Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of flights by Turkish air carriers between Ercan Airport and Türkiye even though the airport has not been designated by the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with Article 68 of the Chicago Convention, for use for international air services.
Moreover, in the absence of an air services agreement in force between the Republic of Cyprus and Türkiye, such operations are not permitted, in accordance with Article 6 of the same Convention.
The Commission considers that in line with the 2024 Türkiye Report[1] which sets out Türkiye’s obligations on the normalisation of relations with Cyprus, Türkiye is expected to actively support negotiations on a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the EU’s founding principles and acquis.
As for potential sanctions by the Commission, it should be noted that there is no agreement on air services between the EU and Türkiye. Such an agreement might allow the Commission to directly address the situation and adopt measures on such air carriers.
Air services between the Member States and Türkiye (including those operated by Turkish air carriers) are currently governed by the respective air services agreements in force between Member States and Türkiye.
Any decision on adopting restrictive measures (sanctions) under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is for the Council to make under Article 31 Treaty on European Union[2].