Direct flights for northern cyprus?

A ban on direct flights between UK airports and Northern Cyprus comes under challenge at the High Court today...

The ban has lasted 35 years and been criticised for causing "considerable inconvenience" for travellers.

Cyprus Turkish Airlines flies about 100,000 visitors from the UK to Northern Cyprus each year

The legal challenge is being brought by Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA), which flies about 100,000 visitors from the UK to Northern Cyprus each year, and its UK tour operator, CTA Holidays Limited.

They are seeking to overturn the UK Government's "unlawful and unjust" refusal to lift the ban.

They criticise the Government for saying that it is in favour of direct flights, but that they would be contrary to the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

 Currently, CTA, together with all other airlines, must land in Turkey en route both to and from Northern Cyprus.

CTA argues this increases flight times, airfares and fuel emissions, but has "absolutely no operational justification".

Their lawyers will contend at the High Court in London that the Government has misunderstood the Chicago Convention and there is no justification under international law for banning direct flights.

They say it also unfairly restricts Turkish Cypriots and their companies wishing to travel and conduct business with the EU and the rest of the world.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk