larnaca airport — A 45-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca Airport after his two children spent six months in Syria, a trip that began as a brief holiday in Saudi Arabia. The children, aged 16 and 7, returned to Cyprus on Monday, where they were received by staff from Hope For Children before being reunited with their mother.
Larnaca airport: Journey to Syria Instead of Home
The father appeared in court on Tuesday, where he was remanded in custody for three days as investigations continue. The custody arrangement stemmed from an agreement made by the estranged wife, who had allowed the children to travel with their father from December 21 to December 29, 2025, for a holiday.
Change of Plans and Lack of Communication
According to the suspect, he travelled with the children to Saudi Arabia via Jordan on December 27, 2025, under the consent he had obtained from their mother. However, he claimed that he later decided to take them to Syria via Lebanon to show them his home country and visit his house. When asked if he informed their mother about this change, he admitted that he did not, fearing it would lead to tensions between them.
Concerns from the Children’s Mother
During their time in Syria, the children maintained contact with their mother, expressing fears about their father’s behaviour and requesting her help to return home. The mother was initially informed that the children would be returning as planned, but was later shocked to learn that they were in Syria instead of Saudi Arabia. This prompted her to file a complaint with CID Limassol in January 2026.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Following the complaint, a police officer contacted the father through an online application. Allegedly, when informed of the reason for the call, the father stated he intended to return to Cyprus alone, suggesting he planned to leave the children in Syria.
Health Issues Compounded the Situation
The father also claimed that he sustained a leg injury during a dispute with a cousin in Syria, which he stated hindered his ability to travel for approximately two months. This added another layer of complexity to the situation as the children awaited their return.
