Cyprus Turkish Airways

coolrob


Joined: 24/06/2008
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 09:08

Can anyone confirm as to whether C.T.A. have taken to the air as unable to contact their offices and due to fly Stansted - Ercan tomorrow.

Rob.

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 10:25

Hi Rob, The latest I've heard is that CTA planes have now been grounded for at least 3 months. Atlasjet will be honouring all CTA tickets so it might be an idea to give them a call too (only number i could find was this one from their website, +90 212 663 20 00). I know a plane came in to Stansted yesterday as I had friends on the flight... but be prepared for some traditional Turkish Cypriot Chaos... They said they were asked to move seats several times and from what I heard about the food, it's best you take a packed lunch too.

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 10:44

cont... Rob, Stansted is showing both YK flights that were due to arrive later toady as cancelled, so it's not looking good for today. there are also no KK (Atlasjet) flights showing.



20:10 YK971 GAZIANTEP CANCELLED

20:30 YK955 ANTALYA CANCELLED

nickw


Joined: 15/06/2010
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 11:40

Rob, We are not due to fly out till 12th July but obviously worried like you. I have just checked Stansted live flights in and out today and can,t see any CTA. My wife got through to CTA office in Turkey yesterday and they just said we should be alright!!!!!! for the 12th?. Good luck for tomorrow

joef55


Joined: 12/09/2009
Posts: 198

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 11:41

Has anybody managed to get through to the numbers supplied today to find out what is happening with todays flights from Ercan?

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 11:49

Contacted CTA yesterday we are flying out tonite as per booking (fingers crossed)



Dave

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 11:50

Sorry on 0207 930 4851 and very helpful.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 11:57

Any CTA flights are listed as cancelled on BAA websites. These are with flight codes starting YK.



Any replacement AtlasJet flights are listed with the AtlasJet code KK. So just search for KK on the BAA website to see when the flights are due.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 12:26

An Atlasjet flight landed at Manchester late wed night but it was not on arrivals on the website. It was however listed on flight arrivals on BBC teletext.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 13:01

Trying to reconfirm my flights tonight no replys anywhere,contacted Stansted no flights confirmed !!

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 13:20

This article is listing the best Stansted flight as tomorrow: http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=62507



Thursday 24th June



01.45 Manchester-Ercan

00.30 Ercan-Ankara

02.30 Ankara-Ercan

00.00 Ercan-Trabzon

02.30 Trabzon-Ercan

04.00 Ercan-İstanbul

09.30 Ercan-Antalya

22.00 İstanbul-Ercan



Friday 25th June



00.15 Ercan-Ankara

02.15 Ankara-Ercan

04.00 Ercan-İstanbul

21.50 İstanbul-Ercan

00.20 Ercan-İzmir

02.35 İzmir-Ercan

05.00 Ercan-İzmir-Stansted

11.00 Standsted-İzmir-Ercan

18.45 Ercan-İstanbul

21.00 İstanbul-Ercan

23.30 Ercan-İstanbul

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 13:24

I have made a zillion phone calls,in desperation called Ankara travel(Girne) spoke to Shenez wow what a helpfull lady,my flight due to leave at 22.oo tonite left at 11.00 this morning,now got me booked for same time tomorrow.



Guess who i will book with in future.



Dave

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 17:03

Dave - Msg 12

You are lucky because the agents booking system run on Sabre is currently closed off.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 17:52

Tom hope i am still lucky at 11.00 tomorrow.



Dave

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 18:52

davedee, at least msg 11 seems to confirm that the first Ercan-Stansted flight for a few days is leaving tomorrow. There was supposed to be contracts between the government and AtlasJet signed today so I guess it depends on that.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 19:25

Hi Dave so do I for all travellers.

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 20:38

Hi Folks,



Have tried all suggested phone numbers no luck suppose to be flying next sat!



Happy Days

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 20:42

William Msg 17 - I think that flights on the 3rd of July might just be subject to changes. At present people are worried about the next three days.

The airlines, agents and operators who service North Cyprus are having the devils own task trying to operate the rest of their schedules as well as the North Cyprus ones.

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 20:49

Yeah I know,



I feel for the guys due out in the next few days, don't forget folks if you paid by credit card, quote Ref: Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 you will then get your money back from the credit card company don't bother trying the airline company. thats their job!

iankb


Joined: 03/09/2009
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 21:56

Mrs Iankb came back from Manchester yesterday with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul to Antalya.All after being booked with KTHY.If you look at Turkish News you will see that Atlas Jet now have a 50.01 % OF kthy and all should start to run more smoothly. Will we get our cash back for the missed flight ? I don't think so. Hey ho thats life over here.



Ian

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
24/06/2010 22:03

Not bothered about the cash

We are looking forward to spending 5 glorious weeks in TRNC



So fingers crossed we fly out the last wek in july

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 10:58

William Msg 19 The c/c rule may only apply if you did not change the contract* and if they did not offer or arrange an alternative service. Also who was paid with the credit card if it was an agent and they supplied the ticket then the rules are can be different again. *Choosing to fly with another airline can be considered your change of contract.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 12:00

Tom,



You mention rules, etc. There are actually two categories of ticket, and it would help people to understand which category they fall into.



1) A scheduled ticket from KTHY direct or through one of their agents to take you to Ercan on a particular flight with a particular airline.

2) A charter ticket from a tour operator or one of their agents to get you to Ercan with any airline.



In case 1, flight YKxxx can not operate, YK flight licence is revoked. I would contact KTHY or my agent to request a refund. If you have trouble with KTHY/agent, if you paid by credit card, contact you card issuer. If you did not, good luck...



In case 2, you have agreed to the tour operators terms & conditions in which they always state they can substitute airline, aircraft, etc... At the time of purchase they may have planned to use KTHY, but they can change that now. Therefore, you must contact your tour operator to see if they plan to substitute or refund.



Tom, your thoughts on above?

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 12:34

If CTA planes are grounded and Atlas Jet have 17 ( may be incorrect) planes, surely these planes are committed already to serve the Atlas Jet destinations in Turkey. Atlas jet don't fly to the UK as far as I know. Has anyone actually arrived or departed from the UK on an Atlas Jet flight yet?



I have given up on leaving from Ercan tomorrow and have bought a ticket with Cyprus Airways at a reasonable price.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 12:45

Mus Msg 23 - without going into it too deeply most of what you say is probably right but there are a number of factors to do with scheduled / charter / agents / operators and airlines that could be mentioned (many which can change what you say). I suspect you are aware of them.

Many of the scheduled seats are sold for use as charter so come under different rules etc etc.

I think our concern at present is to help people in trouble and not worry too much about the "niceties". People want to fly and be secure in their knowledge about returning.

Tom

info@flightholiday.co.uk 0871 855 2925

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 12:57

I have just heard on the radio that Atlas Jet have withdrawn from the talks due to the unhelpful attitude of the union. We are back on to a square one.

ismet

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:07

Take a look here:-



http://www.brtk.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8485:atlas-jet-halts-talks&catid=5:kktc&Itemid=28

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:07

It's simple really, everyone needs to use charter flights through Larnaca, then these stupid people who cannot see that they are ruining even further the reputation of TRNC will all lose their jobs, no passengers, no jobs, easy.

When is someone going to use some common sense and take control of this ludicrous situation before the damage is total.

Troodo


Joined: 12/06/2008
Posts: 1002

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:14

Lemmings!!!!



Patientia est a donum superum

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:14

They have probably just realised:



1).There is no/little value in CTA. Actually in financial terms it is negative, as they have massive debts and liabilities.

2) There is no value in the "slots". Most valuable slots are LHR morning, of which CTA have none. Majority are STN which are not valuable and can be applied for, airlines not reliant on grandfather rights.

3) What little goodwill they had is now gone.



In my opinion any airline is best starting up from scratch, without taking on any CTA/KTHY baggage / liabilities.



As for the 100,000 people that have already booked, that mess needs to be cleared up by the TRNC/KTHY, as they're the one that took the £10,000,000s.

basheer



Joined: 22/12/2008
Posts: 949

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:21

lets do what Branson did

hire out a plane

very sure the seats will be packed

for a nominal extra cost

never know we could start a new airline business called cyprus 44!!!!

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:23

Basheer, I looked into this before, but could not find anybody to hire a plane for limited period. Any leads as to who may hire planes on for short term to start with?

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:30

Message 28 i think the damage is now total!!



Dave.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:45

Msg 31:

Pegasus, Atlas, etc are in an ideal position to increase their flights and be the ones left standing.



Neither/nobody needs KTHY... The staff/goodwill/slots are worthless at best, or a liability at worst. There is no value.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:51

What is wrong with these people, at long last things appear to be going their way, what with ECHR rulings, petitions for direct trade, ports being recognised, can they not see that maybe, just maybe, things could improve in TRNC.

So what do they do, with UK school holidays coming up, people looking forward to coming over here, hotels having taken bookings, they decide to strike, again, scuppering probably the only deal they will get on a defunct airline.

As CTA is no longer a viable company then all the employees are in actual fact surplus to requirements, so get rid of them ( uncle mehmet will find them another job), allow Atlas to take control with some proper business plans and experienced managers, employ just the number of staff they require to run a profitable business and perhaps the tourist industry will have a fighting chance. Carry on as they are and nobody will benefit in any way. For Gods sake get a grip before it's too late.

basheer



Joined: 22/12/2008
Posts: 949

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:57

dave dee long term all the members can contribute and be part of the airline nothing better then flying in your own plane

there are enough people flying in and out to keep seats full

flights are always full or nearly

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 13:58

hattikins, unfortunately the clever people in Cyprus left to go and work abroad a generation ago... Brain drain...



The remainder are desparate to cling on to their handouts from Turkey.

crofter


Joined: 16/12/2008
Posts: 1035

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 14:09

Yes the flight from Manchester on 5 June was AtlasJet and not CTA as was expected. Trying to get information as to whether the 06.00 flight to Manchester from Ercan tomorrow Saturday 26th is going to leave. Anybody have any news re this flight please.

juliamoons



Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 849

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 14:48

Message 38, very doubtful all CTA flights are grounded. Deal with Atlas fell through this morning, when the unions decided to take strike action tomorrow at Ercan airport.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 14:50

http://www.brtk.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8485:atlas-jet-halts-talks&catid=5:kktc&Itemid=28

Pogle


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 1536

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 14:52

Thats that then, won't bother turning up at Ercan tomorrow. If anyone is stuck Cyprus Airways have some reasonably priced seats for the new few days.

kazbo


Joined: 05/04/2009
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:12

crofter, just been told that the 6.00 flight will not be going, but not by any one official. Trying to get news but told that we would have to make alternative arrangments

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:34

Not what I wanted to hear nor to quote.

Taken from the British FCO site (2nd update today @ 13.25) http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/cyprus :

On 25 June Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA) and Cyprus Turkish Holidays Ltd ceased operations and a planned partnership between Cyprus Turkish Airlines (CTA) and Atlas Jet will now not proceed. Passengers affected are advised to seek advice in the first instance from their travel agents or tour operators regarding their position. There is no ‘help line’ available yet for passengers, but Cyprus Turkish Airlines can be contacted on the following numbers: (+90 392) 44 458 49, 228 3901, 228 3045 or 227 1706.



CAA: No change on CTA Holidays ATOL at present (this is for package holidays only not flights)



There might still be a salvage but I am not sure who or how.

I have talked to other members of ASTTO and all are desperately trying to place clients on other flights & alleviate their problems.



Tom

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:35

Msg 43 This could all change again! The FCO do not put out two messages in one day very often.

Australianx2


Joined: 25/06/2010
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:48

Booked to fly out last Wednesday the 23rd at something like 1920 to Trabzon in Turkey. Didn't realise the company had gone broke till we picked up the newspaper that morning. Checked with the hotel and a turkish friend living in Cyprus. Both said "problem yok", meaning no problem. Turned up at the airport, no flights to Trabzon were even on the board. Got an AtlasJet flight out about 1am the next morning which eventually came up on the screen as a KK flight about 10pm. Can't complain, the company went broke and we managed to fly out with in 12 hours of when we were booked with no extra charge or hassle. So someone must be handling the situation quite well. Although there does seem to be a lack of information about future flights but my thought process was maybe the are struggling to deal with current flights at this stage.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:54

Basheer - make it a small single engined plane and I'll fly it for you! (3 seats and pilot!!)

Could get everyone over to Turkey anyway!! Sort of a ferry to nearest airport!



How can people go on strike if the company they work for does no longer exist in a trading sense? They are now redundant! Incidentally who's paying them? Isnt it about time this government started to bash some heads together?



I am so sorry for all the people waiting to come over for a well earned holiday - and of course the ones wanting to get back to UK to go back to work - or other urgent things.

crofter


Joined: 16/12/2008
Posts: 1035

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 15:59

We have now been told by our travel agent in Girne that there is no point in going to Ercan for the 06.00 flight to Manchester tomorrow, Saturday morning. Due to the talks having been halted between AtlasJet and CTA .

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 16:01

while AtlasJet were in the running to take over CTA they would have no problem flying people out of Ercan for free but now they are no longer going ahead with the deal, apparently because of the staff DEMONSTRATIONS (not strike), they probably won't feel so generous.

Could the situation change? Yes, the minute the unions accept the new deal and put no obstacles in the way of the changes needed. Will the situation change? I'm beginning to think not.

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 19:08

A friend who is due out in a few days has been told by her agent that it is now sorted and Atlasjet have taken over. She obviously knew about the strike and Atlasjet pulling out of the talks but has got back to her with this news can anybody else confirm

teevee


Joined: 23/06/2010
Posts: 21

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 20:44

The CTA London office don't know that! On another forum people are still this evening being told that the KTHY staff don't know what's happening and they should ring back on Monday!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 21:12

Msg 43 + 44 Now a third change to the FCO web site today! They have removed the reference to CTA Holidays which is not directly a party to the problem of KTHY/CTA. (I guess this is determined by the fact of can CTA Holidays honour their offers to clients or refund them.)

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 21:23

This is all a nightmare.



When it is sorted (if) will anyone want to fly with cta again, I doubt it.

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 534

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 22:24

A lot of people on here were bad mouthing CTA and looking forward to them going down and now many people are complaining at their demise! Funny old world isnt it!

Also now there is less competition do we expect the remaining companies to put their prices up?



Yes, those at the top have badly managed this company and bigwigs have bled it dry but remember, there are real people with families (including small children) who no longer have a bread winner to provide for them. These people are not driving around in Merc's and have a very insecure future.

Not everyone at CTA was sitting around picking their noses, some actually worked and they are suffering whilst the real guilty parties have bank balances that would fund small armies!



Although your holiday in the sun may be disrupted think about the innocents who are suffering more!

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 22:54

Everybody will have sympathy for the small man at CTA. However, the reality for CTA is that their business model suitable for a monopoly situation was not sustainable in the longer term. Whilst Pegasus & other thrived, CTA made larger & larger losses.



Despite attempts at stifling the competition over the past 20 years, ultimately it did come and customers voted with their feet, by the plane load every single day...



Although it may be painful in the short term, it will ultimately be good riddance and better things will come. Fingers crossed, Pegasus, Atlas, Onur. Sun Express, Turkish and others will start flying to Ercan and competition will start.



Probably not much comfort for people that will be inconvenienced this year, but we've been suffering at the hands of CTA for 35 years. Let the old inefficient CTA go away, and bring on more like Pegasus.

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 534

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 23:20

Msg 54 ''Everybody will have sympathy for the small man at CTA''



I havent read every single post on this subject but have read most and havent spotted even one mention of the poor people who are now unemployed and their families, only regret for people who are inconvenienced by cancelled flights. S'pose thats the world we live in though!



CTA business model? What business model? Connected People given jobs at the higher levels and filling their boots. Turkey giving jobs to unemployed Cypriots after the intervention to keep everyone quiet (just like all the govt jobs etc). Yes it's a new world and Turkey/Erdogan is not prepared to prop up Cyprus/is paying them back now they voted against his preferred direction but for all the little Cypriots its still very tough.



To most of you CTA employees, I feel for you xx

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/06/2010 23:59

Steve Msg 55 - I do agree that few seem to have sympathy for those who are trying to work hard and help clients; it seems hard on everyone likewise others who might lose their businesses due to this. I know many of the UK CTA staff quite well and they and their families will be in trouble when they have often spent much of their lives working for KTHY and are probably now losing their jobs.

In the thread - KTHY the latest news - Msg 5

I said:

In the next 72 hours do not panic yourself or anyone else & try to be as nice as possible to KTHY staff who are trying to help you while they face the prospect of possibly no money and no job at the end of the month.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
26/06/2010

I have just been speaking to my friend who is a Captain on CTA, He is very upset at the thought of losing his job and not knowing what is going on and may not know anything for 3 months.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 00:39

Atleast the captain has a skill, and can find a job elsewhere. I'd imagine some of the 100s of admin staff will be more worried.

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 01:38

Tried all day to get through to KTHY in the UK to seee about any chance of a refund

Finally gave up and managed to get some tickets with Pegasus. I didn't want to spend the extra but really cant afford not to. No flights then no summer hoilday Catch 22



I have to agree with other msg yes we should consider the poor people that have lost there employment, but to be fair did the feel for the UK when we lost nearly all our motor

manufacturing. I was born in Sheffiled and lived there for 28 years till the steel industry was next to non existant ad to relocate and start again

Sorry but these things happen

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 01:45

Just read an email saying talks had broken down due to the unions demands



Dont know how true it is



if it is then its Not looking goos at all

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 534

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 02:07

I am told that if Atlas jet buy CTA the cabin crew (hostesses) are likely to be offered the choice of moving to Istanbul (leaving their lives/family/homes behind) and to be paid 700tl a month.. Thats not a lot and a big life change for a Cypriot girl!

Just one of the reasons why they dont want this tie-up.

We all know there are too many ground crew and they are obviously fearful of long-term unemployment

Also one of the main reasons certain companies want CTA is for their UK landing slots and staff are worried they are gonna get pumped once other airlines get hold of CTA's jewels!

Please remember that this is Cyprus not the UK. Many people have been given made up jobs, funded by Turkey to keep them quiet once Turkey turned up in 74 as there was nothing else for them. There still arent enough for everyone if you do away with the funded jobs - It could be better if there wasnt so much corruption at the top and better management of the island but Hey! This is TRNC!

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 06:22

"Although your holiday in the sun may be disrupted think about the innocents who are suffering more!"



msg 53



Nothing to do with our holiday in the sun, we live here permanently and as stated many times have always flown cta and all our family and visiting friends fly cta.



The blame for all of this lies almost entirely at the top of course and, yes, it is always the innocent at the bottom of the pile that suffer but right now it looks like the only saviour has gone because they will not tolerate the "tail wagging the dog" as it appears. The publicity that has been generated will ensure that if another potential "saviour" was out there it is unlikely they will now come forwards. The Turkish government will I am sure save their money and allow private enterprise to prevail.



I am sorry that cta has gone, particularly as our plans are in disarray for a very important visit to England but those at the top ensured its demise long ago by their ineptitude.

RoxyBob


Joined: 13/07/2009
Posts: 205

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 08:28

Re flight from Ercan to Manchester via Dalaman on Saturday morning. Looked at Flight info on google and it stated that the arrival at Dalaman was on schedule. Looked at Manchester airport arrivals and departures. It stated YK661 due to arrive at 10.15 uk time was on schedule. YK662 due to depart manchester at 1145 uk time - wait in lounge.



Can anyone confirm that the flight from Ercan did take off?

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 09:45

No YK planes out of Stansted today, the only one (YK994) has been cancelled. The Manchester YK661 incoming from Dalaman is expected at 10:15 and then out again at 11:45. My guess is that the Ercan leg might not still be operating, anyone know?

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 09:53

Spoken to travel agent here this morning, they know nothing more from last night, that the deal has collapsed.



I asked about rebooking a flight for Tuesday with another airline and got the advice that I expected. If we book and fly with another airline and cta's slot is fulfilled we will not get a refund from the cta pot.



Why couldn't the government just say - there will be no flights until something is sorted then we could move on. We cannot afford to loose £500. Probably ending up loosing more than that because alternative flights will have rocketed by the day before we must go.



No doubt all interested parties are all having their week end off and involved with tomorrows election not caring what happens to others.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 10:11

Donty - Msg 61



"I am told that if Atlas jet buy CTA the cabin crew (hostesses) are likely to be offered the choice of moving to Istanbul (leaving their lives/family/homes behind) and to be paid 700tl a month. Thats not a lot and a big life change for a Cypriot girl!"



The minimum wage in mainland Turkey is 608 TL per month and even white collar workers in Istanbul (the most expensive region in Turkey) can only expect salaries of between 800 - 1300 TL per month. Compare this to what their opposite numbers are being paid here in the TRNC, particularly in the civil service. Small wonder that the TRNC is not able to meet it's wage bills. Nepotism here reigns supreme with jobs for friends and family guaranteed regardless of the cost to the society at large.



Regards



Paul

teevee


Joined: 23/06/2010
Posts: 21

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 11:25

If CTA has had its license to operate suspended for 3 months and everything else is showing as not flying I'd take that Manchester flight with a huge pinch of salt.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 11:37

No YK plane leaving Dalaman this morning and the Manchester arrival is saying "scheduled" not expected.

As for the argument that you cannot book another flight and expect money back if the CTA flight does appear. I'm working on the assumption that the FCO announcement is true and that I have to rebook. I've copied the Foreign Office page and it's going in with my claim form to the credit card company. If the CTA flight does reappear my argument will be that, on the basis of the FCO announcement, I took reasonable steps under the circumstances to stop myself from being stranded.

Watch out the prices of Larnaca flights are steadily rising!

mahdel


Joined: 28/05/2009
Posts: 255

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 13:43

Looks like I'll be attempting to get a refund and going through Larnaca for my flights this summer. Does anyone know if there will be any customs issues with me having a North Cyprus residence permit and a number of Ercan stamps in my passport when I fly back in to the South?

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 14:00

I had Ercan stamps (but not residency) the only time I went through Larnaca, and had no problems. Mind you, I think the passport was given only a cursory glance.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 14:08

the Ercan stamps are no problem.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 14:10

With a british passport you will have no problems although I would start using the white stamp paper at the NC gate even if just to reduce passport page usage.

I come through Larnaca every month and on the way in and way out all they do is look at your passport back page, quick scan and you are on your way.



Paul

BillBarnacle


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 167

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 14:28

Talks CTA/ATLAS back on if you believe it





http://www.brtk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8534:cta-atlas-jet-talks-resumed&catid=5:kktc&Itemid=28

DONTY


Joined: 07/06/2007
Posts: 534

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 14:50

Msg 66



1. Cost of living is much higher here

2. These people dont want to leave their families behind and the life of living on a little island to a huge city 100's of miles away.

3. The cost comes from Turkey and is in return for Turkey taking control of the island

ceg123


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 405

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 15:46

So - what is happening? Are people travelling? Have friends due out on Wednesday and Friday

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 15:49

Keep trying to get an answer from any of the numbers given but no luck so far, will just book flights out of Larnaca because there seems no sense left in any of this.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 15:58

donty, how do you work out that the cost of living is higher here? What is your council tax and water bill in the UK? How much does your petrol cost? I make that £3000pa saved already.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 15:58

Donty



Alas, like most of the locals who are employed in 'government' positions, they have been sheltered from the 'real world' for years. I have a degree of sympathy for their plight, but if their pay was related to performance, they would be owing the government money !!



Read Tom Roche's article in this weekends Cyprus Today, I think he sums up the CTA situation and work ethic of government employees perfectly.



Paul

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 16:23

Pegasus have flights but they are going fast and not cheap

I booked through Cyprus Premier it was £ 425 cheaper that booking direct with Pegasus, It still wasnt cheap and considering I had already splashed out and lost £700 with CTA

But hell the place is worth every penny cant get back fast enought

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 16:29

Malsancak



Donty was talking about the cost of living here in the TRNC compared with mainland Turkey and not the UK.



Paul

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 16:58

that'll serve me right I'm getting the CTA and the "why are people leaving north Cyprus?" threads confused!!!

lippylush


Joined: 29/12/2006
Posts: 197

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 23:40

The flight from Birmingham on Monday has been cancelled. Direct Traveller were most unhelpful. We actually re-booked with Turkish Airlines for a very resonable price last night given the short notice. We have been told by Direct Traveller that we will be refunded the cost of our flights booked through them.

High Priest


Joined: 12/04/2008
Posts: 148

Message Posted:
26/06/2010 23:59

We were booked CTA this morning 6 am flight returning fromErcan to Manchester. After holding for ages each time,I spoke direct to the CTA call centre wed. thurs. and fri. evenings and a very pleasant man told me that there were no problems and we should arrive at airport at the normal time, but there could be slight variations on take off times. We arrived at Ercan at 3 am and were told by airport admin.tht there were no CTA flights and we would have to re-book, best option was Ercan - Istanbul 5am / Istanbul - Mcr 8am Turkish Airlines cheapest price 1400 lira, 1 way for 2. It all seemed very weird as we didn't witness any other passengers asking for the original CTA flight, no one at all. Why also did the call centre give us the wong info. 3 times. We are now back home but 1400 lira ighter. Why is all this being allowed to happen when the government are supposed to have a large stake in the Company.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 00:04

you are so right WHY, it all beggars belief xxxxxx

kazbo


Joined: 05/04/2009
Posts: 208

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 09:37

lippy lush



Which flight from birmingham with direct travell ????? DT have given my friends an alternative flight from Larnaca to Birmingham 00.10 Monday morning is this the same flight as we have not been told it has been cancelled



Karen

LeonD


Joined: 27/06/2010
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 10:13

My first message:- Just thought I would update you, my in-laws and a family friend are currently staying in our place in cyprus, they were booked to come back on CTA on Monday, they got a phone call on Saturday morning from CTA saying "No more CTA you must re book and find your own way home" they managed to get a Peagus flight back on Wednesday at a cost of £260 each.



I have flights for me and my family to come over in July, cant get hold of anyone from CTA to find out whats happening and credit card company wont pay out until after the date of travel as past.



Do I rebook with another airline and take a chance of loosing my money or wait and see what happens...this is driving me made. None of the telephone numbers i have seem to be working.



Stressed out or what!

cyprusairsoft



Joined: 22/06/2009
Posts: 2066

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 11:30

de stress book a new flight and enjoy your holiday

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 12:09

Leon Msg 86 - Welcome to the board - try to de-stress things might still change for the better. If not try us at IAH Ltd on Monday and see if we can assist at all (no promises). http://www.flightholiday.co.uk

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 12:38

Message from my TRNC Travel Agent

Gokcen Turmen to me

show details 9:57 PM (12 hours ago)





Hello Richard,

Atlas jet deal is not completely collapsed.It is the personnel of CTA still making trouble and not collaborating.The Ministry and Atlas jet together keep putting flights to England and still carrying people.Today aftenoon they put a flight to stansted, on tuesday they have one flight to Stansted and one to manchester.Hopefully things will get better day by day.

Good night,

With love,

JANNY



Richard

Jachin



Joined: 05/02/2008
Posts: 99

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 13:58

More info on CTA.

I have booked to fly from Stanstead on 5th July and can't get in touch with CTA. Any suggestions?



http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=125&pagetype=90&pageid=9522

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 18:30

we are booked for the 3rd july wish KTHY would keep us informed are the flights cancelled or what!

so we can rebook and reclaim our money..

scats21


Joined: 26/05/2010
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 19:02

any more news about flights status ? not looking good from here

horselover


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 19:46

my family was due to come out to cyprus 20th.luckily,i only paid a deposit.was going to pay on 30th, but am withdrawing.im not taking a chance with nearly 2 grand! gona go south side n cab it.its cheaper anyway.thank you for saving our skin. my friend sed they were bust but i didnt take notice as samt thing hapnd last year and our flites were normal.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 20:43

Martina, if you paid a deposit it would have been to a tour operator - talk to them before making the alternative booking they might do it for you. The airline will expect full payment at the time of confirming your flight.

nilmoney


Joined: 29/12/2008
Posts: 122

Message Posted:
27/06/2010 20:48

Hi ref: msg 94

Not sure if you are correct there sir we have prebooked many times and confirmed and paid a couple of weeks before the flight which could on occasions been six weeks after confirmation.



We may be needing your assistance tomorrow! suppose to be fying out next sat!



cheers