Amid booming tourism, Yerevan airport set to double in size with $500 million expansion

The operator of Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport is planning a major expansion project to keep pace with Armenia’s rapidly growing tourism industry.

Marcelo Wende, CEO of Armenia International Airports—the company managing Zvartnots—told Forbes that they plan to double the airport’s size over the next ten years through a $500 million investment.

“Passenger numbers have grown far beyond forecasts in the last two years, now reaching over 5.5 million annually,” he told Forbes.

“Our team has worked hard to adapt by upgrading equipment, expanding training and hiring new staff to keep service levels high, but our current capacity is under heavy pressure. The original terminal was built for just 3–4 million passengers, so expansion is critical to maintain safety, comfort and efficiency for every traveler passing through Armenia’s main gateway. We want every visitor’s first impression of Armenia to be positive and welcoming.”

He said the airport infrastructure was “outdated and close to collapse” when his company took over in 2001.

“When we arrived in Armenia in 2001, the airport infrastructure was outdated and close to collapse. We rebuilt it step by step into a modern terminal that has served the country well for more than a decade. Now, to match future growth, we plan to double the airport’s size in the next ten years through a $500 million investment. Boarding gates will increase from six to sixteen. Arrival halls, immigration zones and customs areas will more than double. We will add modern lounges, expand parking and improve public transport links for passengers. We are also preparing for automated digital passport gates and rolling out the new biometric passport system, making it easier for Armenian citizens to travel, especially to Europe. Our goal is to secure Armenia’s position as a competitive hub in the region,” Mr. Wende said.