Cyprus’ blanket prohibition on civilian drone flights, imposed on 4 March, was still active on 7 March with no expiry date announced. The decree, signed by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis, bars any unmanned aircraft operations over the Republic’s territory and territorial waters, citing heightened security conditions after the Akrotiri incident. For global-mobility managers the measure has two immediate ramifications. First, multinational construction, energy and media firms that routinely employ drones for site surveys or aerial filming must suspend operations or apply for special police exemptions—a process that currently takes at least ten working days. Second, expatriate staff transporting hobby drones risk fines and confiscation at customs; relocation briefings should therefore be updated and shipment inventories amended to exclude UAV equipment until the ban lifts. The Cyprus Civil Aviation Department has stepped-up enforcement, coordinating with airport security to scan checked luggage and with coastal patrols to identify unauthorised take-offs from pleasure craft. Insurance brokers warn that operating in defiance of the decree could void corporate liability cover, exposing companies to significant risk if an incident occurs. Industry bodies are lobbying for a tiered system that would allow low-risk commercial mapping flights under strict geofencing, but the ministry insists that national security considerations trump economic interests for now. With no review date set, businesses should plan for a multi-week halt and explore satellite or manned-aircraft alternatives for critical aerial data collection.
Source: Cyprus Mail
