Company owner Ahmet Demirci expects around 2,000 participants from Turkey’s construction sector to attend, where properties in North Cyprus will be promoted as “investment opportunities“. Despite the old airport being declared a ‘restricted area’ shortly after its closure, it still has a back door leading to the apron, raising security concerns.
Yeniduzen reported that only a notification was sent to the Civil Aviation Department about the event, with no formal permission requested. Cem Kapısız, President of the Air Traffic Controllers Union, emphasised the need for high-level aviation security due to the back doors opening to the apron and the expected influx of thousands of visitors.
Although Ercan Airport, including its open parking areas, is under Taş Yapı’s responsibility, the back doors still open to the apron. Security measures for the fair remain unclear, with Yeniduzen confirming that only a notification was sent to the Civil Aviation Department.
Ercan Airport was declared a restricted area after its closure on July 20, 2023, but remains under police supervision. With insufficient security personnel at the new terminal, it is uncertain which authority will manage security for the four-day fair, which involves both land and airside access.
Demirci Yapım Organizasyon expects around 2,000 attendees, with many real estate agents from Turkey and about 1,500 accommodation requests. The company is responsible for cleaning and organising the venue, anticipating participation from investors from Europe and Turkey.
President of the Air Traffic Controllers Union, Cem Kapısız voiced serious concerns over the inadequate security arrangements, stressing that aviation security should not be taken lightly. Currently, the new Ercan terminal operates with only 40 security personnel instead of the required 150 trained staff, highlighting the need for relevant authorities to implement necessary security measures.
