Armenian Citizens Stranded at Warsaw Airport Unable to Return to Yerevan
Yerevan, January 16 – A group of Armenian citizens remains stranded at Warsaw Chopin Airport after their LOT Polish Airlines flight to Yerevan was canceled. The passengers, who departed from the United States on January 13, 2026, have faced significant difficulties and a lack of clear communication from the airline.
Flight Cancellation and Initial Delays
Anahit Danielyan, one of the stranded passengers, told NEWS.am that after an 8-hour flight from the US, they arrived in Warsaw and waited for 9 hours before passing final inspection. Subsequently, passengers were asked to wait inside the aircraft for three hours without clear explanations, with only occasional announcements about the need to de-ice the wings.
Danielyan stated that passengers were then disembarked, with the airline citing weather conditions as the reason for the delay and promising a resolution. However, after another six-hour wait, no satisfactory solution was provided.
Lack of Communication and Support
According to Danielyan, an airline manager, initially promised for 6 AM, only arrived at 8 AM after passengers raised concerns. The manager reiterated that the airline was seeking solutions, proposing that passengers travel to Yerevan in pairs on alternative flights.
Approximately 40 citizens with Schengen visas were able to travel to other countries for transit flights to Yerevan. However, around 30 passengers, including Danielyan, do not possess Schengen visas and are unable to leave the transit zone.
Unacceptable Alternatives and Conditions
The stranded passengers were offered convoluted travel options, including flights to Cairo, then Doha, and finally Yerevan, a journey that would take approximately two days. Another option was to remain at the airport until the evening of January 17, 2026, for a direct flight to Yerevan.
A further suggestion involved passengers purchasing tickets to Georgia at their own expense, with a promise of reimbursement from the airline later. However, travel expenses from Georgia to Armenia would not be covered. Danielyan emphasized that passengers have not been provided with adequate food or water, despite the presence of elderly, sick individuals and young children among them.
Attempts to Contact Authorities Unsuccessful
Passengers attempted to contact the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the provided phone number (055620111), but their calls went unanswered. Efforts to reach the Armenian Embassy were also unsuccessful.
Danielyan expressed bewilderment, noting that while their flight was delayed, other airlines’ planes were departing for Yerevan concurrently.
Ongoing Situation and Call for Assistance
The Armenian citizens remain in a precarious situation at Warsaw Airport, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and assistance from relevant authorities. The lack of proper care and clear communication from LOT Polish Airlines has exacerbated their already difficult circumstances.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by travelers when flight disruptions occur, particularly for those without the necessary travel documents to navigate unforeseen delays.
