Direct Yerevan–Los Angeles Flights with Turkish Airlines
Armenia has opened discussions with Turkish Airlines over the possibility of launching direct flights between Yerevan and Los Angeles, a move that could reshape transatlantic connectivity for one of the world’s largest Armenian diaspora communities.
According to the Armenian weekly Agos, Lusine Gevorgyan, head of the country’s Tourism Committee, confirmed that talks are underway regarding a potential nonstop route linking Yerevan with Los Angeles.
“I am constantly asked whether there will be a direct flight from Yerevan to Los Angeles,” Gevorgyan said, underlining sustained demand from Armenians at home and abroad.
She noted that Turkish Airlines – often referred to as THY – already operates long-haul intercontinental services and has the fleet capacity to launch such a route. “I can’t say what their response will be, but as the world’s third-largest airline, they could create a direct connection between Yerevan and Los Angeles,” she said.
The discussions come as Turkish Airlines prepares to formally enter the Armenian market. The carrier is set to begin direct flights between İstanbul and Yerevan on March 11, marking a significant step in aviation ties between the two countries.
Initially, the airline will operate daily services between İstanbul Airport and Yerevan. The frequency is scheduled to increase to 10 flights per week as of May 14 and to 14 weekly flights from June 15, effectively offering double-daily service at peak summer capacity.
Ahead of the expansion, the airline has rolled out Armenian-language promotional campaigns on social media, targeting potential passengers in Armenia and signaling a long-term commercial commitment to the market.
Strategic diaspora connection
A nonstop Yerevan–Los Angeles service would carry strong symbolic and economic weight. The Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to one of the largest Armenian diaspora populations in the United States, making it a high-potential long-haul market for visiting friends and relatives traffic, as well as tourism and business travel.
Currently, passengers traveling between Yerevan and Los Angeles must rely on connecting itineraries, often via European or Middle Eastern hubs. A direct route would significantly reduce total travel time and could stimulate additional inbound tourism to Armenia.
Turkish Airlines’ move would also position İstanbul as a key transit gateway linking Armenia with North America, leveraging the carrier’s extensive global network.
