Yerevan to Expand Direct Flight Network, Targeting European and Asian Markets
Yerevan, Armenia, February 23, 2026 – Armenia is set to significantly boost its tourism sector with the introduction of new direct flight routes, as announced by Lusine Gevorgyan, Chair of the RA Tourism Committee. During a press conference held at Armenpress, Gevorgyan highlighted the high activity in the Armenian aviation market regarding direct flights and revealed exciting new developments for the near future.
The expansion of direct flight connections is a key strategy to attract more tourists to Armenia. “Direct flights from various cities to Yerevan noticeably contribute to the increase in the number of tourists,” Gevorgyan stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of these new routes.
Yerevan-Riga: Opening Doors to the Baltic States
One of the most anticipated new routes is the direct flight between Yerevan and Riga, scheduled to commence in May. Gevorgyan recently discussed the entry of AirBaltic into the Armenian market with the Ambassador of Latvia to Armenia. This new connection is expected to open up the Baltic countries as a new source market for Armenian tourism.
“Riga is a tourist aviation hub with its wide opportunities,” Gevorgyan explained. “Very few tourists from that region currently visit Armenia, and with this direct flight, a greater number of tourists are expected to come to our country.” A comprehensive marketing campaign will be launched in April, prior to the start of the Yerevan-Riga direct flight, to maximize its impact.
Yerevan-London: An Unprecedented Connection with Wizz Air
Another significant development is the launch of direct flights from Yerevan to London, set to begin in June. This route, which will be operated by Wizz Air, is described by Lusine Gevorgyan as “unprecedented” for Armenia, signaling a major step in connecting the country with Western European markets.
Exploring New Horizons: China and Los Angeles
Beyond Europe, new opportunities are also being explored with China. While there is currently a direct flight from Urumqi, China, to Armenia, Gevorgyan revealed that discussions are underway to introduce a direct flight from another Chinese city to Yerevan. This initiative is driven by the noticeable increase in tourist numbers from China to Armenia, which reached 33,000 in 2024 and 45,000 in 2025.
“Currently, we have one direct flight which connects an industrial city,” Gevorgyan noted. “If a direct flight from another city to Yerevan opens, I am confident that the results will be different.” The committee also observes a flow of Chinese tourists to Armenia via land checkpoints, for example from Georgia, suggesting potential for joint regional tours with Georgia.
The possibility of a direct flight between Yerevan and Los Angeles is also a focus for the Tourism Committee. Gevorgyan mentioned that Turkish Airlines is entering the Armenian market, and its significant potential in this direction could facilitate the establishment of such a long-haul route.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The introduction of these new direct flights is expected to have a substantial positive impact on Armenia’s economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Increased accessibility will likely lead to higher visitor numbers, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.
The RA Tourism Committee’s proactive approach in expanding flight connections underscores its commitment to positioning Armenia as an attractive and accessible tourist destination on the global map. These strategic moves are anticipated to further diversify Armenia’s tourism markets and contribute to sustainable growth in the sector.
