KITSAB calls for the introduction of a price cap on flights to Northern Cyprus

High airfares to Northern Cyprus continue to cause dissatisfaction in the tourism sector. The head of the Cyprus Turkish Tourism and Travel Agencies Association (KITSAB), Oguz Akancay, stated that the problem could be addressed by introducing a price cap and increasing the number of flights.

According to him, a system of maximum ticket prices should be implemented for flights to Cyprus, similar to domestic air travel regulations in Turkey. This is especially important during peak demand periods — holidays, the beginning and end of the academic year at universities, and the tourist season.

“If the number of destinations and flights increases, the balance of supply and demand will be restored, and prices will start to fall,” Akancay emphasized.

The head of KITSAB noted that airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, SunExpress, and AJet should more actively add extra flights during periods of high demand. The absence of such flights, he said, directly leads to sharp price increases.

Akancay also criticized the current system of state support for tourism, calling it insufficient. In his view, subsidies for charter flights from Europe alone are not enough — a comprehensive incentive model is needed that takes into account passenger numbers and routes, as well as the involvement of tour operators.

The head of KITSAB reported that the organization is already holding talks with airlines and relevant ministries. In particular, Turkish Airlines is preparing special fares for 2026, including for European routes and cultural tours to Turkey.

Special group fares through travel agencies are also being developed to make travel to Northern Cyprus more affordable.

According to Akancay, the current winter tourist season is weaker than expected, but early bookings for summer show positive dynamics. He stressed that the winter downturn is typical not only for Northern Cyprus, but also for most European destinations.

In the absence of force majeure events, no serious problems are expected in the summer 2026 season. Preparations for it, as the head of KITSAB noted, began back in 2025, and work for 2027 is already underway in parallel.