Cyprus Turkish Airlines - I wouldn't...... (Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY))

Member Name: hulahoops

Product:	Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY)
Date:	24/08/05 (2192 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Goes to Ercan Airport in the North

Disadvantages: Staff, staff, flights, delays, food, staff.........

I thoroughly enjoyed Monkeywarrior's review of the state of Cyprus Turkish Airlines. My parents are originally from North Cyprus and i am ashamed to admit that we run such a dismal airline service. Surely CTA's goal should be to aim as high as possible in their level of service, particularly with regard to the behaviour of their staff, in order to match other commercial airlines in the world. Especially since the TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is an unrecognised state at present. Unfortunately, CTA seem intent on capitalising on this at the expense of their passengers. They are fully aware that there is a large Cypriot turkish community here in the UK and that they travel back to this beautiful island at least once a year. However, they are also aware that they are the only real major operator that offers flights to Ercan airport. Travelling with the one other operator, Onur air, is not an experience anyone who values their life should have to endure following comments i have received from friends who have chosen this airline. I am pleased to see though, that now the borders have opened for cypriots to move freely on their island, within reason, from the south to the north, it is now possible to travel to Larnaca airport and then cross over to the north with a taxi.

I would urge anyone wishing to travel to north cyprus to do just this, anything to avoid getting on a CTA flight. After the experience we had this year, August 2005, returning back to London Stanstead from Ercan, with 2 small children I hasten to add plus 12 hour delays etc. I will not be travelling back to Ercan anytime soon. Just as we thought the flight was taking off on time, as soon as it was airborne it was apparent that there was a problem with the plane and quite rightly, the pilot returned to Ercan. It appeared a bird had flown into one of the engines. Whilst they made attempts to mend the plane we were left sitting in a rather cold departure lounge, too much airconditioning i think! As hour upon hour passed we became more and more frustrated as did our fellow passengers. There was no explanation offered until finally, with the help of a sympathetic policeman, some passengers staged a sit in and barricaded the entrance to the departure lounge, refusing admittance to any other travellers until our problem was resolved. Needless to say, i will not be travelling to Cyprus anytime soon and as a writer, will be publishing my experiences and taking the matter further until CTA get their act together.

One question I do have for anyone that can answer this is, How is it possible that CTA are able to fly from the UK airports considering they are not a member of any governing body, e.g. IATA?

Summary: North Cyprus is a beautiful place, shame about the airline..