YEREVAN, April 23 (ARKA) – Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, David Khoudatyan, announced today during a government session that direct flights from Yerevan to London are expected to commence in the near future. This development is part of a broader strategy to expand Armenia’s air travel network and increase passenger flow.
New Routes to Strengthen European Connectivity
In addition to the upcoming Yerevan-London route, Minister Khoudatyan also revealed plans for a new flight to Brussels. “This will be the second or third airline operating flights to Brussels,” Khoudatyan stated. He also mentioned that new flights to the Netherlands are in the pipeline, further solidifying Armenia’s connections with key European destinations.
The expansion of air routes is a strategic move to boost tourism and economic ties between Armenia and European countries. The introduction of direct flights is expected to attract more travelers and facilitate business interactions, contributing to the country’s overall development.
Shirak Airport’s Potential to Be Maximized
Khoudatyan also highlighted the significant potential of Shirak Airport in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city. He noted that after the opening of the North-South road and the renovation of routes leading to Shirak Airport, reaching Gyumri from Yerevan now takes less time than reaching Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan during certain hours of the day.
“The potential of Gyumri’s Shirak Airport is vast,” Khoudatyan emphasized. He added that discussions are underway with various airlines to launch new flights from Shirak, beyond the existing routes to Larnaca and Russia. This initiative aims to decentralize air traffic and utilize the full capacity of regional airports.
Passenger Traffic Surges, New Destinations Added
The Minister reported impressive figures for the previous year, with 47-48 airlines operating flights from Armenia to 70 destinations. Passenger traffic saw a substantial increase, reaching 5.7 million people. Furthermore, approximately 10 new destinations were introduced last year, indicating a dynamic and growing aviation sector in Armenia.
This growth underscores Armenia’s increasing attractiveness as a travel and business hub in the region. The government’s continuous efforts to improve infrastructure and expand air travel options are yielding positive results, positioning Armenia as a more accessible and connected country.
Government’s Vision for Aviation Development
The government’s focus on developing the aviation sector is evident in these announcements. By fostering new partnerships with airlines and optimizing the use of existing airport infrastructure, Armenia aims to create a robust and competitive air travel market. This vision includes not only increasing the number of flights but also enhancing the quality of services and convenience for travelers.
The expansion of air routes is expected to have a ripple effect on various sectors of the Armenian economy, including tourism, hospitality, and trade. Increased connectivity will facilitate greater exchange of goods, services, and cultural experiences, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure remains committed to further developing Armenia’s aviation capabilities, ensuring that the country stays connected with the world and continues to attract international visitors and investments.
