The government has begun to take action to re-open Gecitkale airport without the participation of Turkish Cypriot businessman Asil Nadir. Reportedly, Nadir has not fulfilled any of the applications that he undertook as regards the operation of the airport.
Citing sources, Turkish Cypriot daily ‘Kibris Postasi’ writes that a section of the civil aviation department started to obtain systems so that, at least, helicopter, private plane and educational plane flights could take place, adding that the efforts to this end were intensive. The paper also notes that arrangements are being made for non-commercial flights for the use of Turkish officials.
Another source told the paper that the Ministry of Transportation is in contact with Turkish officials in order for the airport to be ready for the landing of military planes in the event of an emergency arising amid developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The paper goes on to add that other sources report that there has been mobilisation at Gecitkale since the beginning of the week and preparations are being made so that the airport is ready for VFR flights (Visual Flight Rules) and that assistance will be asked from Turkey for equipment for the Control tower.