Today, December 7th is World Civil Aviation Day…
Acting President and Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Zorlu Töre issued a message to mark the occasion.
In his message, Töre referred to Atatürk’s words “The future is in the skies” and noted that with the opening of the new Ercan Airport, which was at international standards, the transportation sector has gained a new breath of fresh air.
He pointed out that since the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is an island country surrounded by the sea and tourism is one of the leading sectors of the country, civil air transportation is of great importance.
Reminding that the Turkish Cypriot people were subjected to embargoes on direct flights and their freedom of travel was restricted, Töre said “Thanks to direct flights to many provinces of Motherland Türkiye and to international travels made possible via Türkiye, transportation, is a window to the world”.
“Transportation is of great importance in terms of its contribution to economic development by transporting business people, investors, tourists and students to our country” said Töre.
He noted that with the opening of the new Ercan Airport, which is up to international standards, the transportation sector has been given a new breath and the passenger capacity arriving to the country has been greatly increased.
“With the new Ercan Airport coming into service it is our hope that other countries, especially Turkic states, will start to allow direct flights to the TRNC and break the travel embargo imposed on our country,” Töre said.
He concluded his message by saying “The Great Turkish Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said ‘The future is in the skies. Nations that cannot protect their skies can never be sure of their future’ and underlined the importance of aviation. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all stakeholders on December 7, World Civil Aviation Day and thank them for their valuable contributions and efforts in the field of civil aviation”