Private aircraft pilots departing from various cities across Germany landed in Çanakkale on 24 May 2025 as part of an international general aviation event. The aim of the event is to promote aviation tourism and build cultural bridges.
The pilots were welcomed with a ceremony at Çanakkale Airport, where Çanakkale Mayor Muharrem Erkek greeted them with the words, “Welcome to our city of peace and freedom, Çanakkale.” Organised by FlightQuest, a global aviation platform, the event was supported by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism, DHMİ (State Airports Authority), Çanakkale Municipality, KETAV, Austria-based RogersData, and various local tourism offices. Renowned tourism expert Hüseyin Baraner from Çanakkale also contributed to the event.
A Tribute Flight with Historical Significance
One of the most emotional moments of the visit was a commemorative flight over Çanakkale by German pilot Andreas Scheerer. Scheerer stated that during World War I, his grandfather had served as a driver for a Turkish soldier in the Balkans, and in honour of this historical connection, he performed a special flight. He also visited the local martyrdoms, commenting:
“This wasn’t just a flight; it was a reflection of the bond we have with my grandfather, our history, and this land.”
International Participation and a Wide-Ranging Turkish Route
The event saw participation from numerous aviation clubs, including Fly2Troy from Turkey, The Flying Pharaoh from Egypt, and TravelAirs from Europe. All flights were conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Following their stop in Çanakkale, the pilots’ Turkish route includes Cappadocia, Konya, Istanbul, and Antalya.
Social Media Criticism Over Flight Accessibility: “We Can’t Even Fly to Istanbul”
While the organisation attracted considerable interest from aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals, it also sparked debate on social media. Some citizens voiced frustration over the lack of sufficient domestic flight connections from a city like Çanakkale to major metropolitan areas such as Istanbul and Ankara.
One user expressed their concern:
“They’re flying in from Germany with private planes, yet we struggle to even fly to Istanbul. We have an airport, but domestic flights are still inadequate. Why can’t we find flights?”
Citizens Demand Greater Accessibility in Air Travel
Although the event is considered an important step for general aviation tourism, locals stress that meeting the transportation needs of the local population should be a priority. Alongside tourism-focused activities, there are growing calls to increase the number of public, scheduled domestic flights.
