Russian tourists who cannot get to Cyprus due to EU sanctions, as well as the Russian Cypriot diaspora, which for the same reasons cannot fly out of Cyprus or receive relatives, can become the “target audience” of that airline, the creation of which the authorities continue to discuss of the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The Turkish media stated that on November 15, on the 39th anniversary of the establishment of the republic, Russia and “another country” (presumably Azerbaijan) may launch flights to the northern side of Cyprus. In Cyprus itself (the Greek southern part), however, they warn that this will be a violation of the law.
As the Minister of Transport of TRNC Erkhan Arykly stated, they are “working feverishly” on the implementation of direct flights to Northern Cyprus in coordination with Turkey. At the same time, the potential has already been calculated. In Russia’s plan, they are primarily counting on Russian tourists who could not reach Southern Cyprus due to EU sanctions.
“About 650,000 Russian tourists who usually come to Cyprus cannot visit the resorts at the moment due to EU sanctions. In addition, about 100,000 Russians live in Cyprus, and these people cannot go to Russia, nor can their relatives. We are trying to create an alternative,” said Mr. Arykly.
We will remind you that earlier there will be flights to Northern Cyprus, and Russia will open a consular post in North Nicosia – we will remind you that this city is divided in two between Cyprus proper and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not officially recognized. Moreover, according to them, this may happen before the end of the year.
Cyprus reacted sharply to this information. The country was reminded of criminal responsibility in Cyprus for Russians who entered the northern part of the island through non-legal checkpoints. Such a warning was voiced to “Izvestia” by the ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the Russian Federation Kypros Yorgallis. “Travellers who enter the Republic of Cyprus through an illegal airport or port declared as such under international law, are in violation of the national laws of Cyprus. For this reason, they are strongly advised to enter the Republic of Cyprus through legal checkpoints to avoid the consequences of breaking the law,” he said.