Turkish Airlines (THY) increased passenger numbers in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by 16% with the New Ercan Airport, where it began operating flights with wide-body aircraft.
Ercan Airport, officially opened by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on July 20th, has become the largest airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the island. With its new 3,100-meter runway and terminal, the airport now accommodates wide-body aircraft landings.
Through collaborative efforts between Turkish Airlines (THY) and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the TRNC, the number of tourists traveling from Turkey to the island for tourism purposes has increased.
Starting flights to Ercan Airport with wide-body aircraft from November 1, THY has increased its seat capacity from 280,000 to 301,000. As a result, the airline's passenger count has seen a 16% increase compared to the previous year.
Operating 7 daily round-trip flights on the Istanbul-Ercan route, THY, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism of the TRNC, offers advantageous ticket prices to passengers departing from Turkey to promote the natural beauties of the island.
Ambassador Metin Feyzioğlu, the Turkish Ambassador to Cyprus, spoke to journalists during a press tour organized by THY and the Ministry of Tourism of the TRNC to promote the renewed Ercan Airport and Cyprus tourism.
Feyzioğlu stated that the completion of Ercan Airport was President Erdoğan's dream and emphasized its significance as one of the largest airports on the island, comparable to Turkey's 6th or 7th largest airport. He highlighted the modern facilities of the new terminal and runway, providing the capacity for large and wide-body aircraft landings.
The ambassador noted the importance of the airport's expansion, increasing the annual passenger capacity from 800,000 to 10 million, contributing to the development of the TRNC's economy, service sector, and overall investments.
Feyzioğlu underscored the positive impact of the new runway allowing landings of wide-body aircraft, leading to reduced ticket prices and per-seat costs. He mentioned that THY's price adjustments influenced other airlines, as THY serves as a locomotive and pioneer in the industry.
Metin Feyzioğlu, stating that the water problem in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has been resolved and it is now time to transition to agricultural irrigation, mentioned:
"With the instructions of our President, a few years ago, the Dragon River brought water to the island. We receive 70 million cubic meters of water annually. Today, there is no settlement on the island where Turkey's water has not reached. Some municipalities still have tasks related to distribution, but there is no place where we do not provide usage water as the main line. This is a tremendous achievement. Now we have started the project for agricultural irrigation. In three years, the dry lands you see when you land from the plane will have water thousands of years later. You will see a completely different geography here. This will increase the welfare of the Turkish Cypriot people. Agricultural production and agriculture-based industry will develop."
Fikri Ataoğlu, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the TRNC, also noted that the new terminal, extended runway, additional flights with wide-body aircraft, and affordable ticket prices have positively impacted tourism.
Ataoğlu stated, "THY became a locomotive by supporting this giant investment. There have been significant increases in our existing bed capacity. We are trying to convey our natural beauty and historical richness in collaboration with our ministry and universities."
New Ercan Airport
The New Ercan Airport, with increased passenger capacity, has begun providing services with more extensive and spacious social areas for travelers.
The airport, which previously had a runway of 2,755 meters, now boasts a new 3,100-meter runway, making it suitable for the use of every model of passenger aircraft.
With a total of 30 aircraft parking spaces, including 9 gates and 21 open positions, the airport serves passengers with a closed parking lot that accommodates 1,500 vehicles and state-of-the-art new facilities.