In a continued effort to address the travel challenges faced by Turkish Cypriots, UK Conservative Party MP Iain Duncan Smith has reiterated his call for the establishment of direct flights from the United Kingdom to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

This call is particularly significant given the ongoing international isolation faced by the TRNC, which is recognized only by Türkiye.

The Current Situation

Turkish Cypriots residing in the UK, especially those in Smith’s constituencies of Chingford and Woodford Green, face significant difficulties due to the lack of direct flights to Northern Cyprus. Currently, flights to Ercan Airport in the TRNC often require one or two stopovers, causing considerable inconvenience and additional costs for travelers. This situation affects those who need to visit their properties, assist elderly relatives, or simply travel back home more efficiently.

The Call for Change

Smith has been a vocal advocate for ending what he describes as an "unjust and restrictive travel ban." He has highlighted the disparity between the travel ease to Southern Cyprus, which benefits from direct flights, and the TRNC, which remains under stringent travel restrictions. He argues that these restrictions are not only inconvenient but also discriminatory, impacting the human rights of Turkish Cypriots by isolating them from the international community.

The Case for Direct Flights

1. Economic Benefits: Direct flights would significantly boost tourism and trade, providing an economic lifeline for the TRNC. Increased accessibility could attract more visitors, fostering economic development and creating job opportunities within Northern Cyprus.
   
2. Human Rights: The ongoing travel restrictions are a form of discrimination that infringes on the human rights of Turkish Cypriots. Direct flights would eliminate unnecessary obstacles, allowing Turkish Cypriots to travel with dignity and ease.

3. Political and Cultural Solidarity: Facilitating direct flights would strengthen political and cultural ties between Turkish Cypriots and their allies, particularly Türkiye and other Turkic states. This would reinforce the TRNC's position on the global stage and promote solidarity within the Turkic world.

Support from the Community

The campaign for direct flights has garnered significant support within the Turkish Cypriot community and beyond. Muhammet Yaşarata, Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in the UK, has voiced strong support for the initiative. He emphasized that direct flights would facilitate easier and quicker connections, significantly contributing to the economic development of Northern Cyprus. This sentiment is echoed by other community leaders and advocates who see direct flights as a crucial step towards ending the international isolation of the TRNC.

Political and Diplomatic Efforts

Despite repeated efforts, the UK Government has maintained its stance against direct flights to the TRNC, citing the lack of recognition of Ercan Airport by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Republic of Cyprus, which governs the south of the island and is internationally recognized, also opposes such flights, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Smith, however, remains undeterred and continues to press the government to reconsider its position. He argues that the UK’s policy is overly restrictive compared to its approach to other non-UN member states like Kosovo and Taiwan.

Greek Opposition

The Greek Cypriot administration has strongly opposed any moves towards establishing direct flights to the TRNC. They argue that such actions would undermine their sovereignty and violate international laws. The Greek Cypriot government has maintained that the TRNC is an illegal entity and that any recognition of its airports would be tantamount to legitimizing its status. This opposition has been a significant barrier in the efforts to facilitate direct flights, as the Greek Cypriot administration holds considerable influence in international forums and with the European Union.

A Broader Implication

The call for direct flights is more than just a matter of convenience. It represents a broader push for equality and recognition of the rights of Turkish Cypriots. The current travel restrictions contribute to the economic and social isolation of the TRNC, hindering its development and integration into the global community. By establishing direct flights, the UK could play a pivotal role in supporting the TRNC's efforts to gain international recognition and improve its economic prospects.

TCE Conclusion

Iain Duncan Smith’s advocacy for direct flights to the TRNC highlights a critical issue faced by Turkish Cypriots and underscores the need for equitable treatment and connectivity. As the campaign gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether the UK Government will respond to these calls and take steps to end the isolation of the TRNC. For now, the efforts of Smith and his supporters continue to bring attention to this important cause, striving for a future where Turkish Cypriots can travel freely and without unnecessary restrictions.