Ignoring warnings from Turkish authorities that they wouldn't be able to land in Istanbul, the crew of the plane, an Arkia Airline C56X, got permission for a Rhodes-Istanbul flight, and used this to land at Ataturk Airport.
Flight plans turned in late
Normally, flight plans are required to be turned into the Turkish Aviation Board before lift off, but in the case of the Avia flight, the plans were turned in late, which meant that authorities didn't realize what was happening in time. It in fact wasn't until after the Avia flight left again for Israel that authorities at Ataturk Airport, in consulation with flight regulators at Ankara's Esenboga Airport, realized that the flight had even originated in Nicosia. The pilot had indicated to authorities in Istanbul that his plane had lifted off from Rhodes, for which there was no problem legally.
New regulations for foreign pilots landing in Turkey
As a result of this incident, government aviation officials are now discussing drawing up new regulation for foreign pilots landing in Turkey, who may not be aware of the Cyprus restrictions. For Turkey to accept a direct flight from the Greek side of Cyprus, a government which it does not officially recognize, is an extremely serious event.
