Filenews 16 June 2025 - by Fanis Makridis
The side effects of the ignition in the Middle East and the strikes between Israel and Iran within the previous 72 hours are noticeable in Cyprus, but at least until late yesterday afternoon no serious complications had been recorded within the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
The unplanned stay of hundreds of Israelis in Cyprus – more than 2,400 people – has caused increased needs for additional security measures by the Police, while it also concerns the tourism services sector, which for some is characterized as a positive side effect.
However, there was nothing to suggest a "red alert" requiring urgent intervention.
Occupancy over 90%
As for the presence of a large number of Israeli citizens on our island, since Friday afternoon the issue has been felt by finding places to stay. This is attributed to the occupancy of the hotel units during this period, something that was competently confirmed to "F" by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which, however, in no case speaks of serious problems.
Indicative, however, of the way in which they approach the issue in Israel is the report of the pro-government newspaper, Israel Hayom. A publication on its website under the title "Thousands of Israelis trapped in Cyprus – The authorities cannot find accommodation for them", highlights, among other things, the position that the problem has not only to do with the fact that more than 2,400 travellers from Israel have been forced to stay in Cyprus.
It is noted that Israelis who were already on vacation on our island, have extended their stay due to the situation.
We remind you that according to official data from the Cypriot government, by Friday noon, a total of 32 flight diversions had been made at Cypriot airports and 2,427 passengers were affected. Specifically, 23 flights carrying 979 passengers landed at Larnaca Airport and 9 flights carrying 1,448 passengers landed at Paphos Airport.
Israel Hayom records, among others, the following: "About 2,400 Israelis who arrived in Cyprus (...) They were trapped on the island due to the closure of Israeli airspace. Hundreds were expected to return to Israel within the next few days. The original intention was for Israelis to extend their stay in Cyprus, but, according to the island's Hoteliers Association, most hotels are already operating at 80–90% occupancy. The problem is particularly acute in Larnaca, where occupancy now exceeds 90%, partly due to Israelis who have already extended their stay in the area.
High occupancy is also recorded in Paphos and Ayia Napa. On the contrary, hotels in the Famagusta district show slightly lower occupancy, and it seems that some Israeli tourists will head there."
He continues: "The Deputy Ministry of Tourism of Cyprus sent an appeal on Friday afternoon to all hotels on the island, asking them to report the number of available beds, based on the schedule and the balance of bookings they have for the next few days. Cyprus estimates that it will be able to find a solution for the majority of Israelis who are 'trapped' on the island, but the resolution of the issue may not be immediate."
Moreover, another report by Israel Hayom entitled "The biggest winner from the attack", states: "The increased and unusual traffic caused congestion, but at the same time led to a significant revenue inflow for the local services of Cyprus".
No request to the deputy ministry according to Mr. Kassianos
However, the senior official of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Christakis Kassianos, who is competently assigned to "F", confirmed the issue with the completeness that is observed. From his reports, however, it is clear that there is no problem and that the deputy ministry is fully ready to provide solutions if asked.
"What I can confirm is that the occupancy of the hotel units is extremely high at this time," he told us and explained that relevant data have been transmitted to the competent authorities. In response to our question, he said that the occupancy of some tourist accommodations reaches 97% to 98%.
Asked by our newspaper whether the deputy ministry was called upon to intervene in order to provide solutions in relation to the Israelis, he was adamant. He explained that this has not been done, but at the same time he assured that the deputy ministry is ready to act as soon as a relevant request is transmitted.
"Repatriation through the port of Larnaca"
The TheMarker website, which is considered one of the most important economic and business information websites in Israel, speaks of "Israelis who are trapped abroad and are considering their return by boat from Cyprus". Journalist Hadar Qanah, writes the following: "On Friday, after the attack on Iran, Israeli airspace was closed to all flights. It is estimated that more than 80,000 Israelis are trapped abroad. This number is based on the bookings of passengers who were due to return to Israel between Friday and Sunday, so it is actually likely to be even higher. At the same time, about 40,000 foreign tourists in Israel cannot leave the country due to the suspension of flights. According to unofficial estimates, Israel's airspace is expected to open on Monday, at least for repatriation flights. Meanwhile, many are looking for alternatives, such as transit by sea from Cyprus. Israel's Ministry of Transport officially operates this route and, according to the ministry, there are contacts with shipping companies to transport stranded Israelis from the port of Larnaca by sea."
Police investigation for posts with visual material - Images of critical infrastructure published
According to competent information, until late yesterday afternoon there was no incident related to the events of the Medium Suspension and has caused a dynamic intervention of the Police.
Information from "F", of course, reports that the day before yesterday, the competent authorities of the police force have investigated an incident involving posts on social media of visual material, which presented images of critical infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus. Beyond that, nothing.
As it emerged from the data until late yesterday afternoon, the work of the Police in the last 24 hours has to do with safeguarding and safeguarding security. Indicatively, since Saturday, the preventive security measures have been felt at Larnaca Airport, at the port, at the marina, in hotel accommodations where Israelis are hosted, in places frequented by many people such as the coastal front of Finikoudes, in the shopping center, in the Mackenzie area and in the Mall. The Police also have an increased presence in the Jewish synagogue in Larnaca and in points or businesses of Israeli interests. The picture that prevailed in Paphos was also identical, where regular patrols were carried out in various parts of the city, such as department stores, the seafront of Paphos and the port of Kato Paphos, but also in places frequented by many people.
