On 15 November 2021, the European Union and Armenia signed a common aviation area agreement which will facilitate people-to-people contacts and expand commercial opportunities and trade between the parties, thereby contributing to implement the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

By creating a Common Aviation Area between Armenia and the Union, the agreement aims to ensure the best possible connectivity for passengers and businesses, whilst maintaining high standards for safety, fair competition, the environment and social issues. More particularly, thanks to the new agreement i) all European airlines will be able to operate direct flights from anywhere in the Union to any airport in Armenia and vice versa, ii) all limitations and restrictions on flights between Armenia and the Union will be removed, iii) Armenia will progressively align its aviation legislation with European rules in areas such as, amongst others, safety, security, air traffic management, economic regulation and the environment, and iv) new business opportunities for European companies as well as fair and transparent market conditions will be established.

Following the signature of the agreement, the parties will be able to exercise so-called third and fourth freedom traffic rights. Furthermore, once Armenia will comply with all the relevant Union’s requirements and standards, its carriers and European ones will also be able to enjoy fifth freedom traffic rights.

Marco Stillo