London: Turkish low-cost air carrier AJet has announced a special fare of £250 ($330) for round-trip tickets from London to Ercan Airport in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as part of its support for the Cyprus Island campaign. The launch of the special fare was held in London with the participation of Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Unal Ustel, Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment Minister Fikri Ataoglu, Turkish Ambassador to London Osman Koray Ertas, Turkish Airlines and AJet Chair Ahmet Bolat, and many guests. The Cyprus Island campaign aims to promote touristic activities in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ustel stated at the event that the initiative is a political breakthrough, allowing people to reconnect at a reasonable price and aiming to "free" travelers from the "captivity of the Greek Cypriot Administration." He highlighted the collaboration with Trkiye and Turkish Airlines, encouraging people to visit the TRNC through Trkiye and enjoy vacations there. Ustel noted that Ercan Airport has seen a 50% increase in passenger numbers, attributing this growth to Turkish Airlines and AJet's significant number of monthly flights.
Ataoglu, who also serves as the Turkish Cypriot deputy prime minister, emphasized the long-term efforts behind the project. He mentioned that the special fare for AJet flights from London to the TRNC will be valid for a year, marking the beginning of enhanced accessibility to ancestral lands. He expressed hope that the TRNC would become more preferred than the south of Cyprus, inviting people to explore the island's offerings.
Bolat remarked on the cultural and historical connection with the TRNC, describing the new project as a platform to highlight the region's unique culture, natural beauty, historical heritage, and culinary richness on a global scale. He confirmed that the affordable pricing policy between London Stansted Airport and the TRNC will continue for a year. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between Turkish Cypriots in the UK and their homeland and attract British tourists to the TRNC.
Bolat further mentioned the strategic support from Turkish Airlines for the project, emphasizing its potential to position the TRNC as a hub for tourism, culture, production, and investment. He noted the UK as a priority market for Turkish Airlines, expressing optimism that the campaign will entice British tourists to explore the TRNC's beauty. Additionally, a promotional film featuring well-known Turkish actress Meryem Uzerli will be released to showcase the TRNC's attractions and invite global tourists to Northern Cyprus.