Gyumri, April 21 – Shirak Avia airline officially launched its new direct flight route connecting Yerevan, Armenia, with Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 20, 2026. These flights will depart from Shirak Airport (GYD) in Gyumri, marking a significant development for air travel from the region.
New Route to Operate Weekly
The new service will operate once a week, every Monday, providing a regular connection between the two capitals. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate travel for both business and leisure passengers between Armenia and Kazakhstan.
“Armenia International Airports” CJSC extended congratulations to Shirak Avia, wishing them safe flights and successful operations on this new route. The launch of this flight is expected to boost passenger traffic and strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Booking Information and Further Details
Passengers interested in booking tickets or obtaining more information regarding availability and other details are encouraged to visit the official website of Shirak Avia at shirakavia.am. Alternatively, inquiries can be made through local travel agencies that partner with the airline.
This new route from Shirak Airport adds to the growing list of international connections from Gyumri, further solidifying its position as an important aviation hub in the region.
Shirak Airport’s Expanding Network
The introduction of the Yerevan-Astana route follows previous discussions and plans to expand flight destinations from Shirak Airport. In recent months, there have been considerations for flights to other European cities, including Prague, Beauvais, Hamburg, Naples, and Bucharest, as well as routes to Cyprus.
For instance, Wizz Air launched Larnaca-Gyumri-Larnaca flights on September 30, 2025, and flights from Gyumri to Cyprus were confirmed on August 26, 2025, indicating a strategic push to diversify travel options for residents and visitors to the Shirak Province.
Recent Developments and Incidents at Shirak Airport
While the airport is focused on expansion, it has also dealt with various incidents. On July 2, 2024, a 36-year-old citizen was arrested for a false bomb threat at Shirak Airport. Earlier, on August 19, 2019, an emergency incident occurred when an aircraft touched the runway with its tail during landing, highlighting the importance of safety protocols.
Discussions regarding the development of Gyumri Airport have been ongoing, with architects and officials exploring ways to enhance its infrastructure and operational capacity. This includes past events such as “Taron Avia” leaving Gyumri’s Shirak Airport on December 23, 2017, and the launch of budget flights by “Pobeda” airline in November 2016.
The continuous efforts to expand routes and improve facilities underscore the strategic importance of Shirak Airport for regional connectivity and economic development.
Source: https://pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/04/20/%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D4%B1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1/1965678
