Dr. Muhammet Yaşarata, President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in the UK, has emphasized the need to strengthen air connections between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the UK, and other countries. He highlighted the significant challenges faced by both overseas citizens and tourists in accessing the TRNC, urging the implementation of alternative airline solutions.

Dr. Yaşarata pointed out that the TRNC currently relies solely on Turkish Airlines (THY) and Pegasus Airlines for flights to Ercan Airport. He criticized the limited flight options and high ticket prices, which pose difficulties for citizens and negatively impact TRNC tourism. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the increasing dependency on Southern Cyprus’s Larnaca Airport for international travel, calling it a strategic risk due to the potential for disruptions imposed by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

THY-Air Albania Partnership Model as a Solution

Dr. Yaşarata proposed adopting a partnership model similar to the THY-Air Albania collaboration, which has successfully enhanced Albania’s national air connectivity. He explained that Air Albania, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines (49%) and Albanian business stakeholders (51%), has bolstered Albania’s tourism and trade sectors while improving its international accessibility.

“A similar model could be implemented in the TRNC,” Dr. Yaşarata suggested. “A new national airline could be established with the leadership and expertise of Turkish Airlines, combined with investments from local TRNC businesspeople. This initiative would enhance international connections, particularly between the UK and the TRNC, while providing strategic advantages for tourism and diaspora relations.”

Benefits of a New Airline Partnership

Dr. Yaşarata outlined several benefits of such a partnership for the TRNC:

1. Boost to Tourism: Increased tourist arrivals would directly contribute to the local economy and enhance the international visibility of the TRNC. Affordable flights would make the TRNC a more attractive destination.

2. Strengthened Diaspora Connections: Turkish Cypriots living in countries like the UK would benefit from more frequent flights and affordable travel options, strengthening cultural, economic, and familial ties with the TRNC.

3. Reduced Dependency on Larnaca Airport: Establishing an independent air transport model would decrease the TRNC’s reliance on Larnaca Airport, enhancing economic and political independence.

4. Utilization of Ercan Airport’s Potential: With its recent modernization and expansion, Ercan Airport could operate at full capacity, making the TRNC’s infrastructure investments economically sustainable.

5. Economic and Social Development: A national airline would create new employment opportunities and contribute to the overall prosperity of the TRNC.

A Strategic Investment for the Future

Dr. Yaşarata emphasized the critical importance of such a project, describing it as not only an economic development initiative but also a move toward strengthening the TRNC’s national identity and independence. “Inspired by the Air Albania model, this step in air transport would be a significant investment for the TRNC’s future,” he said.

Support from Overseas Businesspeople

Dr. Yaşarata pledged support from the Turkish Cypriot business community in the UK and other countries, offering both financial and moral backing for the project. He concluded, “A new airline partnership will elevate the TRNC’s international recognition and fortify ties with the diaspora. This project is not just about economic development but also about asserting the TRNC’s identity and independence. By adopting a model like Air Albania, the TRNC can enter a new era of air transport and socioeconomic growth.”