Can you fly to North Cyprus? A common question for those traveling to Cyprus, but not a simple one to answer. Cyprus has been de facto divided since 1974, with the Republic of Cyprus controlling two-thirds of the Island in the south and the Turkish Cypriots controlling one-third in the north, separated by a buffer zone maintained by UN peacekeeping forces. For the most part, tourists visit the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek part of the Island.
Let’s find out if you can fly to North Cyprus.
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Let’s start with whether it is possible to fly to North Cyprus. However, it comes with restrictions that we must be aware of. And while it might sound like a good idea, the airport in Northern Cyprus Ercan International Airport is not recognized by any nation other than Turkey. Realistically, your best bet is to fly into Southern Cyprus. Then, travel to Northern Cyprus using the border crossing between North and South Cyprus.
If your heart is set on flying into North Cyprus, here’s what you need to know.
Ercan International Airport – The Airport No One Knows Exists
Ercan International Airport is the primary civilian airport of the unrecognized de facto state of Northern Cyprus. Due to the ongoing Cyprus dispute, international flights are prohibited to land at this airport. This is why it’s almost unheard of.
I’ll also add that I had the misfortune of visiting this airport when I visited Northern Cyprus. I was driving, but the GPS cut out and kept directing me to Ercan International Airport vs. the border.
Would I recommend this airport to anyone? Absolutely not. It’s like a scene from Rambo with heavily armed guards stationed at a barricade long before you enter the airport. It’s scary. I cannot imagine what it would be like to land here.
Add to this; The UK Foreign Office recently shared, “The authorities in north Cyprus do not share information regarding British nationals in distress with the British High Commission or the families affected.
In short, were something terrible happens to you in North Cyprus, your local Embassy will probably not be able to help you.
Why Are There No Direct Flights to North Cyprus?
There are direct flights, but they are only available from Turkey.
In 2006, a rule requiring flights to land at Turkish airports before continuing to Ercan was implemented. As of 2017, Ercan airport continues to be subject to this rule.
Additionally, customers have decreased because of new tight security measures imposed by the UK Department for Transport. To board a new aircraft for their final destination, passengers traveling between Britain and Northern Cyprus had to disembark with their luggage and go through a new security check in Turkey.
Since Turkish Cypriots with the Republic of Cyprus, passports face these difficulties and inconveniences, most use Larnaca International Airport. The Larnaca airport is in the territory controlled by the internationally recognized government of Cyprus. Turkish citizens, however, are not permitted to use this option.
Who Flies to North Cyprus?
Non-stop flights are only available from Turkey, and all planes flying from other countries must stopover in Turkey.
You can fly with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Atlasjet, and via chartered flights.
Suppose you plan to fly out of Northern Cyprus to anywhere except Turkey. In that case, there are several Turkish airlines that operate direct flights from Ercan to Europe with intermediate stops in Turkey.
FAQs
What airport do you fly to for Northern Cyprus?
There is only one airport in Northern Cyprus – Ercan International Airport. You can only fly to this airport via Turkey.
Why is Nicosia airport abandoned?
Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, commercial activity ceased at the airport. Today, the airport site serves primarily as the headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
Can I fly to Ercan in North Cyprus?
Yes, you can, but only if your flight connects through Turkey. Or if you fly directly from Turkey.
Closing Thoughts
So, can you fly to North Cyprus? Yes, but only if your flights connects via Turkey or if you fly from Turkey. Perhaps the question is best phrased as “should you fly to North Cyprus” to which the answer is no!
Looking for more posts on Cyprus? Start here:
- 20 Plus Things to Do in Cyprus
- Ancient Salamis – The City Of Ruins In Famagusta
- Cyprus Border Crossing Between North and South Cyprus
- North Cyprus – The Must-See Attractions!
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Not to mention that encouraging people travel through Northern Cyprus is also considered as an unlawful action.
Any entrance or exit through ERCAN airport is considered illegal by the Cypriot government. You may be subject to fines.
This is true they consider South Cyrus considers it illegal but many do it with no issues. And, it all depends on which passport you hold and what your own local embassay says – aka does your own local embassy allow you to. Nikki
It is true that in most cases no one will face any consequences but this doesn’t mean that entrance or exit through ERAN airport is safe. I strongly advise anyone who wants to fly to the so-called TRNC, you should first fly to the legal airports and then cross the border to northern Cyprus.
Flying to northern Cyprus is considered a crime by the Republic of Cyprus. I am not saying you will face consequences but it is highly likely to happen.
I think you are simply repeating what I said with the exception of it being considered a crime by the Republic of Cyprus which is noted in the comments.
Nikki
You have mentioned that flying to northern Cyprus is ok. I noticed that from your previous comments. If you encourage people by any way to fly to this airport you could be subject to fines. This is completely illegal.
People do it all the time! And as you said “could be” not are or will be.
I am not “encoraging” simply telling it as it is.
Nikki
hi.
we are traveling from Antalya To Ercan,and then Exit from Larnaca to Stockholm, is it fine?
any issues?
any fees for penalty?
EU Swedish Pass
No issues – you will be fine :) Nikki
Those comments about Northern Cyprus and Ercan was some racist bs. And totally opposite of facts. I’m from Turkey, I’ve travelled a lot countries, and of course airports,and Ercan is really decent. It’s small so you don’t wait much, neither after taxi nor with the baggages. There isn’t any “Armed Guards” as you say. The enterence check is even much easier than Turkey. So If you think Ercan is dangerous, millions of tourists should’t come to Turkey because it has much much more security checks, polices etc.
And also Norther Cyprus has a much higher diversity then most European cities. There are many English, German, Russian and Greek people there.
Also, you “forgot” to mention that North Cyprus is one of the best destinations for Casino’s and top quality hotels.
So that may be the answer to your “should you fly to North Cyprus” question.
Atacan there are armed guards – been there myself and the post is not about Turkey, it’s about Northern Cyprus. Thanks for dropping by – Nikki
Hi Nikki. I have just found out my son has flown into Ercan from Istanbul today. He has a flight booked next week to leave from Paphos to go to Athens. Will this be a possible problem? Grateful for any insights you can give. My thoughts are he will need to leave from Ercan to fly to Istanbul before then flying on from there.
No issues at all….. he’s leaving from the south side to Athens so need need return via Ercan :) Nikki
Why would a traveller be worried about armed personnel at airports, its just a sad reflection of the world we live in,we have them in UK aiports and as far as I know every airport in the World, they are there to protect law abiding people going about their business, and should be thaked they’re for your safety.
Hi Maurice,
I don’t disagree with you on that. The difference is they patrol the exterior, aka you pull up and have to clear what looks like a border control to get in. Vs. you get in and they are there. It’s a really odd set up and it does not look like an airport :(
Nikki
Hi Nikki,
I really need your advice!
I am in Protaras, Cyprus for a week in June on holiday.
I need to get to Istanbul on Saturday 10th June for the Champions League Final.
Flights to Istanbul via Athens are around £550 and take a good few hours.
Flights from Ercan to Istanbul are £77 and only take a couple of hours.
Would it be worth the risk to fly from Ercan?
What would you suggest I do?
I have read that Rep. Cyprus can refuse me future entry if I fly via Ercan. Is this true?
We are looking to get married in Protaras in future. So I can’t risk being banned!
Please can you help?!?!
Hi Diane,
Congratulations on the upcoming wedding. So, legally defo no issues at all. The worst case is you’ll get some flack about did you fly from the “occupied” part but no bans etc. Take the cheap flight, loads do :) Nikki
We are landing in Ercan (UK citizens) – can we cross into Cyprus South by Taxi and go to Paphos and stop there?
Yes, you sure can see here: https://britonthemove.com/cyprus-border-crossing/ :)
Safe travels… Nikki
Hi Nikki a similar question. I have a flight booked to Larnaca, From then a flight from Ercan to Istanbul then back to Ercan and then finally home via Larnaca. This is to watch the Champions League final. Is this route possible and will I be refused entry back into Southern Cyprus and or not allowed to travel back from Lanarca and or banned from entering Cyprus again, if I follow this route. Look forward to your thoughts.
Hi Ian,
It’s 100% possible and you should be fine. You defintely won’t have issues getting back to Larnaca. Definetly no bans! The real challenge should it come up is some questions about your flight route – but yours is legit – aka via Turkey. You’ll be fine mate:) Nikki
Your comments regarding Ercan airport are blatantly biased and obviously intended to put people off and paint a narrative Similar to how the nazi regime made the Jew to look like the cause of all evil
Don’t be silly…. not even close! I told it as it actually is – facts.
You can’t have a bias if you don’t have a dog in the race.
Nikki