Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that they expect Turkish Airlines to launch flights to Gyumri. New steps in aviation are on the agenda within the Türkiye–Armenia normalization process.
Aviation diplomacy comes to the forefront in the normalization process
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that, within the scope of the normalization process with Türkiye, they expect Turkish Airlines to start flights via Gyumri as well. Pashinyan’s statement indicated that transportation and trade channels between the two countries could be reshaped.
Istanbul–Yerevan route had been reopened
Pashinyan reminded that Turkish Airlines has already resumed its Istanbul – Yerevan – Istanbul flights. These services were reinstated as of March 2026 after a long hiatus.
The Prime Minister emphasized that they hope flights via Gyumri will begin as the next step, noting that this development would be important in terms of regional connectivity.
Opening of borders is a matter of time
Responding to questions regarding the opening of land borders between the two countries, Pashinyan stated that the process is progressing, but the timing has not yet been clarified.
“The issue is not whether the border will be opened, but when it will happen,” Pashinyan said, drawing attention to the ongoing technical and diplomatic aspects of the normalization process.
What does the Gyumri route mean?
Potential flights via Gyumri would be a confidence-building step in Türkiye–Armenia relations.
According to experts, such connections could:
- Contribute to the revival of regional trade,
- Increase tourism mobility,
Support the diversification of transportation networks in the Caucasus.
In particular, Gyumri’s geographical location and its proximity to the Turkish border offer a strategic advantage in terms of logistics and short-haul air transport.
However, the sustainability of new routes will depend on passenger demand, the course of political relations, and the commercial planning of airline companies.
Normalization steps in aviation may accelerate
The recent increase in diplomatic contacts between the two countries is paving the way for concrete steps in civil aviation as well. In the process that gained momentum with the resumption of the Istanbul–Yerevan route, the inclusion of Gyumri could open the door to a new era in regional aviation balances.
