‍ISTANBUL/ARMENIA — Turkish Airlines (TK) has confirmed its intention to begin Nonstop flights to Yerevan (EVN), marking an essential step in the slow process of normalization of the air corridor between Turkey and Armenia.

The announcement follows talks held on September 12 between the special envoys of the two countries, who met to discuss restoring ties that have remained fractured for decades.

A Move with Symbolism

The flag carrier stated that the service would be launched “subject to sufficient demand,” leaving final details still open. While the practical element is commercial, the broader significance lies in the political gesture. Armenia’s Foreign Ministry stated that both sides agreed to establish a framework for other carriers to operate flights starting in the summer of 2026.

The meeting itself carried symbolic weight. Turkey’s envoy, Serdar Kılıç, entered Armenia through a land border that has been closed to civilian crossings since the early 1990s. His visit underscored a willingness to move forward, although many issues remain unresolved.

Longstanding Obstacles

Diplomatic ties between the two neighbours were cut over disputes rooted in history, particularly the killings of Armenians during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. Armenia and many other states describe the events as genocide, while Turkey rejects this definition. The impasse has left borders closed and relations frozen for much of the modern era.

Air connectivity has, however, been slowly returning. Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines (PC) and Armenia’s FlyOne Armenia (3F) resumed flights between the two nations in 2022. Turkish Airlines' joining that corridor adds both weight and visibility to the process.

Aviation Impact

If implemented, nonstop services by TK could increase traffic flows through Istanbul (IST), offering Armenian travellers wider global connectivity via the carrier’s extensive hub. At the same time, inbound tourism to Armenia could benefit from easier access for international passengers connecting through Turkey.

Yet, the launch will depend on regulatory clearances, market demand, and political will. A timeline targeting mid-2026 provides both governments and aviation authorities with sufficient time to address these factors.

Looking Ahead 

The route will not solve long-standing disputes, but it does represent a cautious opening. For the airline industry, it is another reminder of how aviation often mirrors political realities: routes are not just commercial links, but also instruments of diplomacy.

If TK proceeds as planned, the skies between Istanbul and Yerevan could soon symbolize a new, if tentative, chapter in regional relations.

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