Latest UK Govt reply to Direct Flights...déjà vu

[Proudsprey]

Saw this in Yeniduzen...

https://www.yeniduzen.com/birlesik-kral ... 40798h.htm

The UK Government said it had "no plans for direct flights between the United Kingdom and the north of Cyprus," pointing to the north of the island. Responding to a petition from some Turkish Cypriots on the British Parliament's website, the British Foreign Office reiterated its previously announced opinion: "Together with the rest of the international community, the United Kingdom, with the exception of Turkey, does not recognize the unilaterally declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as an independent state. As a result, the UK Government cannot discuss an Air Services Agreement with the administration in northern Cyprus."
The UK Government's response came after a petition gathered more than 12,000 signatures. The total number of signatures on a petition exceeds 10,000, which requires the government to respond.
The UK Foreign Office also stated that "it would not be legal for the government to authorize direct flights with the northern part of Cyprus."


Once again it appears they've slammed the door shut. But, looking at the wording closely, I think it would be worth changing the focus of the next petition to one of recognition of an independent state as there is no way that they will - or can - sanction direct flights without it.

[terry2366]

Does it really affect us that much, Turkey is a major international hub many of us would still have to change somwhereirrespective of where we're heading. It's a bit longer and a bit more expensive but much cheaper over the who.e package

[waddo]

terry2366, If you really want to get here then you do! Last trip I made from UK to home here was - in strict order - Train, aircraft, train, taxi, bicycle, train, aircraft, taxi, ferry and finally white builders truck! Not direct but loads of fun over 10 days - lol.

If I had wanted direct flights I would have lived elsewhere, can always get a direct flight to the South so what is the problem?

[Brinsley]

I think 'non-stop' flights is the terminology not 'direct'!

[EnjoyingTheSun]

A big help would be if you could stay on the plane like you used to be able to. Seems a reasonable compromise

[waddo]

ETS, provided the aircraft complies with International rules and no part of it actually touches the ground then that would be ok. Maybe those passengers wishing to get off in Turkey could be allowed to fast rope down - lol.

[terry2366]

Personally I quite enjoy Istanbul airport I always use the FHM lounge food drinks and wifi included all 25 euros it's a nice break plus the shopping is good there

[waz-24-7]

This has and always will be a position of legality. The UK will not go against international law. Particularly as the matter is of little significance given the position of peace upon the Island. Palestine, Gaza, and Israel is quite another matter and one of serious importance given recent loss of life and hostilities.

A campaign to the European Union of which Cyprus is a member would be a far better a target to campaign. An application under human rights by an EU national could be heard with some sympathy and possibilities.. For UK and non European citizens I'm afraid we have little to zero influence.
I did however sign the petition in a move of solidarity.

Like wise, a campaign for recognition to the UK government would have little mileage. Because Cyprus is in the EU ( including the North) then an EU targeted campaign is far more likely to bear fruit.

The positives are that prices in North Cyprus remain lower than others. Property prices in Turkey (not TRNC) have seen massive increases so TRNC is still cheap until such time people can get there more easily and a level of better recognition is secured.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Personally I quite enjoy Istanbul airport I always use the FHM lounge food drinks and wifi included all 25 euros it's a nice break plus the shopping is good there

Don’t mind it myself but there is certainly an optimum stopover time.
Too long and you find yourself looking lovingly at giant Toblerones which seem to have a cars price tag on.
Too short and you are blindly sprinting to find where the hell you need to be in the next 10 minutes before your connecting flight takes off.