Armenia’s two airports, “Zvartnots” and “Shirak,” served a total of 4,675,270 passengers during a 10-month period in 2023. At Zvartnots airport, the number of passengers reached 4,598,337, with departures accounting for 2,304,674 and arrivals at 2,293,663. Meanwhile, Shirak airport welcomed 76,933 passengers, with departures at 38,268 and arrivals at 38,665. Overall, there were 2,342,942 departures and 2,332,328 arrivals, leading to a difference of 10,614 more departures than arrivals.

These figures highlight the significant passenger traffic in Armenia’s airports during the specified period. It is clear that Zvartnots airport, being the main international gateway, had a substantially higher number of passengers compared to Shirak airport. This can be attributed to Zvartnots’ strategic location in the capital city of Yerevan and its better connectivity to major international destinations.

The data also reveals an interesting trend with departures outnumbering arrivals by over 10,000. This indicates that more individuals were leaving Armenia than arriving during the specified timeframe. While the reasons behind this imbalance might vary, it could be indicative of factors such as emigration, travel for business or tourism purposes, or transit passengers using Armenia as a layover destination.

Armenia’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and its increasing connectivity to global markets are evident from these airport statistics. The country’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and historical sites continue to attract visitors from around the world. With Zvartnots airport serving as the primary entry point, it plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and driving tourism in Armenia.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to monitor the passenger traffic at Armenia’s airports in the coming years. The government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize maintaining and improving airport infrastructure to cater to the growing demand. Additionally, efforts to promote Armenia as a desirable travel destination can further boost tourism and contribute to the country’s economic development.