The Armenian government plans to offer state support in 2026 to airlines that operate flights from new international destinations to Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport and Gyumri’s Shirak Airport. This was announced by Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan during a joint session of the National Assembly’s standing committees, held as part of the preliminary discussions on the draft state budget for 2026.
“This year, for the first time within the framework of the state budget, we plan to provide support to airlines that will transport passengers from new directions to Zvartnots and Shirak airports,” the minister said, according to Armenpress.
A total of AMD 3.6 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 state budget for the aviation sector, with approximately AMD 3 billion allocated to implementing the subsidy program.
Khudatyan clarified that the program will benefit those airlines that choose to base their operations at Zvartnots or Shirak and launch flights from new international destinations. One condition is that at least one of the new routes must operate from Shirak Airport in Gyumri.
Airlines that agree to base at Zvartnots or Shirak and provide passenger transport from new directions to either airport—with at least one new route required from Shirak—will receive subsidies: AMD 20,000 per passenger over two years of age for flights to Zvartnots, and AMD 15,000 per passenger for flights to Shirak.
The minister stressed that the program is open to all airlines that meet the requirements. He also noted with satisfaction that international carrier Wizz Air has already established a base at Zvartnots.
