Turkish Airlines will begin operating direct flights between Istanbul and Yerevan starting March 11, 2026, marking another significant step in the gradual normalization of relations between Türkiye and Armenia.

The announcement was made on Monday by Serdar Kılıç, Türkiye’s special representative for the normalization process with Armenia, in a post on social media platform X. “Another step forward. Turkish Airlines will operate flights on the Istanbul–Yerevan–Istanbul route starting March 11, 2026,” Kılıç wrote.

The launch of the new route is expected to facilitate people-to-people contact, boost tourism, and support business ties between the two neighboring countries, which have had no formal diplomatic relations for decades. Aviation links are seen as a practical confidence-building measure in the normalization process.

Turkish Airlines previously operated limited charter and seasonal flights to Armenia through third countries, while direct commercial flights between Istanbul and Yerevan have been suspended for extended periods due to political tensions. The resumption of regular, scheduled flights by Türkiye’s national carrier is viewed as a tangible outcome of ongoing dialogue between Ankara and Yerevan.

Türkiye and Armenia appointed special envoys in late 2021 to pursue normalization without preconditions. Since then, several steps have been taken, including the reopening of air cargo routes, mutual easing of travel procedures for third-country citizens, and discussions on reopening the land border, which has been closed since 1993.

Officials on both sides have repeatedly stated that restoring transportation and trade links is a key pillar of the normalization agenda. The Istanbul–Yerevan route is expected to be operated multiple times per week, subject to final regulatory approvals and demand assessments.

Regional analysts note that improved connectivity between Türkiye and Armenia could also contribute to broader stability and economic integration in the South Caucasus, especially amid parallel efforts to advance regional transport corridors and reconciliation initiatives.

Further details on flight frequency, ticket sales, and operational arrangements are expected to be announced by Turkish Airlines in the coming months. (ILKHA)