UK Parliament Urged to Approve Direct Flights to Northern Cyprus

A bill has been submitted to the UK Parliament that calls for the establishment of direct flights between the United Kingdom and Northern Cyprus.

The initiative was introduced by Sammy Wilson, a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland. It has gained support from fellow DUP MP Jim Shannon and Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell.

“The House urges the government to allow direct flights from the UK to Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus. Travel difficulties persist for more than 300,000 Turkish Cypriots living in the UK, as well as for thousands of British citizens who reside in Northern Cyprus,” the motion states.

It emphasizes that Ercan Airport complies with international aviation safety standards and argues that direct flights would promote fairness, facilitate family travel, and enhance the UK’s strategic presence in the region.

At present, Ercan Airport operates flights only to and from Turkey.

The proposal follows a recent call by the Transport Minister of Northern Cyprus for Ercan to be officially recognized as a Turkish airport, which could open the door to broader international recognition.