Tuesday, July 8, 2025
UK holidaymakers planning trips to Turkish Cyprus can now expect significantly cheaper flights and improved access, thanks to a new aviation agreement signed between Turkish Cyprus, Turkish Airlines, and its low-cost subsidiary AJet. The deal introduces capped ticket prices for routes between Türkiye and Turkish Cyprus, and establishes dedicated AJet shuttle services from Ercan Airport, including a fixed round-trip fare of €250 for flights connecting London Stansted and Ercan. The initiative aims to boost tourism, support the Turkish Cypriot diaspora in the UK, and make travel more affordable and predictable year-round.
Turkish Cyprus Enhances Tourism and Travel Access Through New Airfare Protocol with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Cyprus has taken a bold step toward revitalizing its tourism sector and strengthening regional connectivity through a newly signed aviation agreement with Turkish Airlines. The comprehensive protocol, unveiled during a high-level ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Lefkosa, sets the groundwork for more affordable and stable air travel between Turkish Cyprus, Türkiye, and select international destinations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Turkish Cyprus President Ersin Tatar, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, and several high-ranking officials. Representing Turkish Airlines was Ahmet Bolat, the Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. This agreement underscores the commitment of both Turkish Cyprus and Türkiye to remove cost-related barriers in air travel while actively promoting tourism and economic engagement.
Affordable Flights to Stimulate Tourism
At the heart of the new protocol is a concerted effort to lower the cost of flying to and from Turkish Cyprus. The agreement introduces a ceiling on airfare prices for routes between Türkiye and Turkish Cyprus. Under the terms of the deal, the maximum ticket price for these routes is set at six thousand Turkish liras, or approximately \$150. This move is expected to offer more predictability for travelers and counteract price fluctuations during peak travel seasons.
The initiative also responds to concerns about rising travel costs, which have previously discouraged tourists from choosing Turkish Cyprus as a vacation destination. By standardizing fares, officials hope to reposition Turkish Cyprus as a cost-effective yet attractive destination for regional and international travelers.
AJet to Operate Shuttle Flights
One of the key components of the agreement involves the deployment of AJet, a subsidiary airline of Turkish Airlines. AJet will be tasked with operating frequent shuttle flights between Ercan Airport in Turkish Cyprus and major cities in Türkiye. This network of direct flights is designed to streamline access for travelers from Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, and other urban centers in Türkiye.
The shuttle service is expected to be a game-changer for both business and leisure travel, as it will significantly cut down on travel time, eliminate long layovers, and offer convenient scheduling options. This initiative also supports efforts to increase regional integration and further align Turkish Cyprus’s air transport infrastructure with Turkish standards.
London-Ercan Flights Target International Tourism Growth
In addition to domestic improvements, the protocol includes international expansion plans aimed at attracting travelers from Europe. A special promotional campaign is scheduled to launch on July 26 in London. Following this event, the round-trip airfare between London Stansted Airport and Ercan Airport will be capped at €250 (approximately \$293). This affordable pricing model is specifically designed to appeal to the large Turkish Cypriot diaspora living in the United Kingdom, as well as to British holidaymakers seeking alternative Mediterranean destinations.
The London-Ercan route holds substantial potential for expanding international arrivals, particularly from Western Europe. With the introduction of a fixed, budget-friendly airfare, Turkish Cyprus aims to gain a stronger foothold in the competitive European tourism market.
Broader Economic and Strategic Impacts
This new aviation protocol comes at a crucial time for Turkish Cyprus, as the island seeks to recover from the economic challenges posed by global inflation and past travel restrictions. The tourism sector, which serves as a significant pillar of the region’s economy, has faced setbacks in recent years due to fluctuating travel demand and high operational costs for airlines.
By working closely with Turkish Airlines—a globally recognized carrier—Turkish Cyprus is tapping into a broader network of flight routes, marketing capabilities, and logistical support. The strategic alignment between the two parties is expected to generate long-term benefits beyond tourism, including increased investment, job creation, and improved international visibility for Turkish Cyprus.
Moreover, the agreement sends a clear message of regional unity and cooperation, particularly in matters of transportation infrastructure and economic development. It also underscores Türkiye’s continued support for Turkish Cyprus’s development initiatives and international engagement.
Passenger Experience and Regional Mobility
With this initiative, Turkish Cyprus is not only enhancing its tourism offering but also improving the overall passenger experience. The simplified ticket pricing model removes ambiguity for travelers, while the introduction of shuttle services adds reliability and frequency to the current flight schedule. Together, these improvements promise a more seamless, accessible, and attractive travel experience for visitors, residents, and business travelers alike.
In the long term, these enhancements to air connectivity are expected to support a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry. By prioritizing affordability and convenience, Turkish Cyprus is charting a new path toward becoming a year-round destination capable of attracting both leisure tourists and the global diaspora.
UK travelers to Turkish Cyprus can now enjoy capped airfares and new AJet shuttle flights from Ercan Airport, following a landmark agreement with Turkish Airlines aimed at boosting tourism and reducing travel costs.
The new aviation protocol signed between Turkish Cyprus and Turkish Airlines marks a pivotal moment in the region’s tourism and transport landscape. By introducing capped airfare rates, launching AJet shuttle flights, and expanding international routes with fixed ticket prices, the agreement sets the stage for stronger tourism growth and deeper economic cooperation. With these strategic measures, Turkish Cyprus is positioning itself as an accessible, affordable, and increasingly connected destination for travelers from Türkiye, the UK, and beyond.
