The Civil Aviation Department has announced that Ercan Airport continues to uphold flight safety standards aligned with ICAO, ECAC, and EASA since the inception of its Air Traffic Control Services in March 1977. Despite ongoing embargoes, the airport has seen consistent growth in air traffic.

Commitment to International Standards

The Civil Aviation Department emphasized:

• Compliance with Global Standards: Services are in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
• Training and Licensing: Air Traffic Controllers are trained and licensed through courses organized by the Turkish State Airports Authority (DHMI) and local training programs, ensuring global standards of flight safety.
• Inspection and Certification: The airport undergoes regular inspections by the Turkish Directorate General of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey (SHGM) to ensure compliance with ICAO standards.

Rising Air Traffic

The department shared the following statistics reflecting the airport’s growth:

• Transit Passages: Increased from 166,168 in 2010 to 204,810 in 2024.
• Aircraft Movements: Landings and takeoffs rose from 17,624 in 2010 to 31,388 in 2024.
• Passenger Numbers: Reached 5 million passengers in 2024.

Challenges and Cooperation

The Civil Aviation Department reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with Greek Cypriot aviation authorities on aviation matters, including plane transfers. However, the Greek Cypriot Administration continues to reject these efforts and label TRNC institutions as illegal.

Infrastructure and Capacity

Ercan Airport’s infrastructure includes:

• KAT9 Service: With a fleet of 7 fire trucks, ensuring the highest safety levels.
• Capability to handle large aircraft such as the A330 and A350.

The Civil Aviation Department highlighted that despite challenges posed by embargoes and isolation, Ercan Airport remains a critical gateway, adhering to international standards and supporting an ever-growing number of passengers and flights.