Atakan: Solution To High Ticket Prices Is Not A Change In Ercan's Status

In a social media statement, Atakan commented on renewed discussions about giving Ercan Airport an “internal flights status,” saying there is significant conceptual confusion in the debate. He argued that it must first be clarified whether the airport would operate under an internal-flight tariff model or be treated as a fully domestic terminal.

Atakan noted that both privately operated and state-run airports charge airlines per flight for services such as parking, lighting and navigation, and that these fees vary depending on location, size and passenger capacity.

He said that airports serving both domestic and international flights apply different tariff structures, with domestic flights generally being less costly.

However, he stressed that applying an “internal flight tariff” to flights from Turkey to Ercan Airport would not, on its own, reduce costs or translate into lower ticket prices.

Atakan pointed out that most airports in Turkey are operated by private companies under agreements involving passenger and flight guarantees, meaning any cost differences would need to be absorbed or subsidised.

He added that such a mechanism could create a significant financial burden depending on daily flight volumes.

Atakan also highlighted that international aviation rules require strict customs, immigration and security procedures for cross-border flights, making full infrastructure compliance essential.

Referring to examples such as Batumi–Artvin and EuroAirport, he noted that such cross-border models only work between internationally recognised states and require specific border arrangements, which are not currently in place.

He further said aviation costs are largely dollar-based, including fuel, insurance and salaries, meaning currency fluctuations and global crises heavily impact pricing.

Atakan added that Turkey’s domestic fare cap system can lead to revenue losses for airlines, pushing them toward more profitable international routes.

He said Northern Cyprus remains a high-demand destination, which allows airlines to maximise profits, contributing to price volatility.

According to Atakan, reducing ticket prices requires more than changing airport status; it requires clear annual flight and passenger data and coordinated pricing mechanisms involving relevant authorities.

He also stated that establishing a national airline under current conditions would not be a realistic or sustainable option.