Repatriation operations for Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots from Middle East

Following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot authorities have initiated repatriation efforts for citizens stranded in the region. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, a group of 37 Turkish Cypriots returned to the island via Larnaca airport from Dubai using a chartered flight. Separately, the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the successful repatriation of 512 Cypriot nationals within a 24-hour window, primarily from the United Arab Emirates. Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated that these operations are ongoing, with additional flights scheduled to retrieve remaining citizens from conflict zones. While 756 Cypriots initially registered for repatriation from Dubai, authorities continue to coordinate with diplomatic missions to manage thousands of inquiries. The Turkish Cypriot administration has announced that it will cover the accommodation and return costs for its citizens stranded in the UAE, Qatar, and Lebanon. Officials from both sides have urged citizens to maintain updated contact information on the official 'ConnectCy' platform to ensure the efficiency of remaining evacuation flights.