Dialogos

First Turkish Cypriots Return from Conflict Zones via Larnaca

Published March 6, 2026, 09:01
First Turkish Cypriots Return from Conflict Zones via Larnaca

A group of 37 Turkish Cypriots who were stranded in Dubai due to the conflict have returned to Cyprus via Larnaca on Thursday evening. Efforts to return the remaining 36 Turkish Cypriots in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Lebanon are ongoing, according to "Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs" Mustafa Lakadamiali. Three individuals in Lebanon returned on their own when airspace opened, while the group from Dubai chose to return via Larnaca on a chartered flight, as regular flights from airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AJet have not yet resumed. The "cabinet" in the occupied territories has decided to cover the accommodation and return expenses of those stranded, with further returns expected on Sunday or Monday.