Ustel pledges return of Cyprus Turkish Airlines by 2028 if UBP wins election

Nicosia, Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel said on Monday that Cyprus Turkish Airlines would resume operations in 2028 if his UBP party is re-elected in the forthcoming legislative elections.

He said the airline would be established through a public-private partnership, with details of its model and roadmap to be presented on October 12.

Airline pledge

Addressing a meeting of the UBP party assembly, Ustel said Turkish Cypriots had longed for Cyprus Turkish Airlines since it ceased operations in 2010.

“For 16 years, our people have longed for Cyprus Turkish Airlines. We are bringing that longing to an end. Cyprus Turkish Airlines will take to the skies again in 2028,” he said.

Ustel described the planned airline as “a robust, strategic, investment realised through a public-private partnership model”.

Transport and tourism

Ustel said the planned carrier would follow the construction of the new Ercan airport and represent another step in air transportation.

He said the airline would increase competition and have a stabilising effect on flight ticket prices. He also said it would boost tourism, improve transportation capabilities, make life easier for Turkish Cypriots and strengthen connections with the outside world.

“We will share the establishment model, roadmap, and all details regarding Cyprus Turkish Airlines with the public on October 12,” he said.

Previous Turkish Cypriot carriers

If established, the airline would be the third Turkish Cypriot flag carrier to operate and the second during Ustel’s premiership.

Fly Kibris Airlines, stylised as FlyKHY, operated for around a year and a half between 2023 and 2024. The private venture operated as a virtual airline, outsourcing operational and business functions while retaining control of its core business. Its aircraft were operated by Turkish airlines Freebird Airlines and Air Anka before FlyKHY disappeared in 2024.

Cyprus Turkish Airlines previously operated as the Turkish Cypriot flag carrier from 1975 until 2010. Turkish Airlines owned half of the company, while the Turkish Cypriot authorities owned the other half.

At its peak, the airline operated flights from Ercan (Tymbou), via Turkey, to cities across the United Kingdom and Europe. It faced serious financial difficulties in the late 2000s, and Turkish Airlines divested its shares in 2005.