Kapısız: Emrullah Turanlı is an Opportunist!

Kapısız stated, "Turanlı is an opportunist; no matter how many contracts you sign, he will find a loophole and take advantage of it. You handed an airport to a businessman like Turanlı."

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV's "Sabah Postası" program, hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Kapısız highlighted several shortcomings and issues in the management of Ercan Airport, particularly focusing on radar system failures, security concerns, and the lack of meteorological devices.

Kapısız pointed out the serious risks posed by the radar system's lack of backup and inadequate security and meteorological equipment, which he argued were significant vulnerabilities.

“We are constantly dealing with these issues; it’s become a given. The radar cannot detect anything below 4,000 feet. Radar failure is always a possibility, but in aviation, this is unacceptable. Problems should be addressed before they occur, and backup radar systems should minimize risks,” he said.

Kapısız also noted that Ercan Airport had been opened without completing necessary infrastructure, particularly highlighting the ongoing problems with the radar system.

“Radar is a mechanism that may break down, but this is unacceptable in aviation. When the radar breaks down, immediate backup should be provided, and 24-hour uninterrupted service should be available. This has not been ensured at Ercan,” he said.

"The Airport Opened Incomplete"

Kapısız criticized the incomplete state of the airport, citing comments from government officials, including Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, who claimed "it will gradually be completed." Kapısız responded, “That’s not acceptable! Is it a market? It’s an airport! It’s still not finished.”

He continued, “The airport was opened halfway. There are no security systems, navigation devices are missing, and the meteorological devices don’t work. A temporary meteorological device was installed. The airport should not have opened without these essential facilities.”

"Emrullah Turanlı is an Opportunist"

Kapısız also revisited the privatization of Ercan Airport in 2012, criticizing Turanlı as an opportunist.

"In 2012, Ersan Saner was on one side, Ersin Tatar on the other, and Emrullah Turanlı in the middle. We handed over the airport for 100 million euros. No matter how many contracts you sign, Turanlı will find a way to exploit any loopholes. You handed an airport to a businessman like Turanlı," he said.

"Arıklı Changed the Rules to Give Turanlı the License"

Kapısız sharply criticized Minister Erhan Arıklı’s interference in the licensing process for the airport. “In July 2023, it was stated that the airport did not meet international aviation standards, and no license was granted. However, Arıklı changed the regulations and took the authority to issue licenses into his own hands. He issued the operating license without addressing the deficiencies. As a minister, how can he neglect public safety?” Kapısız remarked.