Flights to North Cyprus (TRNC): How to Fly to Ercan (ECN) or via Larnaca (LCA) & Paphos (PFO)

Flights to North Cyprus (TRNC): How to Fly to Ercan (ECN) or via Larnaca (LCA) & Paphos (PFO)

Can you fly direct (non-stop) to Ercan (ECN)?

In short: from outside Türkiye, non-stop flights are not available because of the island’s political status. All international itineraries to Ercan International Airport (ECN) route via Türkiye, even when sold as a “through” service on one ticket.

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Airlines that fly to Ercan (ECN)

Ercan has frequent links to multiple cities in Türkiye, with onward connections from Europe, the UK, Middle East and beyond. As of October 2025, these airlines operate scheduled services to/from ECN (mostly via Turkish hubs):

• Pegasus Airlines (major operator; extensive ECN–Istanbul SAW and other Türkiye routes).

• AJet (Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary; growing ECN capacity).

• SunExpress (select routes between ECN and Türkiye).

• Turkish Airlines (service reflected in current schedules/route databases).

Route trackers and schedule databases show ECN offers non-stop flights to multiple Turkish cities (Istanbul SAW & IST, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana/Çukurova, etc.), with connections onward to the UK/EU.

Tip: If you’re starting in the UK/EU, book to Istanbul (IST/SAW) and connect to ECN on the same ticket with Pegasus, AJet or Turkish Airlines for the smoothest experience.

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Flying to North Cyprus via the South: Larnaca (LCA) or Paphos (PFO)

Many visitors choose to fly into the Republic of Cyprus and cross the Green Line by car, taxi, or shuttle.

Why this route is popular

• Wide choice of airlines & direct services into Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) from the UK and across Europe (e.g., British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2, Ryanair, Aegean, Cyprus Airways, and more).

• Efficient road access from Larnaca or Paphos to the northern resorts after crossing at approved checkpoints.

Airports & operator: Hermes Airports operates both Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO).

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Border crossing: what to know

• Crossing points: Several official Green Line checkpoints allow pedestrians and vehicles (e.g., Agios Dometios/Metehan in Nicosia).

• Documents: Carry a passport or EU ID; if driving, bring your rental agreement and purchase additional North Cyprus insurance at the checkpoint (typically a quick process).

• Legal note: The Republic of Cyprus regards entry/exit via Ercan as not a legal entry to the Republic. Travellers are advised to enter/exit the island via Larnaca or Paphos if they plan to use the south.

Car hire tip: Many south-based rental companies’ insurance doesn’t cover driving in the north; border insurance is commonly purchased at the checkpoint. Always confirm terms with your rental company.

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Typical travel plans (examples)

• UK → Istanbul (IST/SAW) → Ercan (ECN) with Pegasus/AJet/Turkish Airlines (one ticket).

• UK/EU → Larnaca (LCA) on BA/easyJet/Wizz/Jet2/Ryanair/Aegean/Cyprus Airways → taxi/shuttle → cross to Kyrenia (Girne).

• UK/EU → Paphos (PFO) (Jet2/Ryanair/easyJet/TUI among others) → drive or transfer to the north via an approved crossing.

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FAQs: Flights to North Cyprus

• Is there any chance of true non-stop international flights to ECN soon?There’s periodic political discussion (e.g., UK parliamentary motions) but no approved non-stop services from the UK/EU as of October 2025. All itineraries still require a stop in Türkiye.

• Which airlines should I check first for ECN?Start with Pegasus, AJet, Turkish Airlines, and SunExpress—they collectively operate the ECN network to Turkish hubs.

• Which airlines fly to Larnaca and Paphos?Larnaca (LCA): a wide mix including BA, easyJet, Wizz Air, Aegean, Cyprus Airways and others. Paphos (PFO): strong presence from Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, plus regional carriers. Check Hermes Airports or route databases for current schedules.

• Can I drive a south-rented car into the north?Often yes, but your south rental insurance is usually invalid in the north—buy border insurance at the checkpoint and confirm with your hire firm first.

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Key resources (check before you book)

• Ercan (ECN) routes & airlines (live schedules overview).

• Pegasus — ECN info. 

• Hermes Airports — airline directory & live info for Larnaca/Paphos.

• Official travel advisories regarding entry/exit points.

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✈️ Flights to North Cyprus from the Middle East (2025 Guide)

There are no true international non-stop flights to Ercan due to the island’s political status.However, one-stop connections via Türkiye are quick and frequent — often less than 90 minutes in transit.

Ercan Airport (ECN): Airlines Serving the Middle East

Most Middle Eastern travellers reach Ercan via Istanbul (IST or SAW), Antalya, or Ankara.Below are the main carriers operating regular ECN services:

Airline	Typical Routing	Notes
Pegasus Airlines	Dubai → Istanbul SAW → Ercan	Most popular and cost-effective option
AJet (Turkish Airlines subsidiary)	Riyadh/Doha → Istanbul → Ercan	New low-cost brand with good connections
Turkish Airlines	Jeddah / Amman / Kuwait → Istanbul → Ercan	Full-service comfort
SunExpress	Seasonal Antalya → Ercan	Useful for holidaymakers to the coast

Travel tip: Book a through-ticket from your Middle Eastern city to Ercan on the same airline to avoid re-checking baggage in Istanbul.

🌍 Alternative Route: Fly via Larnaca or Paphos (Airports in the South)

Many travellers prefer to fly into the Republic of Cyprus and cross the Green Line to reach the North.

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✈️ Airlines with Direct Flights from the Middle East to Larnaca (LCA)

• Emirates – from Dubai (DXB) non-stop daily

• Qatar Airways – from Doha (DOH) daily service

• Saudia – from Jeddah and Riyadh (seasonal)

• Royal Jordanian – from Amman (AMM)

• Aegean Airlines & Cyprus Airways – from Beirut and Athens connections

From Larnaca, the drive to Kyrenia is around 1 hour 45 minutes via the Metehan (Nicosia) checkpoint.

✈️ Paphos (PFO)

Mainly served by European leisure airlines and TUI charters — useful if combining with a holiday in southern Cyprus.

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🚗 Crossing the Green Line to the North

• Main crossing for drivers: Metehan (Nicosia).

  
  

• Documents required: Passport and vehicle insurance for the north (purchased at the border booth; takes 5 minutes).

  
  

• Transfer options: Private taxi from Larnaca Airport to Kyrenia ≈ €90 – €110; shared minibus services also available.

  
  

• Rental cars: Check with your hire company; many southern firms require extra insurance for driving north.

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🕒 Sample Itineraries for Middle East Travellers

Origin	Option 1 – Via Türkiye	Option 2 – Via Cyprus (LCA/PFO)
Dubai	DXB → SAW (Pegasus) → ECN	DXB → LCA (Emirates) → Taxi to Kyrenia
Doha	DOH → IST (Turkish Airlines) → ECN	DOH → LCA (Qatar Airways) → Cross at Nicosia
Riyadh / Jeddah	RUH/JED → IST → ECN	RUH/JED → LCA (Saudia) → Transfer north
Amman	AMM → IST → ECN	AMM → LCA (Royal Jordanian) → Kyrenia via Metehan

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💡 FAQs for Middle Eastern Visitors

• Do I need a visa to enter North Cyprus? Most GCC nationals and residents (including UAE and Qatar expats) receive a visa-on-arrival for up to 90 days. Always check your passport requirements before travel.

  
  

• Which route is faster from the Gulf? Via Istanbul → Ercan is often quicker (6–7 hours total journey). Via Larnaca adds a land transfer but offers direct non-stop flights.

  
  

• Is the Green Line crossing safe? Yes — crossings are friendly and efficient for tourists. Keep travel documents handy and follow instructions at the checkpoint.