Flights to Northern Cyprus

There is only one main airport in Northern Cyprus that accepts commercial flights and that is Ercan Airport. Flights to Ercan come via Turkey where they are required to land before being allowed to fly on to Northern Cyprus.

Direct flights are forever in the news in Northern Cyprus and everyone is campaigning hard to allow them. It is universally accepted that it is only a matter of time before there are direct flights to and from Northern Cyprus from the UK, Germany and the US to name but a few destinations.

In the meantime, those who fly to Ercan (pronounced air jan) will have a short stop in Istanbul or Izmir or another Turkish mainland airport before making the short hop across the sea to Northern Cyprus. It depends on the airline you favour or the airport you’re flying from as to whether you will need to change planes or simply wait for refuelling, a quick turn around and be off again in the same plane. Most flights remain on the ground for no more than an hour and while it is an inconvenience, the situation is set to change.

Flights to Northern Cyprus are organised by the likes of Turkish Airlines, Cyprus Turkish Airlines and Onur Air mainly from the UK and Germany. Flights departing from other destinations often require a plane change in Istanbul.

Ercan Airport has recently had a major refurbishment in anticipation of receiving direct flights and it is a comfortable, well designed and facilitated airport. It’s small size means checking in, boarding, arrivals and baggage reclaim are all simple, unhurried, stress free events whereas in some major airports it can feel like you’re being put through organised chaos, pain and stress just for the sake of it! Security checks are as strict as any major airport though and check in is as detailed meaning that flight safety is a priority and passengers can relax in the knowledge that all safety checks are carried out.

Flights to Northern Cyprus are easy to arrange, either go direct to a travel agent, call one of the flight operators direct, or even book online. As there are only a certain number of flights in and out a day it is necessary to book fairly well in advance to be sure of a seat on your preferred flight at best prices.

During peak season prices go up, availability comes down - all features you would expect to encounter. If you find you cannot get a flight to North Cyprus and you are a citizen of an EU country you can always fly to Larnaca Airport on the South - or even Paphos Airport. You are then free to travel over the Green Line and enter North Cyprus.

Because there are more airlines, more airports and more flights to the South this can be a way to overcome the short stop in Turkey, to find a cheaper seat or to fly at a time that is more convenient to you. But do try flying to Ercan if you can, the airport is very pleasant, the atmosphere there is almost surreally laid back and you can get parked right outside and for free! A true novelty in this day and age I think you’ll agree!