Yerevan International Airport, also known as Zvartnots International Airport, is located in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Many travelers may have passed through this major hub, whether arriving in Armenia or departing to international destinations. In this article, ArmenicTours will guide you through the history, facilities, terminals, and access options of this important airport.
History of Yerevan International Airport
Yerevan International Airport, or Zvartnots International Airport, was established in 1971 in the city of Yerevan. The airport’s architectural design was the result of a competition held in 1970, with renowned teams participating, including architects Kachikian, Tukhanyan, Glashian, and Cherkezian, along with structural engineer Baghdasarian. The winning team received the first prize for their innovative design.
Following this, the architectural plans were revised by engineers Tigranyan and Arthur Meshchian and construction commenced. The airport entered a new phase of development in 1980, which included the addition of a new terminal. Significant updates and expansions occurred over the years, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1998, a new cargo terminal was constructed to accommodate increasing freight traffic.
The airport’s cargo terminal now handles hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo each year. In 2004, the airport began construction on new international terminals. The first new terminal was completed in June 2007, followed by the second in December 2011. By 2014, Yerevan International Airport welcomed over 2.1 million passengers, with a 20% increase in traffic from previous years.
The Importance of Yerevan International Airport
Despite Armenia’s well-developed road connections to Yerevan, many tourists and locals prefer flying into the capital. As Armenia’s primary international airport, Zvartnots International Airport serves as a key gateway for international travelers and a hub for domestic flights. In fact, it ranks as the third busiest airport in the South Caucasus region, following Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia.
Located near the town of Zvartnots, approximately 12 kilometers west of Yerevan, this airport is the only international airport in Armenia and the busiest in the country. It handles flights from airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, Air Arabia, AtlasGlobal, Air France, Armenia Aircompany, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, FlyDubai, Belavia, and many others from around the world.
Key Information About Zvartnots Airport
- Airport Name: Yerevan International Airport (Zvartnots International Airport)
- IATA Code: EVN
- ICAO Code: UDYZ
- Elevation: 865 meters above sea level
- Terminals: 3 terminals
- Official Website: www.zvartnots.aero
Terminals of Zvartnots Airport
Yerevan International Airport features three terminals:
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 began operations in 1971, but due to its small and dimly lit space, it mainly handled inbound flights. In 2006, all flights were transferred to Terminal 2. Terminal 1 officially closed in 2011, and its architectural significance led to its recognition as a national landmark. The terminal’s design features a unique circular structure, with the control tower located at the center.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is the largest and most important terminal at Zvartnots Airport. It consists of two separate buildings for both arrivals and departures. It includes 21 check-in counters, 9 entry doors, and can accommodate up to 3.5 million passengers annually.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is dedicated exclusively to VIP flights and special services.
Facilities at Zvartnots Airport
Yerevan International Airport offers a variety of services and amenities to passengers, including:
- Shops, cafes, and both local and international restaurants
- Baggage handling and packaging services
- Comfortable seating options throughout the terminal
- A designated smoking lounge
Travelers will find all necessary facilities to make their journey smooth and convenient, whether arriving in Armenia or heading to another destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yerevan International Airport (Zvartnots International Airport) plays a pivotal role in Armenia’s transportation network, serving as the primary gateway for both international travelers and domestic flights. With its rich history, modernized terminals, and a range of services, the airport continues to support the growing tourism industry and facilitates smooth connections for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re flying into Armenia for business, tourism, or any other reason, Zvartnots remains the central hub that ensures a convenient and efficient travel experience.
