NGOs demand halt to airport project in Kaş

ANTALYA – Doğan News Agency

Local NGOs have submitted a seven-page report to local state bodies opposing the construction of an airport in the resort of Kaş in the southern province of Antalya, as they fear the airport would have irreversible consequences for the town, which attracts tourists with its pristine environment.

The report, which was drafted by organizations including the Kaş Tourism Association, the Kaş Kalkan Patara Hoteliers Association, the Kaş Underwater Association and the Kaş Environment Platform, said an airport would not only damage the region’s tourism, agriculture and environment, but it would also hit the economy of Kaş, as it would force the residents of its Ağullu, Belenli, Çukurbağ, Pınarbaşı and Yeniköy neighborhoods to migrate.

The report also said that if an airport was constructed in the town, the culture and nature tourism of the town would disappear, as the area chosen for the construction is full of historic buildings and endemic plants, as well as agricultural plots.

Highlighting that the project would not be an investment in the town and would have irreversible consequences for the entire area, the representatives from the NGOs stressed the initiative should be stopped immediately.   

The report was submitted to a group of officials including District Governor Bilgihan Bayar, Police Commissioner Murat Şahin, Justice and Development Party (AKP) district head Mutlu Ulutaş and Republican People’s Party (CHP) district head Ulaş Akbaş.

Last week, Kaş Mayor Halil Kocaer said the airport was only in the planning stages and construction was not yet certain. 

Such an airport would also need permission from Greece, as the location is very close to the Greek island of Kastellorizo.