Turkish Airlines to restart Istanbul–Yerevan flights in March

Turkish Airlines is set to launch direct flights between Istanbul and Yerevan from March 11, 2026.

The announcement was made during a meeting between representatives of the airline and Lusine Gevorgyan, head of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Officials also discussed prospects for further cooperation and the potential opening of additional routes in the near future, the Committee said in a statement.

Earlier, Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan suggested that positive developments may be forthcoming regarding the long-closed Armenia–Türkiye border. He highlighted Türkiye as Armenia’s largest neighbouring economy, noting the potential economic benefits of reopening.

Deputy Economy Minister Anushik Avetyan said reopening could boost investment flows by up to 20% and benefit the wider region. The initial phase is expected to allow entry for third-country nationals and diplomats, potentially increasing tourism and supporting Armenia’s services sector.

Avetyan added that opening the border would reduce transport costs, shorten supply chains, expand market access, and strengthen Armenia’s export potential, particularly to the EU via Türkiye’s Customs Union.

The Armenia–Türkiye land border has been closed since the early 1990s amid regional tensions, but renewed discussions could mark a step toward improved economic and regional connectivity.

By Aghakazim Guliyev