Armenian Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Yerevan and New Delhi

Armenian Airlines has announced a new direct flight route between Yerevan, Armenia, and New Delhi, India, set to begin on November 15. This route will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Sundays, using the Airbus 321-200, which can accommodate 220 passengers. The flight is expected to take 4 hours and 40 minutes, providing a convenient link between the two cities. Passengers will also have the option of a transfer through Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, making it easier for travelers from different regions to connect to this new route.

This announcement comes at a time when relations between Armenia and India are growing stronger, both culturally and economically. The Armenian government has noted an increase in the number of Indian citizens living in Armenia, with estimates ranging from 20,000 to 30,000. In 2023, over 54,000 Indian nationals entered Armenia, with more than 34,000 of them visiting as tourists. These numbers reflect a significant rise compared to the previous year, 2022, when only around 21,000 Indian visitors arrived in the country.

The growing Indian population in Armenia has been driven by various factors, including job opportunities and educational prospects. The strengthening of ties between the two nations can be traced back to their longstanding historical and cultural connections. Armenians have had a presence in India for centuries, contributing to trade, governance, and cultural exchange. Today, there are still about 200 to 300 Armenians living in India, mainly in cities like Kolkata (Calcutta) and Mumbai (Bombay). These communities maintain Armenian churches and cultural institutions, preserving their heritage in India.

Historically, Armenians played an important role in India’s development, particularly during the Mughal Empire and British colonial period. Armenian merchants, diplomats, and traders were instrumental in establishing economic ties between India and other regions. Armenians in India became wealthy through trade, especially in spices, textiles, and other goods. Some even gained prominence as governors, military leaders, and religious figures during the Mughal era.

Armenian influence in India dates back to ancient times, with historical records indicating Armenian travelers and traders reaching India as early as 430 BC. Over the centuries, Armenians migrated to India from the Ottoman and Safavid empires, forming communities in major cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Bengal. These Armenians established churches, businesses, and even contributed to the writing of the first-ever Armenian constitution in Madras in 1773, long before the American Constitution was created.

Today, while the Armenian community in India is much smaller, their contributions to Indian history are well-recognized. The introduction of direct flights between Yerevan and New Delhi is another step in strengthening the bonds between Armenia and India, facilitating travel, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

As Armenian Airlines expands its routes, it is likely to encourage more Indian tourists and residents to explore Armenia, and at the same time, provide a more convenient travel option for Armenians visiting India. The shared history and growing connections between the two countries are set to foster even deeper ties in the years to come.