At least 32 flights from the United States and Europe bound for Israel were diverted to Cyprus on Friday after Israel closed its airspace following overnight strikes on targets in Iran, reported Xinhua, quoting Cypriot authorities.
Hermes Airports, which manages Cyprus's two main airports, said that 23 flights landed at Larnaca and nine at Paphos. Hundreds of passengers are currently waiting inside the terminals, while some have been accommodated in local hotels.
"Passengers on the flights diverted to Larnaca and Paphos disembarked from the aircraft, with their airlines making arrangements for their onward transportation and accommodation," Hermes said in a statement.
The closure of Israel's airspace also led to the cancellation of six flights to and from Tel Aviv. Hermes said that approximately 25 flights have been affected throughout the day.
Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv remains closed until further notice, with Israeli air defense forces on high alert for possible retaliatory attacks from Iran, according to local media reports.
In response to the unfolding situation, the Cypriot government has activated its "Estia" evacuation plan to assist foreign nationals seeking to leave conflict zones in the region.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to convene an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council late Friday afternoon to assess regional developments, as Cyprus lies near the volatile Middle East, the Cyprus News Agency reported.
- Flights to Israel
- Diverted
- Cyprus
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
