HTKS Union: Authorities are violating the law and ignoring the problems of Ercan Airport air traffic controllers

The North Cyprus Air Traffic Controllers Union (HTKS) issued a sharp statement to the government, accusing state authorities of ignoring the law and the demands of employees. The statement dated June 24, 2026, says that official requests remain unanswered, which directly violates the Good Administration Law (İyi İdare Yasası), which obliges state bodies to respond to requests in a timely manner. In addition, the Ministry of Transport ignored a request for a meeting submitted two weeks ago.

The union’s main concern is the unfair organization of shuttle transport for Ercan Airport staff. Transport to shifts is provided exclusively for residents of Lefkosa, while employees from Famagusta, Iskele, and Kyrenia are forced to get there on their own, despite having the same duties. Deteriorating working conditions inside the airport were also reported: due to the lack of maintenance in the new building, furniture and plumbing are breaking down.

Particular criticism was directed at an initiative to lower the English-language requirements for candidates for the post of Director of the Civil Aviation Department from B2 to B1. HTKS emphasized that aviation is tied to international rules, so lowering the bar would be a regression for the department. The union called for appointments to be made solely on the basis of merit (liyakat) and for laws not to be changed for specific individuals.