Mirzoyan: Tourists Who Can Afford Long Vacations Abroad Should Not Expect Government to Cover Return Flight Costs Amid War-Related Evacuations

More than one hundred Armenian citizens have returned to Armenia from the Middle East over the past two days as the government continues efforts to assist nationals abroad. The update was announced by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during the National Assembly–Government question-and-answer session held on March 4.

According to the minister, 110 Armenian citizens were able to return to the country through special arrangements organized by the government. These efforts are part of a broader plan to help Armenians who remain in different countries in the region return home safely.

Mirzoyan explained that the current travel route for many returning citizens involves transit through Oman. The United Arab Emirates shares a land border with Oman, which allows Armenian authorities to move citizens from the Emirates to Oman before they board flights to Yerevan.

“The United Arab Emirates has a land border with Oman. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we are organizing the transfer of our citizens from the Emirates to Oman, from where they fly to Armenia on Muscat–Yerevan flights,” the minister said.

The Armenian government has taken responsibility for several parts of this process. Officials organize the ground transportation needed to move citizens across the approximately 400-kilometer distance between the two countries. Authorities also ensure safe passage during the journey and obtain the necessary permits required for the cross-border movement.

Mirzoyan said that the government is closely monitoring the situation in the region and is continuing to coordinate further return flights. Additional flights from Muscat to Yerevan are expected to take place in the coming days.

At the same time, Armenian citizens remain in several other countries. According to the minister, 117 Armenian citizens are currently in India. These individuals traveled there mainly for tourism and other personal purposes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now searching for possible ways to organize their return to Armenia as well.

Officials are also considering the possibility of restoring direct flights from major cities in the United Arab Emirates if conditions improve. Mirzoyan stated that flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi could resume if the situation stabilizes in the near future.

During the parliamentary discussion, the issue of ticket prices for Muscat–Yerevan flights was also raised. The minister clarified that ticket pricing is not determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and falls outside its authority.

“Let’s note that the flight does not follow the same route. This means double or triple the time in the air. I was informed that one flight costs about $170,000. If you divide that roughly among 200 passengers, you will understand why the cost price is high. As a member of the government, I have made sure that our citizens have the opportunity to return home, and some of them have already been transported.

Let’s also acknowledge that these are citizens who most likely went there for tourism purposes. If a person has been in Sri Lanka for almost a month posting photos in swimwear, it means they are financially capable, right? They can buy a ticket. What are we talking about then? It is somewhat unfair toward the government to demand that it also pay for those tickets.

There may be other groups or social categories, and we will think about them and take them into account,” the minister said.

Despite the challenges connected to long flight routes and high transportation costs, the Armenian government says it will continue working to help its citizens return home. Authorities are currently assessing possible solutions for those still abroad while organizing additional flights and transit options through regional hubs.

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