British Conservative Party MP, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, has repeated his call for direct flights from the UK to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Kibris Postasi reports.
In his constituency of Chingford and Woodford Green, Duncan Smith, who is currently standing for re-election, highlighted the significant challenges faced by many Turkish Cypriots because of the current situation in Cyprus, particularly emphasising the impact of international isolation on North Cyprus.
Smith pointed out that apart from Turkey, the international community, including the United Kingdom, does not recognise the TRNC as an independent state. Consequently, Northern Cyprus experiences substantial international isolation and restrictions on direct flights from other countries.
“I have been advocating for direct flights to Northern Cyprus for some time now. Currently, Ercan Airport (LCEN) serves as the main hub for Northern Cyprus. While Southern Cyprus enjoys direct flights, Northern Cyprus can only provide flights with one or two stopovers, which inconveniences travellers. My call for direct flights aims to support my Turkish Cypriot constituents who frequently need to visit their properties and assist elderly relatives“, Duncan Smith said.
Despite repeated concerns raised by the British MP and fellow parliamentarians, the UK government has maintained its stance against permitting direct flights. Duncan Smith expressed frustration, noting the absence of any plans to authorise direct flights between the UK and Northern Cyprus.
“I have raised this issue multiple times on behalf of my Turkish Cypriot constituents. The Foreign Office has explained that Ercan Airport lacks recognition as an international airport by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which prevents the UK Government from negotiating an Air Services Agreement with the Northern Cyprus administration, thereby hindering the restoration of direct flights“, explained Smith.
Smith also mentioned that based on advice from the Transport Minister, a UK security firm had evaluated Ercan Airport and recommended steps to meet UK security standards. However, attempts to conduct further inspections to confirm compliance were blocked by the Republic of Cyprus, much to Duncan Smith’s disappointment.
“It is imperative to end such unjust and restrictive travel barriers. If re-elected as the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, I will continue urging the government to allow direct flights between the UK and Northern Cyprus, aiming to mitigate the isolation of Turkish Cypriots from the global community“, he concluded.
