A three-hour nationwide strike on Thursday is affecting airports, schools and public services amid a dispute over the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA).

Hermes Airports confirmed on Wednesday that more than 50 flights at Larnaca and Paphos airports could be delayed or cancelled between 11am and 2pm.

Hospitals will remain open with security staff, though Peo clarified that not all sectors will require cover.

Schools are preparing for early closures. Parents are advised to collect children at 11am. Students attending all-day schools should return at 2pm to continue lessons. No school lunches will be provided. Privately run community nursery schools will follow guidance set by their employers.

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Public bus services are also expected to be affected. Cyprus Public Transport (CPT) confirmed that significant disruption is anticipated across the network with no guarantee that scheduled routes will operate during the strike hours.

Citizen service centres will remain closed between the strike hours and customer service offices at authorities will not be taking phone calls.

The strike follows failed talks on Monday between unions, employers and the government over CoLA reforms, which also include changes to taxes and pensions.

President Nikos Christodoulides described the reforms as a “huge modernisation” of the 1960 system.

“Reforms unavoidably lead to reactions. But our main aim is to modernise the 1960 state, always to the benefit of the people,” he said.

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou said the allowance must be updated to meet current societal needs, adding that any agreement will require legal regulation.

Sek, Peo and other major trade unions insist the strike is necessary to protect workers, including minimum wage earners. Employers expressed support for modernisation through dialogue but criticised the mobilisation, stressing that essential services must maintain minimum operations. Demonstrations are also planned in towns across Cyprus during the strike.

Oev and Keve issued a joint statement on Wednesday, sharply criticising the government’s approach.

Political reactions remain divided. Akel has called for full restoration of allowances, Edek has backed the strike as a last effort, and the Greens have expressed support for reform. Business groups warned of economic risks. President Christodoulides appealed for calm, noting that industrial action does not advance reform goals.