Speaking to BRT on Wednesday, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı announced that the much awaited new Ercan terminal building and runway would become operational next Tuesday on April 18 in time for the Ramadan Bayram holiday.

He added that the building will be inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Describing the new airport terminal as a great asset, Arıklı said, “We should feel proud. Yes we have experienced some setbacks but still the new airport is becoming operational. The new Istanbul Airport had been completed 4 years ago, it is still experiencing a few problems,” he said.

Arıklı added that the new terminal which had cost the TRNC €350m to complete will have a positive impact on tourism.

The transportation minister said that the new airport had experienced several setbacks, particularly with the delivery of vital electronic components and equipment due to the earthquake disaster in Türkiye.

Arıklı said that the electricity problem at the airport will be solved through temporary means.

He also announced new steps taken in the direction of increasing alternatives in maritime and air travel to and from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

“We purchased a ship and that too will be delivered next Tuesday on April 18. On Sunday, April 16, Fly Kıbrıs Airways will carry out its maiden flight. The new airline has reduced ticket prices significantly. Previously one would fly to Istanbul or Ankara for ₺2000 to ₺5000. Now prices have dropped to ₺700-₺800.

Also touching upon the ongoing strike action by the Cyprus Turkish Electricity Authority Workers Union (EL-SEN) to protest the amendments being made to the Public Tenders Law, Arıklı brushed aside the argument that the government was planning to privatise the country’s electricity authority KIB-TEK.

“Who wants to sell KIB-TEK? We have to obtain clear, cheap and sustainable electricity for this country and that requires political will. They are objecting to this without any meaning or sense,” he said.

Arıklı also argued that achieving interconnectivity with Türkiye was inevitable and necessary.