israeli media has begun addressing the situation, with the newspaper Maariv publishing an article offering advice on things to do for Israelis potentially stranded in Cyprus.
One piece by journalist Mital Sarabbi reads, “Stranded in Larnaca without a flight to Israel? We’ve found five attractions you shouldn’t miss.”
In the piece, Sarabbi explains that many Israelis are now in Larnaca looking for a flight to repatriate and names five attractions they could visit while spending time in the coastal city. The piece then lists Finikoudes, Saint Lazarus Church, Kamares and the Pierides Museum.
Cypriot response
Cypriot Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeades, stated that Cyprus’s air connectivity with Israel remains intact, noting that while some airlines have temporarily halted flights to Tel Aviv, others continue to operate normally.
Cyprus Police spokesperson Christos Andreou told philenews that whilst reassuring the public, the police are taking increased preventive measures.
These focus on enhancing security at entry and exit points of territories controlled by the Republic of Cyprus, including airports, ports, and checkpoints.
“We evaluate information and take appropriate measures,” Andreou said, explaining that these relate to “high-risk areas.”
ıncyprus https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/israelis-flock-to-cyprus-in-fear-of-iranian-strike/
