Arrest at Paphos airport following car theft and high-speed pursuit

On the afternoon of September 17, 2026, a chaotic incident occurred at Paphos Airport resulting in the arrest of a man after a series of criminal actions. According to police, the suspect, reportedly a Latvian national, was denied boarding on his flight due to his state of intoxication around 13:30. In response, he allegedly stole a rental vehicle from the airport parking area, forcing a female passenger out of the car. During his attempt to flee, he caused damage to a metal security gate and collided with another vehicle near the airport roundabout.

The situation escalated as the man continued to evade authorities until the vehicle became immobilized. Reports on the exact nature of the final capture vary, with some sources describing a vehicle chase followed by an arrest, while others mention the suspect attempting to flee on foot and ending up in the sea before police successfully apprehended him. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with the suspect currently in police custody facing charges related to the theft, reckless driving, and public disturbance.