Ataoğlu: Sharp Rise in Airfares After Ship Disaster Unacceptable

Ataoğlu said the sharp increase in airfares was unacceptable at a time when transport options had become limited following the maritime disaster and passengers were being forced to turn to air travel.

In a written statement, Ataoğlu said the surge in ticket prices had caused justified public concern, stressing that a disaster should never be turned into a commercial opportunity.

“No one can calculate profits based on people’s desperation, necessity and anxiety,” Ataoğlu said.

“THE PRIORITY MUST BE SOLIDARITY”

Ataoğlu said the priority should be to increase solidarity, reduce the difficulties faced by passengers and make transportation more accessible.

“Airlines are expected not to raise prices in such circumstances, but to plan additional flights within their means and demonstrate social responsibility by reducing ticket prices,” he said.

He noted that for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as an island, air and sea transport were not luxuries but essential parts of daily life.

Following the disruption to maritime transport, Ataoğlu said making air travel more accessible had become a necessity.

He called on all relevant institutions and airlines to take responsibility, saying additional flights, increased capacity and special pricing arrangements for the exceptional circumstances should be introduced without delay.

“THIS IS A TIME FOR SOLIDARITY, NOT PROFITEERING”

“Today is a time for solidarity, not profiteering,” Ataoğlu said.

“We cannot accept any approach that seeks to turn our citizens’ necessity into an opportunity. Standing by our people is demonstrated not only through words, but through concrete steps taken in difficult times.”

He also called directly on airlines to reduce rather than increase fares, add additional flights and help ease the burden on passengers.

“Today is not the day to make more money; it is the day to stand in solidarity with society,” Ataoğlu said.

“We must not allow the pain we are experiencing to be compounded by further hardship in transportation.”