As the chess community awaits the scheduled opening of theย FIDE Candidates Tournamentย this Saturday, a series of alarming developments has cast a shadow over the event.
One of the top-seeds of the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, GM Koneru Humpy, withdrew from the event after expressing her deep concerns over the security situation in Cyprus, while a wave of cancellations across other international sports (including including the WSOP, UK Athletics, Guernsey Cricket), signaled Candidates Tournament increasingly isolated in its optimism.
In response to these mounting concerns, FIDE has released an official Safety & Logistics FAQ to address the regional stability of the Cypriot venue.
๐จ๐พ Cyprus. Safety & Logistics FAQ
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) March 24, 2026
โ Q: Is it safe to travel to and stay in Cyprus given the current situation in the Middle East region?
๐ฌ A: Yes. Cyprus is a safe country to travel. There is no emergency situation, and the country continues to operate normally. The Organisingโฆ pic.twitter.com/Y3svFF7wgW
FIDE first addressed the question of travels to Cyprus, given the current situation in the Middle East, and evaluated Cyprus as a safe country to travel, stating there’s no emergency situation at the island and that the country operates normally.
Q: Is it safe to travel to and stay in Cyprus given the current situation in the Middle East region?
A: Yes. Cyprus is a safe country to travel. There is no emergency situation, and the country continues to operate normally. The Organising Committee is in constant coordination with the relevant national authorities and benefits from full support at the highest level. All necessary measures are in place to ensure a secure, comfortable, and well-organised environment for all participants, media, and guests.
Beyond geopolitical risks, the day-to-day feasibility of the tournament has come under fire. Hikaru Nakamura recently voiced criticisms regarding local infrastructure, specifically highlighting frequent power outages. FIDE, however, dismissed these concerns as “overstated.”
Q: Is there any risk of power outages during the tournament?
A: No. The risk is extremely low and overstated. Power shortages in Cyprus are very rare and typically short-lived. For example, a recent incident, which caused outages in some areas of Cyprus on March 13, lasted only several minutes before full restoration. In addition, the tournament venue – Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort – is fully equipped with backup power generators, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the event.
Since the questions have been raised about FIDE’s preparation for extreme scenarios if the tournament proceeds in Cyprus, FIDE tried to reassure the players and audience by mentioning a measure of having shelter facilities in the host hotel.
Q: Are there safety measures in place in case of extreme scenarios?
A: Yes. As a precautionary measure, the hotel is equipped with its own shelter facilities. While such scenarios are purely theoretical, appropriate infrastructure is in place to ensure the safety of all participants and guests.
FIDE further clarified that the playing venue in Pegeia is geographically removed from any “sensitive or strategic military locations” and remains unaffected by Middle Eastern flight corridors.
Q: Is the location of the venue considered safe?
A: Yes. The venue is located in the western part of Cyprus, away from sensitive or strategic military locations. It is not situated along any routes related to the Middle East crisis.
The FAQ webpage also responds to the question about operation of international flights to Cyprus:
Q: Are international flights to Cyprus operating normally?
A: Yes. International flights from regions not affected by the military situation in the Middle East continue to operate to Cyprus without delays or cancellations. Airlines regard the destination as safe for normal operations.
For the end, FIDE explains that they closely monitor the situation on an ongoing basis and remains in direct contact with the authorities of Cyprus about any potential risks. FIDE also states they have a contingency plan in place, as with any major international event.
Q: Is FIDE monitoring the situation?
A: Absolutely. FIDE, in coordination with the Organising Committee, is closely monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and remains in direct contact with the authorities of Cyprus to ensure preparedness and to mitigate any potential risks.
Q: What happens if the situation changes?
A: FIDE has contingency plans in place, as with any major international event. We remain ready to respond promptly to any changes in circumstances, with the safety and comfort of players, officials, media, and guests as the top priority.
