In Van, decreased flight frequencies during the pandemic that were not subsequently increased have sparked significant backlash from local residents and neighboring cities. The reduced number of flights at Van Ferit Melen Airport has not only failed to meet the region’s travel demands but has also led to high domestic flight ticket prices, placing Van under strain.
Nayif Süer, Chairman of the Van Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns over the decreasing flight frequencies in Van, noting that this has resulted in higher ticket prices. He emphasized that travel to Van has become increasingly difficult for both business travelers and tourists, adversely affecting the local economy.
Süer highlighted the negative impact of insufficient flight services even during major events like the 9-day Ministry of Culture festival, which saw low attendance due to inadequate flight availability. This situation, according to Süer, diminishes Van’s ability to leverage its tourism potential.
Cevdet Özgökçe, Chairman of the Eastern Anatolia Regional Executive Board of TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies), underscored that the low number of flights to Van has detrimentally affected the region’s tourism and economic potential. He pointed out that visitors unable to find flights for festivals and tourist events in the region are discouraged from coming to Van, thereby reducing tourism opportunities.
Özgökçe further emphasized that Van hosts tourists and investors primarily from neighboring countries such as Iran and Iraq, but inadequate flight services hinder the region from fully utilizing this potential. He stressed the urgent need to increase flight frequencies to enhance Van’s tourism potential and support local businesses and travelers affected by health-related travel needs.
The situation at Van Ferit Melen Airport underscores the critical need for improved flight services to stimulate economic growth and bolster tourism in the region.
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