Armenia Updates Aviation Incentives, Eyes Airport Expansion
Pashinyan highlights expansion of Zvartnots airport as a key priority for Armenia
The Armenian government has amended regulations governing airline incentives to support aviation sector growth. The changes increase minimum flight requirements from 28 flights during summer and 20 during winter to 40 flights in both seasons, addressing the reality that some carriers operate heavily in one season but sparsely in another.
The amendments also extend the incentive period from a single 24-month extension to two 24-month extensions under updated state duty laws. Airlines operating new routes remain exempt from the 10,000-dram passenger tax.
Deputy Minister Armen Simonyan credited the 2019 incentive program with significantly expanding Armenia's air connectivity. A separate subsidy program launched in 2025 is being utilized by two airlines, contributing to 7.5 percent passenger growth last year.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan identified expansion of Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan as an urgent priority, alongside international aviation compliance and development of Syunik and Shirak airports.
