The process of lifting the ban on flights by Armenian aircraft to Europe is nearing completion. This was announced by Stepan Payaslyan, the deputy chairman of the Civil aviation committee of Armenia, in an interview with Armenpress.
Payaslyan emphasized significant progress in lifting the ban on flights by Armenian aircraft to Europe, noting that the committee he heads has conducted extensive work with partners from the European Union.
"Over the past two years, more than 40 deficiencies identified by the European Aviation Safety Agency have been almost completely eliminated," he said.
According to Stepan Payaslyan, after the ban was imposed, a two-year support agreement was signed between the Civil aviation committee and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Two EU experts worked in the Armenian Civil aviation committee for about two years, addressing major discrepancies.
This joint effort concluded in December 2023, followed by final discussions in Cologne and Yerevan, attended by EU representatives in Armenia and various international organizations in the field. Payaslyan highlighted significant achievements, stating that all laws and regulations have been revised, which will enable adequate oversight by the EU in the near future.
Despite readiness for the imminent lifting of the ban, the Civil aviation committee still faces a shortage of qualified specialists. According to Payaslyan, additional time is needed to address this issue. Afterward, the committee intends to appeal to the European Aviation Safety Agency to lift the ban.
In June 2020, Armenian airlines were blacklisted by the European Union after specialists from the European aviation safety agency identified more than 40 deficiencies and violations. According to representatives of the Armenian Civil aviation committee, this decision was due to a prolonged lack of proper control and insufficient certification by the national authority.
