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First Turkish Cypriots Return from Conflict Zones via Larnaca

Published March 6, 2026, 09:07
First Turkish Cypriots Return from Conflict Zones via Larnaca

A group of 37 Turkish Cypriots who were stranded in Dubai due to the war returned to Cyprus via Larnaca on Thursday evening. The "deputy foreign minister" in the occupied territories, Mustafa Lacadamiali, stated that efforts continue to return the remaining 36 "citizens" stranded in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Lebanon. Three people in Lebanon returned on their own when airspace opened, while the group from Dubai chose to return via Larnaca on a chartered flight. Some airlines operate limited flights, while Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet have not yet started flights to Dubai. Efforts are being made to return other stranded individuals on Sunday or Monday. The "cabinet" in the occupied territories decided to cover the accommodation and return expenses of the stranded, while the "vice-president of the government" and "minister of tourism" contacted them. The return of the Turkish Cypriots took place at a time when Larnaca Airport is facing flight cancellations due to the situation in the Middle East.