Turkish authorities are considering the launch of direct flights to various regions of Armenia in addition to its capital Yerevan in a bid to expand trade ties with Armenia, according to the Hüriyyet, which cited closed-door foreign policy discussions held by the Turkish presidential administration.
Earlier, Turkey's civil aviation authority said that Turkey and Armenia will start operating three weekly flights between Yerevan and Istanbul starting February 2.
"As a first step, it was decided to open air communication with Armenia. Next on the agenda will be flights to other regions of the country in addition to capital Yerevan. In particular, the city of Van may turn into a tourist center for Armenians. In the meantime, some historic buildings, such as the bridge and buildings near the city of Kars, to which Armenians attach great importance, are to be restored. To ease the pressure of the Armenian Diaspora, trade ties will be expanded at the same time," the Turkish newspaper wrote.
Earlier Armenian and Turkish aviation authorities issued permits to FlyOne Armenia (Armenia) and Pegasus Airlines (Turkey) to fly between Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan.
