Wizz Air has officially opened its new base at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, marking a major expansion of the airline’s operations in Armenia. The launch coincided with the first Naples–Yerevan flight on October 1 and was attended by Wizz Air Hungary Managing Director Roland Tischner, Director of “Armenia” International Airports Marcelo Wende, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, Tourism Committee Chair Lusine Gevorgyan, General Manager Sergey Avetisyan, and other officials.
Two modern Airbus A321neo aircraft are now stationed in Yerevan. Compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321neo delivers 20% lower fuel consumption and CO? emissions, along with a 50% reduction in noise levels. The second aircraft will arrive in Armenia on October 26.
Expanded Routes and Schedule
The new base enables Wizz Air to introduce eight direct routes to Europe:
- Prague, Hamburg, Naples – launched October 1.
- Paris Beauvais and Paphos – launching October 2.
- Bari and Bucharest – launching October 26.
- Memmingen – launching October 28.
In addition, Wizz Air will increase weekly flights to Dortmund to four and has launched new direct flights from Gyumri’s Shirak Airport to Larnaca, Cyprus, beginning September 30, 2025.
Growing Market and Passenger Reach
Wizz Air expects to carry more than 1.2 million passengers to and from Yerevan this year, with ticket prices starting at 9,000 AMD. Since its first flight to Armenia in 2020, the airline has already transported over 2.6 million passengers and currently operates 16 routes to nine countries, holding a 22% market share.
Roland Tischner emphasized that Armenia is becoming increasingly important in Wizz Air’s network. “Armenia is gaining importance in our network, and we aim to deliver more smart travel opportunities for passengers traveling from and to Armenia,” he said. He added that in 2025 Wizz Air transported 72 million passengers and operates 34 bases in 16 countries, with Armenia now joining that network.
The airline highlighted that the new base will create more than 800 jobs in Armenia’s tourism and aviation sectors, enhancing the country’s connectivity with Europe. Wizz Air has already welcomed 50 aviation professionals to its Armenian team, including pilots and cabin crew, and plans further recruitment. It also offers training through the Wizz Air Pilot Academy (WAPA) and organizes open days for aspiring aviation professionals.
International Recognition
Wizz Air has been recognized internationally for its safety, affordability, and environmental sustainability, earning multiple awards, including “EMEA’s Most Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year” in 2024.
Reactions
Marcelo Wende described the opening as a “proud moment” for Zvartnots Airport and Armenia, noting that Wizz Air is one of the most in-demand airlines globally. He highlighted that its choice to establish a base in Yerevan demonstrates Armenia’s rising importance in international aviation. Wende also emphasized the significance of Gyumri’s first-ever EU flight and praised Shirak Airport’s ability to provide “top-class service.” He expressed hope that Zvartnots will expand its capacity to meet the growing demand.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan welcomed the airline’s entry and stressed the transformation in Armenian travel. “Ten years ago, the proud citizen of Armenia couldn’t see the world. For example, going to Rome used to cost hundreds or even over a thousand dollars. You had to first get to Moscow or Abu Dhabi, wait for hours, spend money, and only then reach Rome. Now, you can spend just a few dozen euros, fly directly, enjoy life, and return,” he said.
Papoyan noted that this development came without direct financial support from the Armenian government. “The government didn’t pay for this. What it did was create opportunities—an open and competitive market environment. This allowed airlines to establish themselves here, and global brands are now entering the Armenian market,” he added. At the same time, he acknowledged that Zvartnots Airport is now struggling to keep up with rising traffic and stressed the need for new infrastructure and capacity.
Tourism Committee Chair Lusine Gevorgyan underlined the importance of expanding Gyumri’s role in Armenian aviation. She announced that the government plans to invest in Gyumri’s tourism infrastructure over the next five years, supporting hotels, restaurants, businesses, and services. “The city already has the potential to receive tourists, and direct flights will boost the development of the local economy,” she said.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the development, calling the opening of Wizz Air’s Armenian base an important achievement of his administration’s social policy. “This is important news for Armenia and a significant achievement for the government’s social policy,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on social media, reacting to Wizz Air’s announcement. He stressed that airlines like Wizz Air create opportunities for people from all walks of life to travel the world.
He also referred to the visa liberalization process with the European Union, which is currently in an intensive phase of negotiations. “Traveling and seeing the world is, first of all, a way to get to know ourselves, to see all our strengths and flaws. Traveling, and the knowledge gained in the process, is a resource that must be incorporated into the development of Armenia,” Pashinyan added.
