Ryanair to Enter Armenian Market Tomorrow, All Tickets Sold Out, Says Revazyan

Ryanair's entry into the Armenian market will commence tomorrow. "We have changed the air entry fee and decided to eliminate it for new directions. This has had a significant impact. If we previously had 6-7 destinations in Europe, after these changes, we will have 16-17," said Tatevik Revazyan, head of the Civil Aviation Committee, in a conversation with journalists.

She noted that significant traffic is expected in 2020. "This is also interrelated with how much international media has recently written about Armenia. Very often, when new routes emerge and new airlines come into play, the country's promotion increases greatly. It is very good that Armenian citizens can visit Europe with direct flights at convenient times and at the same time, at affordable prices. This will also affect the development of tourism. An airline like Ryanair does not focus on the diaspora, but rather on tourists. We hope that many tourists will come to Armenia, which will create new jobs and thereby boost the economy."

Revazyan mentioned that there could be minor issues related to tomorrow's Ryanair flight. "We are lucky. The air traffic controllers in Italy have decided to go on strike, and this will affect Ryanair; however, that is not the airline's fault. Today it will be clearer what signals will come for Armenia. I have contacted Ryanair's management, and they initially put Armenia on the cancellation list, but they have removed it. However, delays are expected due to the strike. Follow our website for updates regarding flight delays," she added.

When asked how many people would fly to Italy if tomorrow's flight is not canceled, Revazyan stated that, according to her information, all tickets are sold out.

Revazyan also addressed the cancellation of Yerevan-Tehran flights. "As the Civil Aviation Committee, we are obliged to announce any risks that may arise during flights. However, ultimately, the airline is responsible for flight safety and makes the final decision," she noted regarding the cancellation of the Yerevan-Tehran flight. She explained that they would not make such an announcement if there were no dangers. "We cooperate with international organizations, and those recommendations come from them. Time is needed for investigations to take place and for the entire issue to be understood," she added.