‘Pressure’ for direct flights to the north from Russia

The north is pushing for direct flights from Russia, despite uncertainty, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said from the World Travel Market in London on Tuesday.

Tatar, who visited the north’s booth, said: “It is uncertain if there will be direct flights from Russia, but we are seriously pressing the issue.”

His comments come after reports had surfaced that direct flights would start between Russia and the airport in the north.

At the time, a Turkish newspaper reported the flights from Russia would start arriving in the north in November following a stop in Antalya, which is the procedure already followed.

According to a report in Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak, the flight will be daily from Antalya, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is expected to be onboard the first flight.

However, reports then surfaced that the flights would actually start in March 2023, following statements by the ‘transport minister’ Erhan Arikli in October.

Speaking on Tuesday, Tatar said: “Surely something will change.”