Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Following on from events in Egypt, got me thinking about our last trip through Ercan- can't say that the security was up to much - it was 1 am in the morning but?- what sort of experiences have other had?

For years been rather worried at Ercan. Remember once when had to identify cases on Tarmac one was left kept asking those on plane who this belonged to, no one came forward, but they threw in on plane. Staff took no notice when we explained they should have left case.!!!!

Ours was non existent. Absolutely pathetic. I could have had 10 tonnes of ___ strapped to my back and they wouldn't have cared a toss. Same goes for the rest for the queue waiting to go back to the UK. Timed 7.15am

Same for us at Ercan recently. The lady checking the screen was texting not even looking, I went through as usual it bleeped the guy waved me through, my better half also bleeped, she showed the guy her necklace he said OK go through. The time before the guy on the luggage screen was reading the sports pages of the local paper, its laughable, well not really peoples lives are at risk.

what can we do about it?

frugal90 wrote:what can we do about it?

Fly through Larnaca! Seriously I have been asked a couple of times to open hand luggage so they could check it, once as I had cigarettes in there and they were most disappointed to find they were bought on the GC side. I've also had a pot of jam and a small (under 100ml) can of hairspray confiscated, the latter as it was considered highly flammable. There's always a couple of officers checking the screens when I've gone through security.

Agree about Ercan !!!!! Every time I go through they don't pay much attention!!!! I always take bottles of water through and apparently that is allowed!!!! Actually Istanbul isn't that much better when you are in transit !!!! Yes, a lot of the people at Ercan are on their mobiles, or chatting with other staff and don't actually seem to be doing their job!!!! Pretty worrying I would say. Again, who is going to address the situation?!!!!! Who knows!!!!

bilgi@ercanhavalimani.com

I have just e mailed my concerns

frugal

Well done Frugal !!!!! Let's watch this space !!!!!!

We had the same experience in July Mollie the Cat. The guy sitting in front of the two screens looked to be engrossed checking the luggage on the screen as it went through the scanner. It was only when we went round the other side to retrieve the luggage that we saw he had the newspaper wide open spread across both screens. He wasnt looking at the luggage at all. We have booked through Larnaca for Christmas, it put us off using Ercan.

Well, I take a different view! I think security at airports like Stansted is overdone and has now simply become a business. Confiscation of a 120 ml bottle of liquid that is less than quarter full, having to take off my belt and shoes, the fact that you cannot take a sealed bottle of water through security and then to have pay well over the odds to buy another when through, all pointless in my view.

The suspicion is that the bomb at Sharm, if that was what it was, would probably have been planted by an employee with 'airside clearance' and not carried by a passenger. Well that is my view.

I boarded a plane once with my small Swiss Army knife. It wasn't spotted on the screen, I took it out of the tray in front of the security chap who was distracted by a girl pleading to be allowed through with her water bottle - at Larnaca. Having said that I usually found security there to be good, I bet all airports are tightening up now.

The security is a complete shambles.

Lost count the number of times that friends and relatives are allowed to wonder through to the arrival section to meet and greet family with their baggage.

Airport security need to get a grip and fast.

PapaBravo, I totally agree with you. Airport Security in UK wastes hours of people's time being politically correct and ott. We travel extensively, and it is refreshing to be allowed to take a half drunk bottle of water through sometimes when we ask the security chap, where the hell is the harm in that? Security should be allowed to use discretion regarding drinks, belts etc. and not be forced to be pc.
Ercan is way too lax though in todays climate and considering it's Turkish connections, on the other hand, it is not the worst we have encountered. The thing is, if a terrorist is determined, no amount of security is likely to stop the attack.

I agree with PB and Hippo - there is so much knee jerk reaction in security (not just at airport, banks are worst) and a lot could be done better ways, such as profiling, but it means using a bit of intelligence! It just makes life impossible for the vulnerable innocent. If you start making a fuss at Ercan they will just introduce a lot of stupid rules without the necessary back up (like with the dogs).

As for Istanbul - the last time I went I mislaid my walking stick just as my stuff went through the security check and was worried how to cope without it. The woman on duty who had appeared to have just been chatting to a colleague stopped me and asked (in good English) why I looked so worried at security. They were very helpful and found it! but it proved they were watching passengers for suspicious behaviour which is exactly what the profilers recommend.

I have a metal knee after total knee replacement, they see this at Ercan and accept it. In England it is disgraceful. I am practically strip searched, made to put one leg on a stool and balance, despite x rays, this is after being made to take off shoes etc. One lady at Luton was made to take off her false leg. How degrading as the x ray machines saw it all. I know security should be a must but if x ray machines are in place, what about dignity..

Parking outside the main entrance and departure doors is another major breach of security at Ercan and should never be allowed.

If so many are concerned about the level of security at Ercan Airport, either voice your concerns to the authorities there or don't use it. Bemoaning your views on here will not rectify the situation, as you perceive it.

What makes you think I have not spoken to the authorities? I have spoken to them on more than one occasion, fat lot of good that did! The original poster was asking for other peoples experiences, thanks for you non informative post.

Please Please do not try to change our beautiful airport. Heaven forbid why would any one wish it to be like the UK cattle markets. Totally agree about the commercial rip off with water. Why let us take it through when it has cost us a few pence or come from a tap , when they can charge us 1.50 .

There is also the valid point about us coming here to live as guests and trying constantly to put our oar in and change things. Did it not get your back up in the UK when immigrants came in and started to throw their weight around and try to change our country. The trouble is we let them succeed, that's why many of us came to live here.

Msg 19. You're very welcome!! You now have the option not to use Ercan.
Msg 20, thank God for views such as yours. The number of expat missionaries here amazes me. I wonder the locals don't just tell those wishing to impose their views/standards to push off or shut up.

Here we go again, the U.K. enters another post. You live there get on with your life don't bother about what goes on in the UK. I have two replacement knees the security alarm goes off at Ercan I am just waved through, every other airport including Turkey I pass through I am checked, it doesn't bother me.

Surely this is not about what bothers individuals, or anyone trying to change the way of life here, it's about safety for passengers who are flying.
The security at Ercan is lax, as it seems it was at Sharm and we've seen the consequences of that, sadly the world we now live in carries many dangers and personally I don't mind how long it takes to get through security at any airport, that includes UK airports as they are often the ones we use, just because we live here doesn't mean we've lost the right to comment on travel in the UK.
As for having a bottle of water taken off you, you know the procedure so just don't take it through, simple.

elizabeth, you are spot on. However, in my opinion, posters on this and other like forums will change nothing regarding how the TRNC authorities conduct their business. The Australian authorities have a well-hackneyed expression of "whinging Poms" when expats complain about how Australians do things. If posters have genuine concerns, either take them up via the TRNC or BHC or do not use Ercan.

Who actually thought, that over the years, things would get better and the world would become a very safe place to live in? If you are worried about airport security but still have to fly then you are living in the wrong place and should have thought of it years ago. An excuse of "But I must fly to get home or see my grand children or, or, or just holds no water - it is your choice to live where you wish and also your choice to fly or not to fly.

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So, having successfully beaten airport security by packing your illegal sausages in your hold luggage, - redacted!

Tom Steel,

Sorry to disagree as surely it's the airports responsibility to protect its passengers by ensuring their security policy meets the necessary requirements.At the very least this should be a mandatory requirement and shouldn't be influenced by a bunch of expats putting forward their complaints.We should expect this to be the norm.

Allowing friends and family to access the arrival section is bordering on stupidity and demonstates a total lack of control.

Art, you are entitled to an opinion and to express it - as am I. My point is, and as further brilliantly amplified by waddo, if you are unhappy with the security arrangements of an airport or carrier, don't use them. I would never fly with Aeroflot. Voicing personal concerns here will achieve zilch. If you are so worried, contact the authorities responsible, either here or in Turkey. I seem to recall most UK airports permit visitors to access arrivals once they have cleared Customs and passed through the exit gate.

Tom,

I'm refering to friends and family entering the baggage area of the arrival section at Ercan to meet and greet their relatives.

Sorry - can't see this happening in any UK Airport.

As for not using Ercan- it should be fit for purpose and the authorities are responsible for this and I don't think you or I are qualified to judge if it's safe to travel from any airport.

Art, you are correct - neither of us has expertise in the area of airport security. However, venting spleens on this forum about perceived, or real, security concerns at Ercan will achieve nothing to resolve the situation.

I have never, personally, witnessed visitors entering the baggage clearance area.

I do, however, maintain the view if people are concerned, do not fly from there. Or, raise the issue with those who can effect change.

I don't think anyone is venting their spleen, more like raising their concerns and sharing experiences, many of these people have also contacted the authorities on this matter .
If these things can't be shared on the forum it could end up a very dull forum to visit.

elizabeth, the point I am making, is why voice these concerns here? The forum is just that, an expat-bazed forum. It cannot affect the price of chips. waddo, with far greater knowledge on air safety, raises far more issues than the perceived lack of security at Ercan, yet there are no posts on his views - why is that? Is it just another pop at the TRNC? If posters have concerns, address them or do not use Ercan.

Tomsteel I totally agree with you. There are far more instant concerns at Ercan, Like where has my fekkin baggage gone

Most well organized friendly little airport we have ever flown from treated like a human being ,not a commodity, helpful smiling staff and baggage reclaim so quick. As for increased security, no thanks. You are putting your life at risk every time you fly. All these nonsense security measures we have in the states and the UK etc. give you only a tiny tiny percentage more protection. At least these people don't go around hi jacking their own Jets and fly them init their own buildings for an excuse to start a war. Rant over.

Tom,

My comments concerning the lack of security in the baggage area at Ercan is not based on perception but fact.

I have witness this on at least 3 occasions at the airport and reported it to the security staff -typically getting the Cyprus shrug.Also when booking an airline ticket I never take into consideration whether or not the airport is a security risk.

Do you honestly believe this should now form part of everyone's thinking?

Here here, Angiebabie. Flying, despite any risk of hijack or terrorism, is still safer than an average car ride from Lapta to Catalkoy. Confiscating the odd deodorant or patting down an occasional 70yr old woman makes very little difference at all. Yes, scan for guns and knives, search any "suspicious" looking character, forget the rest, and be friendly and pleasant and don't keep people who pose no danger at all in queues for hours for no reason at all.

Egyptian airport security is about the same as many other airports (apart from Ercan!), it just doesn't work when terrorists are determined. If it wasn't a plane, then it would have been an underground station or a stadium or somewhere else where lots of people gather. A risk of modern life, unfortunately, but a small one if the hotspots are avoided.

elizabeth, the point I am making, is why voice these concerns here? The forum is just that, an expat-bazed forum.

Surely any publicity is worth highlighting this problem, you may be right it may fall on deaf ears then again it may just connect with someone who may just do something about it,... who knows ?

Angiebaby wrote:...At least these people don't go around hi jacking their own Jets and fly them init their own buildings for an excuse to start a war...

I don't understand what point you are trying to make in the statement above.

Who HAS actually hijacked their own jets and flown them into buildings 'for an excuse to start a war''?

Did I miss something?

Art, the question as to personal security is exactly that. If you are not confident, don't go there. I reiterate, if you are not confident with the security at Ercan, don't fly from/to there.

Customs officers/inspectors - many items are barred or restricted as to quantity, so most people do not break these rules in case the inspectors pounce - ergo, they deter (and reduce offences) by their existence.
Security checks - they may be not as rigid as some would wish, and more rigid than others would wish - but again, in exactly the same way, while they will not totally prevent, they deter.
As to liquids and other substances - remember Richard Reid, and search the net for what can be concocted - but be careful, your searching may be monitored!
On my flight from Ercan last month, the take-off was delayed almost an hour because an unidentified suitcase was included for loading - apparently it "belonged" to another flight - but did I regret that delay? No chance!

Thank you everyone for these postings. Reading them has just reinforced my decision, not to return to the UK again. My last,and as far as I am concerned my final flight,was 8 years ago. I had flown into Ercan 3/4 times a year for approx 12 years. I see nothing appears to have changed. Security (that is a laugh in it's self)! We use to go through, past the luggage scanner and the guys on duty were asleep with their feet up!!! Be fair it was about 4.15 in the morning!!!!

No matter what security is put in place, if the bad guys want to cause trouble they will do it. During the "troubles" here in Ireland, there was a massive amount of RUC and army security but people still got bombed.

Kieth, maybe angiebaby is talking about 9/11 and the opinion of many American people.

The old saying about "being able to start a fight in an empty room" applies to quite a few of the contributors on here.
As usual there are the derogatory comments on how TRNC is run and what incompetents the locals are - particularly the airport security staff.
You probably had the same opinion of airport staff here.
Then there is the usual slightly racist comment as No20 about immigrants - not that any of you lot would ever try to impose your will on the authorities or the locals in TRNC.
I wonder if you should all move to the south and join the locals there in their constant ctiticism of the Turkish Cypriots and the TRNC!!!!
Some time ago I contemplated a move to Northern Cyprus to live but regular holidays there and the constant bickering of you lot have convinced me that I did right in staying in UK!!
I suspect the locals there view some of you lot with a resigned indifference !!!

Yes, scan for guns and knives, search any "suspicious" looking character, forget the rest, and be friendly and pleasant and don't keep people who pose no danger at all in queues for hours for no reason at all.

I would be interested to know how one differentiates between "Suspicious" and "Non suspicious" looking characters?

Hippocampus wrote:Here here, Angiebabie. Flying, despite any risk of hijack or terrorism, is still safer than an average car ride from Lapta to Catalkoy. Confiscating the odd deodorant or patting down an occasional 70yr old woman makes very little difference at all. Yes, scan for guns and knives, search any "suspicious" looking character, forget the rest, and be friendly and pleasant and don't keep people who pose no danger at all in queues for hours for no reason at all.

I would be interested to know how one differentiates between "Suspicious" and "Non suspicious" looking characters?

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By the way - anyone flown Turkish Airlines to or from UK of late - Redacted!!

In September they were using stainless steel knives and forks, but I assume that as we went through the rigorous security checks, we were all "non suspicious". I cannot expect anything else and would not know who is likely to take a bribe or want to do me harm, so I am in their hands.

Johnny Lee wrote:Kieth, maybe angiebaby is talking about 9/11 and the opinion of many American people.

Lee, unless angiebaby and you are one and the same person, then I'm sure that she can answer for 'herself'

I gather, from a serious article I read a while ago by an expert, that profiling (whether for terrorist or "ordinary" criminal) is partly a matter of face and body language. Also patterns of behaviour, past and present , but I am not going into that,partly because I cant remember it all, but mainly because I think this thread has already provided plenty of useful info for anyone ill intentioned who happens to be reading this thread!

I agree with Owl Lady - this thread puts me off returning to England (and I am already literally worried sick I may have to) . If the terrorists have made parts of ordinary life an ordeal for innocent , possibly vulnerable people, they have already won a big battle. If officious operatives are using "security" to deny innocent people with disablements ordinary human digity and commercial enterprises to make money, then it says something about our so called "civilisation". I would be grateful if someone could explain the rules about carrying water please - are people possibly already under stress really expected to go hours in a dry atmosphere and what about those who take regular medication and need to drink to swallow it?

You can't take water through security but you can buy once through there, also Turkish Airlines who I fly with will give you as much water as you want if you ask. You get a drink with your meal, water, tea, coffee,spirits, beer, mineral water, fruit juice its your choice and if you want more you just need to ask.o