ArmInfo. The Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia will become a commercial organization, and ICAO will assist it in this process. Today's government decree authorized the placement of an order to enhance the Committee's capabilities.
According to David Khudatyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia, 321 million drams will be allocated to the Ministry for this task. Specifically, it is envisaged to sign an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). With ICAO's participation, the Civil Aviation Committee will be reorganized, which will involve inviting highly qualified specialists from abroad with high salaries. This measure, as the Minister noted, is aimed at increasing the Committee's effectiveness. According to the latest ICAO Universal Service Area Audit (USOAP CMA), conducted from January 24 to February 5, 2024, the Republic of Armenia achieved a score of 52.18% in the implementation of its aviation safety oversight system. During the European Union's assessment visit to Armenia from September 1 to 5, 2025, the Civil Aviation Committee recorded 58 deficiencies and 11 recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to engage qualified specialists to address the Committee's existing issues, which will create additional opportunities for financial self-sufficiency and development, as well as the implementation of modern management mechanisms.
Khudatyan noted that ICAO's work will take approximately one year, presenting relevant recommendations at various stages. The reorganization of the Committee will begin in the next stage. Research indicates that the Committee could be transformed into an Agency.
The minister also touched on the potential of Zvartnots International Airport. According to him, the airport was designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually, but over 5 million people already used the airport last year. Zvartnots Airport saw a 6% increase, while Shirak Airport in Gyumri saw a 33% increase.
