Concerns raised over surveillance risks to RAF Akrotiri from Limassol resort

UK intelligence and military sources have expressed concerns that foreign agents may be using the 16-storey City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol to conduct surveillance on the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri. According to an exclusive report by the Telegraph published on August 28, 2026, the Chinese-owned hotel complex borders the British Sovereign Base Area at two points. Its height and proximity allow an observer on the upper floors to monitor aircraft operations, personnel movements, and security protocols using basic equipment like binoculars.

RAF Akrotiri serves as a vital hub for British and allied military operations in the Middle East, hosting advanced aircraft such as F-35 fighters and U-2 Dragon Lady spy planes. The proximity of the resort creates potential vulnerabilities, specifically regarding the observation of military sorties, perimeter patrol patterns, and unlisted flight activities. While there are no reports of specific incidents, the strategic importance of the base has led security officials to scrutinize the potential for information gathering from the hotel’s vantage points.