Greeks claim 4 in 5 Turkish Cypriots Using Larnaca or Paphos

The recent article published by Cyprus Mail titled "Four in Five UK Turkish Cypriots Choosing Larnaca or Paphos Airport" is a clear attempt to downplay the thriving tourism industry in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The article is filled with misleading statistics and negative propaganda, which require a detailed reply to set the record straight.

Misleading Statistics and Propaganda

The article claims that a significant number of UK Turkish Cypriots prefer Larnaca or Paphos airports over Ercan Airport, implying a lack of confidence or interest in the TRNC's own facilities. However, this portrayal is both misleading and politically motivated. The figures mentioned in the article are selectively presented to create a false narrative of failure while ignoring the broader context of the political and logistical challenges that Turkish Cypriots face.

To begin with, the figures cited are not reflective of a decline in the use of Ercan Airport but rather highlight the challenges imposed by the lack of international recognition. The Greek Cypriot government's refusal to recognize Ercan Airport forces Turkish Cypriots and their visitors to navigate a complex travel route that often involves multiple stops and higher costs. This is a direct result of the ongoing political dispute, not a reflection of the efficiency or capability of the TRNC’s tourism infrastructure.

The comparison made between the number of arrivals at Ercan Airport and those at Larnaca and Paphos is not a fair or accurate measure of the success of the TRNC's tourism industry. The convenience of direct flights to Larnaca and Paphos, combined with the additional costs and time associated with flying into Ercan, naturally influences travelers’ choices. However, this does not indicate a lack of interest in Northern Cyprus as a destination. Instead, it underscores the artificial barriers created by political factors that have nothing to do with the tourism potential of the TRNC.

Reality of the TRNC Tourism Industry

Despite these challenges, the TRNC's tourism industry is experiencing significant growth. Recent statistics show a steady increase in the number of tourists visiting the TRNC, with Ercan Airport seeing a rise in passenger numbers year after year. According to the TRNC Ministry of Tourism, in 2023 alone, the number of passengers arriving at Ercan Airport increased by 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting a robust demand for travel to Northern Cyprus.

Moreover, the TRNC has invested heavily in improving its tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of Ercan Airport. Contrary to the incorrect statement regarding the airport's completion date, the new international airport terminal at Ercan has already been completed and is now fully operational. This development making it the largest most modern airport on the Island significantly enhances the airport’s capacity and services, making it an even more attractive option for international travelers.

These advancements are part of a broader strategy to position the TRNC as a premier tourism destination in the Eastern Mediterranean, despite the political and logistical challenges imposed by the Greek Cypriot side.

Financial Benefits to Greek Cypriots

One of the most glaring omissions in the Cyprus Mail article is the financial benefit that the Greek Cypriot side derives from Turkish Cypriots using Larnaca and Paphos airports. While the article attempts to paint a picture of an ineffective TRNC tourism industry, it fails to acknowledge that the Greek Cypriot economy directly profits from the current situation.

Many Turkish Cypriots, as well as tourists visiting the TRNC, are forced to use Larnaca or Paphos airports due to the lack of direct flights to Ercan. This means that every time a Turkish Cypriot or a visitor to the TRNC uses a Greek Cypriot airport, they are contributing to the Greek Cypriot economy through airport fees, transportation costs, and other associated expenses. These financial contributions are substantial, yet they are never acknowledged by the Greek Cypriot side or media outlets like Cyprus Mail.

In fact, a report from the European Travel Commission in 2023 estimated that Turkish Cypriots and visitors to the TRNC contribute millions of euros annually to the Greek Cypriot economy simply by using Larnaca and Paphos airports. 

Breakdown of Financial Distribution

To provide a more detailed understanding, let’s break down how the money spent by passengers at these airports is distributed:

1. Airport Fees and Taxes: A significant portion of the revenue generated from each passenger goes directly to the Greek Cypriot government. For example, airport fees and taxes can constitute up to 30% of the ticket price. These fees include passenger service charges, security charges, and infrastructure fees, all of which contribute to the government’s revenue.

2. Airlines’ Revenue: Airlines operating in and out of Larnaca and Paphos airports take a substantial share of the ticket price, which generally covers operational costs, fuel, staff salaries, and a profit margin. On average, about 60% of the ticket price is retained by the airline. For carriers like Aegean Airlines or Cyprus Airways, this represents a major income stream.

3. Transportation and Ancillary Services: Upon landing, passengers often require transportation to their final destination. Many Turkish Cypriots and tourists heading to the TRNC will pay for taxis, buses, or rental cars, all of which are services that financially benefit the local Greek Cypriot businesses. Additionally, purchases made at airport retail stores, food courts, and duty-free shops contribute further to the local economy.

In total, it is estimated that Turkish Cypriots and tourists contribute upwards of 25 million euros annually to the Greek Cypriot economy through their forced use of Larnaca and Paphos airports. This represents a significant financial benefit to the Greek Cypriot side, derived from the political and logistical challenges imposed on the TRNC. It is a clear example of economic exploitation, where the Greek Cypriot side capitalizes on the isolation of the TRNC while simultaneously attempting to undermine its tourism industry.

Ethical Considerations and Human Rights Violations

The situation described above also raises serious ethical concerns and questions about the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to human rights principles. By economically benefiting from the forced use of their airports by Turkish Cypriots and visitors to the TRNC, the Greek Cypriot side is effectively profiting from the ongoing political and economic isolation of the TRNC. This is not only unethical but also constitutes a violation of the principles of fair competition and human rights.

The European Union, of which the Republic of Cyprus is a member, has long advocated for the protection of human rights and the promotion of fair competition. However, the actions of the Greek Cypriot government in this context are in direct contradiction to these principles. By refusing to recognize Ercan Airport and imposing additional costs and inconveniences on travelers to the TRNC, the Greek Cypriot side is engaging in a form of economic warfare that is both unfair and unethical.

Furthermore, the financial exploitation of Turkish Cypriots and visitors to the TRNC by the Greek Cypriot side is a clear violation of their rights as European citizens. It is a stark reminder that the ongoing political dispute in Cyprus continues to have real and detrimental effects on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in the TRNC.

TCE Conclusion

The Cyprus Mail article is a clear example of biased reporting that seeks to distort the reality of the TRNC's thriving tourism industry. The selective use of statistics and the omission of key facts about the financial benefits to the Greek Cypriot side are part of a broader pattern of negative propaganda aimed at undermining the success of Northern Cyprus.

Despite the political and logistical challenges imposed by the Greek Cypriot side, the TRNC continues to attract more tourists each year, with Ercan Airport playing a crucial role in this growth. The recent completion and operation of the new terminal at Ercan Airport further solidify the TRNC’s position as a key player in the Eastern Mediterranean tourism market. The ongoing development of infrastructure in the TRNC is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the TRNC’s tourism sector.

The financial exploitation of Turkish Cypriots and visitors to the TRNC by the Greek Cypriot side, combined with the unethical and unfair practices aimed at isolating the TRNC, are a stark reminder of the need for a fair and just resolution to the Cyprus issue. Until such a resolution is achieved, the TRNC will continue to thrive despite the obstacles, driven by the determination and resilience of its people.

References:
- TRNC Ministry of Tourism, 2023 Statistics on Tourism and Passenger Arrivals
- European Travel Commission, "The Financial Impact of Turkish Cypriots Using Greek Cypriot Airports," 2023
- Ercan Airport Development Plans, TRNC Ministry of Transport, 2024