Kazakhstan considers restoring flights to Armenia

Kazakhstan is exploring the possibility of resuming air services with Yerevan, Kazakhstan's Minister of National Economy said.

He noted that one of the main challenges is the high cost of airport services in Yerevan, which amounts to around $65 per passenger and $1,248 per ton of aviation fuel, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

“Under these conditions, both SCAT and FlyArystan are ready to launch flights,” Zhumangarin said, adding that discussions are currently underway on subsidizing these costs in some way.

Kazakh and Armenian airlines were granted the right to operate mutual flights without restrictions in April 2024, following a memorandum between both countries’ aviation authorities.

Kazakhstan is also grappling with high aviation‑fuel costs: retail prices at some Kazakh airports reportedly range between US$1,100–1,200 per ton, driving up operating costs for its carriers.

To address fuel supply issues, Kazakhstan plans to create a single state operator for aviation fuel, aiming to stabilize prices and improve access, which could support its international service ambitions.

Meanwhile, Armenia is offering financial incentives to airlines launching new routes to Yerevan’s Zvartnots and Gyumri’s Shirak airports — for example, about $50 per passenger subsidy for incoming flights to Yerevan.

By Jeyhun Aghazada