Status of Ordu-Giresun Airport
Located within the borders of Ordu and being the first airport built on the sea in Turkey and Europe, Ordu-Giresun Airport was put into service on May 22, 2015. This airport, which has hosted thousands of flights since the day it was opened, has frequently come to the fore with the ‘passing-around’ situation, especially in foggy and windy weather. This situation caused some passengers to suffer.
Closure of Flights in 2023
Finally, in November 2023, the airport remained closed for 10 days due to PAT fields repair and apron expansion works. Additionally, it is reported that there will be a 50-day maintenance period between September 16 and November 5, 2024. In this process, PAT field repair and apron expansion operations will be carried out at the airport. The fact that the work coincided with the return of expats and holidaymakers and that the work schedule was aimed to be completed in 50 days led to some reactions.
“For a Very Long Time”
Erdoğan Kalafat, Chairman of the Carriers Cooperative No. 149, working on the Gülyalı-Airport Central Taxi line, expressed the following views on this issue: “The authorities know this job better, we hope they will make a statement. However, 50 days is a very long time for both citizens and us. Our hope is that no one is victimized. Hopefully it will be completed faster. This repair and maintenance process could have been done on a different date rather than in September. “I hope a statement will be made and the public will not be in conflict.”
“As Taxi Drivers, We Become Victims”
Kalafat stated that taxi drivers also suffered and that disruptions at the airport continued in foggy and windy weather. “Perhaps we are the people who will suffer the most in the 50-day period. I hope this process will be completed quickly. There are also disruptions here due to fog and windy weather. “Hopefully, during this renovation process, a solution will be found for landing problems in rainy and foggy weather and it will be better for the region.” he added.
“Our citizens are happy with the construction of the airport, but the disruptions are upsetting”
Kalafat stated that the citizens were very pleased with the construction of the airport, but the disruptions made them sad, and said, “This is the only airport in our region and the provinces with the most immigrants are Ordu and Giresun. Our citizens are happy that such an airport has been built, but we also feel sad when such disruptions occur. We want the airport to operate actively 12 months of the year. Last year, there was a closure period of approximately 2 weeks. Hopefully these occasional situations will end and the airport will operate continuously. “There is also information pollution on this issue, and the authorities need to make a statement.” he said
“It’s a Matter of Victimization”
Kemal Soylu, who works as a driver on the Ordu-Giresun Airport route at Gülyalı Minibus Stop, emphasized that the airport, which will be closed for 50 days, may cause serious inconvenience for students, passengers and themselves. Soylu said, “Since students come to the university in August, there may be a big problem for the students who will use it here. “This is a long period of time and it is a matter of victimization for both students and citizens.” he said
“It coincides with the time when holidaymakers and expats will return”
Minibus driver Kemal Soylu continued his words as follows: “I think the renovation of this place could have been done on a different date, maintenance could have been done during the winter season. It coincides with the exact time when holidaymakers and expats will return. The plane does not land in foggy weather, and as far as I know, rainy weather does not have that negative effect. “In our region, fog occurs about 1-2 months a year.”
“Flights Will Be Suspended for 50 Days”
On the other hand, in the announcement made by the Ordu-Giresun Airport Directorate of the General Directorate of State Airports Authority, it was stated that due to the ongoing PAT field repair and apron expansion at the airport, it will be closed to landing and takeoff traffic for 50 days starting from September 16, 2024, and during this period Ordu-Giresun It has been stated that flights to Giresun Airport will be stopped.
