Israeli secret services directed all Israeli carriers to halt flights to Paphos Airport in Cyprus due to undisclosed security concerns, while operations at Larnaca Airport continue normally.
El Al, Arkia, and IsraAir received instructions from the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency, to suspend flights to Paphos "due to security reasons that cannot be made public," according to The Jerusalem Post.
While Cyprus's Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou confirmed authorities were "aware of the development," the civil aviation department maintained that Paphos Airport is operating as usual, citing only a "technical problem" related to radio navigation that doesn't affect flight safety.
The Israeli embassy in Nicosia stated that flights would temporarily operate through Larnaca Airport due to "various security issues," adding that the situation would be monitored in cooperation with local authorities.
Affected passengers reported flight cancellations and diversions, though there are no restrictions on traveling to Paphos independently after landing at other airports.
Paphos Airport, which shares space with a military base scheduled for U.S. upgrades, typically handles up to 10 weekly flights from Tel Aviv and seven from Haifa during winter schedules.
The Cyprus Mail reported that they "attempted to contact the government, the transport ministry, and the civil aviation department for clarification, but received no answer."
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