The new terminal building and runway of Ercan Airport were inaugurated on Thursday as part of celebrations marking the 49th anniversary of the 20th of July Peace and Freedom Day. The plane carrying Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who arrived in the TRNC to partake in the celebration was the first to land at the new airport.
Turkish President Erdoğan was greeted by President Ersin Tatar, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and other dignitaries.
Following his arrival, an opening ceremony was held at the new terminal.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the national anthem followed by a promotional film showcasing the new Ercan Airport.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tatar acknowledged the significant efforts of many individuals involved in the construction of the new Ercan Airport and highlighted that the project started with the courageous decision taken by the government during his tenure as the Minister of Finance.
He also emphasized the importance of ending the unjust embargoes and isolations imposed on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) regarding the freedom of travel.
Tatar expressed confidence in the TRNC becoming an attractive country for tourism, trade, and various industries.
President Erdoğan expressed pride in attending the Peace and Freedom Day celebrations in the TRNC and highlighted the significance of the 20th of July Peace Operation.
He pointed out that the new Ercan Airport, built according to international standards, would not only contribute directly to tourism but also create new employment opportunities in various sectors.
He believed that the airport would elevate the TRNC, as an area of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, onto the international stage.
Erdoğan stated that the new Ercan Airport terminal and runway were located close to international flight routes, and he reminded that there was no UN document justifying the isolations and restrictions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots.
He called on the UN to lift these restrictions and invited support for a policy based on the coexistence of two equal states.
After his speech, President Erdoğan, along with President Tatar and other participants, cut the ribbon in a ceremony accompanied by prayers to officially open the new Ercan Airport.
The new airport cost a total of €450 million to complete. It has a 3,100m runway, making it the longest commercial runway on the island.
There is a parking capacity for 30 aircraft, nine of which are jet bridges, 60 check-in desks, and 44 passport control desks.