Aviation strategies within the scope of EU common transport policy and the effects on airline transportation in Türkiye

The European Union (EU) has been working on a common transport policy since its early years. In this respect, the policies pursued in particular for air transport constitute the analysis subject of this study. The liberalization movements of the European Union in the air transport sector have been evaluated with the effects on the airlines in the historical process. The interaction of Türkiye -whose membership process continues- with EU aviation policies has been examined. Taking into consider the future of Turkish civil aviation sector, which is developing day by day, inferences have been made regarding the course of relations with the EU. Although many studies have been conducted in the transportation sector in Türkiye, there is a lack of detailed studies on air transport. However, considering the growth potential of Turkish civil aviation in recent years, such studies contribution would be of great help. EU air transport policies and its interactions with Türkiye was analyzed with qualitative research method. The effects of air transport policies on member states, third countries and airlines are interpreted by using tables, graphics and figures. During the preparation of the study, various books, articles, journals, agreement texts and electronic resources were used. Additionally, the opinions of experienced aviation employees in the sector were consulted. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the liberalization movements in the EU aviation market do not always produce positive results in all aspects for both EU member states and third countries with which aviation agreements are concluded. While some airlines gained new opportunities, others lost their market shares. It has been concluded that the cooperation that the EU wants to build with Türkiye in the field of aviation, may have negative consequences for the airlines operating in Türkiye in the current conjuncture. It is anticipated that it would be beneficial to re-evaluate the negotiations with Türkiye on the basis of the principle of reciprocity in a way that would be specific to the EU-Türkiye air transport market.