Filenews 7 August 2025
Flights from London's Stansted Airport to the illegal Tymbou Airport, with stopovers in Istanbul and Ankara, were launched on August 5 by the Turkish airline AJet, as part of the "Island of Cyprus" plan to promote the pseudo-state as a tourist destination, according to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press. The ticket is subsidized and costs £250 return.
During the presentation of the new itinerary at an event in London, the "prime minister" of the pseudo-state and president of the National Unity Party Unal Ustel described the measure as a "historic step", noting that despite the "embargoes", Ankara's support allows progress in tourism. As he said, "both we and our businessmen are making intense efforts to overcome the embargoes in this sector".
At the same event, the "Minister of Tourism" Fikri Ataoglu described the new route as a "bridge" that will facilitate the connection of the Turkish Cypriot diaspora with the occupied areas. "What we want now is for you to be able to come to your homeland more comfortably and easily at these prices. The south, which for so many years was chosen out of desperation and lack of potential, should not be preferred. The island is calling you," he said.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Turkish Airways and AJet, Ahmet Bolat, said that the "Island of Cyprus" plan aims to promote the pseudo-state internationally, claiming that "we have a common history, a common culture and common values". He said that the initiative will bring Britain's Turkish Cypriots closer together and at the same time make the TRNC more attractive for British tourists.
Turkish Airlines is offering strategic support to the project, which aims to present the pseudo-state as a center of culture, investment and production, while Turkish actress Meriem Ouzerli was chosen as the face of the campaign. The goal, according to the announcements, is to increase tourism revenues by 50% by 2026.
CNA
