Milan Bergamo Airport adds FlyOne Armenia service to Yerevan

Jane Topchian
Travel Daily News
April 17 2026

Milan Bergamo Airport adds FlyOne Armenia service to Yerevan

Tatiana Rokou

Milan Bergamo Airport will add a twice-weekly FlyOne Armenia service to Yerevan from 1 May, expanding its international network and strengthening links to the Caucasus and beyond.

Milan Bergamo Airport is expanding its international network with the addition of FlyOne Armenia, which will launch a twice-weekly service to Yerevan from 1 May.

The new route will operate on Fridays and Sundays, with evening departures from Milan Bergamo and afternoon departures from Yerevan. With the arrival of FlyOne Armenia, the number of scheduled airlines serving Milan Bergamo Airport rises to 23, while Yerevan becomes the airport’s 152nd scheduled destination for the summer season.

The service strengthens the airport’s position as a growing gateway to non-EU markets and expands access to destinations beyond Europe. Through Yerevan, passengers will also gain access to onward connections across Central Asia and the CIS region, supporting the airport’s strategy of developing links to long-haul and underserved markets.

Also read → Milan Bergamo Airport expands Summer 2026 schedule with new routes and capacity growth

Yerevan is expected to attract both leisure and business demand. The Armenian capital is known for its cultural heritage, historic landmarks and culinary offer, and is likely to appeal to Italian and European travellers looking for new destination options.

The route is also expected to support travel demand from the Armenian diaspora in Northern Italy and neighbouring regions, making it easier to maintain family, cultural and economic links.

Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation, Marketing & Communications at SACBO, said: “We are delighted to welcome FlyOne Armenia to Milan Bergamo Airport. The introduction of Yerevan adds a unique dimension to our network, opening the door to a destination that blends strong tourism appeal with important community links. It also reflects our ongoing efforts to identify and develop routes that respond to evolving passenger demand, particularly towards less-served markets. We are confident this service will perform well and further broaden the choice available to our passengers. We look forward to a successful partnership with FlyOne Armenia and to further strengthening our global network.”

FlyOne Armenia, part of the wider FlyOne Group, operates a modern fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft and has been expanding its network across Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East with a focus on affordable fares.

The addition of the Yerevan route supports Milan Bergamo Airport’s broader objective of diversifying its network beyond the European Union. Alongside its established European services, the new connection is expected to contribute to traffic growth while reinforcing the airport’s role as a gateway to a wider range of international destinations.

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Jrbashyan: Allowing oak aging could undermine the value of the GI “Armenian Br

Garnik Zakarian
ARKA, Armenia
April 17 2026
17.04.2026, 11:24

Permitting oak aging for cognac under the “Armenian Brandy” geographical indication (GI) could undermine the value of this designation and weaken Armenia’s position in the high-quality alcoholic beverages market, stated Tigran Jrbashyan, Director of Management Consulting at Ameria.

YEREVAN, April 17. /ARKA/. Permitting oak aging for cognac under the “Armenian Brandy” geographical indication (GI) could undermine the value of this designation and weaken Armenia’s position in the high-quality alcoholic beverages market, stated Tigran Jrbashyan, Director of Management Consulting at Ameria.

“Do you know why Churchill demanded Armenian cognac? Because it was real. Real—produced only from grapes grown in Armenia, infused with Armenian water, aged for years in oak barrels, and crafted by the hand of a master. Margar Sedrakyan—the creator of Dvin, Nairi, Akhtamar, Ani, Yubileyny, Armenia, Tonakan, and many other cognacs—knew this better than anyone,” Jrbashyan wrote on social media.

He recalled that Armenian cognac has historically been associated with an authentic product made from grapes grown in Armenia, aged in oak barrels, and crafted in accordance with established professional traditions.

According to him, the use of oak chips or other forms of oak wood is not an equivalent substitute for classic oak aging, but merely creates the illusion of a fully matured beverage. He recalled that similar approaches were discussed back in the Soviet era, but, according to family memoirs of the master distiller, Margar Sedrakyan, he rejected such solutions in order to preserve the traditions of Armenian cognac and its high quality.

Jrbashyan also pointed out that decades of scientific research have directly compared aging in oak barrels with aging in contact with oak wood, and these methods yield fundamentally different results. This isn’t about “fast” and “slow” versions of the same process, but rather products of different quality and, essentially, different natures.

He noted that application No. 2026001, approved on March 13, 2026, for the geographical indication “Armenian Brandy” specifies in the “Production Method” section that the resulting spirits are aged “in oak barrels or in contact with oak wood.” According to Jrbashyan, it is this wording that makes the issue particularly pressing.

The expert believes that arguments that the use of oak wood is necessary due to a lack of investment in grape processing and storage infrastructure are not sufficiently substantiated. He expressed confidence that this is not a solution to the industry’s strategic problem, but an attempt to simplify quality requirements.

At the same time, according to Jrbashyan, the application does not clearly define what exactly is meant by “oak wood.” He noted that this could include various methods, whereas while aging on oak staves may be discussed in certain cases outside the scope of GI, the use of oak chips in the production process should be prohibited.

He identified the issue of control as a separate problem. According to Jrbashyan, it will be extremely difficult for the state to effectively administer this area, especially if different aging methods are used within the production processes of the same producer. Moreover, he added, the existing control system currently does not always ensure even basic conditions, including the use of exclusively grape-based spirits in cognac production.

“If oak aging is permitted at the regulatory level under the GI ‘Armenian Brandy,’ this could be negatively perceived in the international high-quality beverage market, and Armenia itself risks losing some of the opportunities offered by the geographical indication mechanism,” Jrbashyan thinks.

According to him, lowering the standard will not save the industry but will only create the illusion of a solution. He emphasized that Armenian brandy must either obtain a GI with clear quality criteria and an effective control system that allows it to operate in the high-quality segment, or it will be forced to limit itself to more modest opportunities in the lower price and quality segments of the market.

Why brandy?

The refusal to use the name “cognac” for Armenian products is related to Armenia’s international obligations under the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). According to the agreement, “Cognac” is a protected geographical indication of the EU and can only be used for products produced in the Cognac region of France.

The CEPA entered into force on March 1, 2021, and provides for a transition period of approximately 14 years (including the deferred start date), during which Armenian producers may temporarily use this name in the domestic market. Upon completion of the transition period, Armenia is required to completely abandon the term “cognac” and switch to an alternative name.

The agreement also provides for EU assistance to the Armenian side, including financial and technical support, for rebranding products and promoting the new name in foreign markets.

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Arman Tsarukyan removed from plane in the U.S.

Arpi Talalian
Aysor, Armenia
April 17 2026

An incident occurred in the United States involving UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan, who was removed from a flight after being engaged on his phone during the journey. The athlete was traveling to participate in the Real American Freestyle 8 tournament.

The information was reported on the X platform by journalist Adam Zubayraev, who also published a video from the aircraft cabin on a flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.

Tsarukyan was en route to compete in Philadelphia on the night of April 19, where his opponent in the tournament will be American Yuri Faber.

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17 supporters of Samvel Karapetyan detained

Chmshkian Vicken
Aysor, Armenia
April 17 2026

The court is continuing to examine the preventive measure in the case of Samvel Karapetyan.

In parallel with the hearing, his supporters staged a protest demanding his release.

After demonstrators refused to reopen the road, police forces moved them away from the area and proceeded with detentions.

The Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs told Aysor.am that 17 individuals were detained for an act under Article 182 of the RA Code on Administrative Offenses and were taken to Community Police departments.

It is noted that among those detained is Vaghinak Vardanov, the son of detective and freedom fighter Vova Vardanov.

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Another targeted and anti-Church campaign by the authorities: clergymen barred

Hambik Zargarian
Aysor, Armenia
April 17 2026

Clergymen appointed by the Armenian Church have been banned from entering places of imprisonment by a decision of the Head of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, according to a statement issued by the information system of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

“The head of the penitentiary service has effectively suspended the spiritual service of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church within penitentiary institutions. At the same time, bypassing the Mother See and disregarding legal procedures, he has signed employment contracts with individual clergymen.

This step represents another targeted anti-church campaign by the authorities aimed at restricting the pastoral mission of the Armenian Church in public life, as guaranteed by law. Similar manifestations have also been observed in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and in the education sector.

Article 10 of the Law “On Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church” defines the Church’s mission to carry out pastoral activities in places of detention. In addition, Article 17 of the Law “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations” recognizes the Armenian Church’s pastoral service in penitentiary institutions as an exclusive mandate of the national Church and legally guarantees the state’s obligation not to obstruct this activity.

Accordingly, the decision of the Head of the Penitentiary Service to disregard the agreement signed between the supervising ministry and the Armenian Church, and to make unilateral arrangements for the provision of spiritual services in penitentiary institutions, is deemed unacceptable. It should be clearly stated that, in accordance with the above-mentioned laws and the agreement between the RA Ministry of Justice and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the entity responsible for carrying out pastoral services is not an individual clergyman, but the Armenian Church as an institution.

Such practices constitute a gross interference in the internal life of the Church and disrupt its regulated and organized pastoral service, reducing it to individual initiative and administrative arbitrariness. These ongoing unlawful actions against the Church leave little doubt, according to the statement, that the ruling political force has elevated anti-church policy to the level of state policy – an approach described as destructive and strongly condemnable.

For years, spiritual service in penitentiary institutions has been an essential mission of the Armenian Church, aimed at providing spiritual care to persons deprived of their liberty, supporting their transformation through repentance, and facilitating their dignified reintegration into society.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin calls on the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia to respect the law and the established ecclesiastical order, and, without hindering the Church’s mission, to restore the normal functioning of spiritual service in penitentiary institutions,” the statement said.

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We Will Have a Strong Armenia Very Soon – Samvel Karapetyan speaks in court

Emil Lazarian
Aysor, Armenia
April 17 2026

“There will be changes, we will have a strong Armenia very soon,” said Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the “Strong Armenia” party, speaking in the courtroom.

“Lawyer Vardevanyan presented all the illegalities contained in these accusations, so I have nothing to add in that regard. I only want to note that all the flaws in our legal system, I am convinced, are being directed against me and our entire team in an attempt to suppress our people’s aspiration for a strong Armenia. But I assure you, they will not succeed. Everything is moving forward. There will be changes, and we will have a strong Armenia very soon,” Karapetyan said.

The court is currently examining the issue of Samvel Karapetyan’s preventive measure.

His defense attorney, Aram Vardevanyan, has filed a motion to lift the house arrest imposed on him, proposing instead to increase the bail amount. According to the lawyer, Karapetyan is prepared to add approximately 400 million drams to the already set 4 billion drams, noting that no violations have been recorded over the past 10 months.

It is also noted that, in parallel with the court proceedings, Karapetyan’s supporters are holding a protest in the courthouse yard, demanding his release.

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How universal health insurance works in Armenia: views from patients and docto

Babken Chilingarian
JAM News
April 17 2026
  • Gayane Asryan
  • Yerevan

At the start of 2026, Armenia launched a universal health insurance system. The rollout sharply increased pressure on the healthcare system. People who had ignored their health for years began visiting doctors. Now many spend hours in queues to get consultations, take tests and receive medication.

Overall, patients who use services under their insurance packages give positive feedback. However, unresolved technical issues continue to cause frustration.

Here is a detailed look at the new system — who can use it and how it works — along with views from a doctor and a patient on its effectiveness and the quality of care.

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Who is covered by the insurance system

Armenia plans to roll out universal health insurance in stages over three years.

As of 1 January 2026, the system covers the following groups:

  • children under 18,
  • people aged 65 and older,
  • citizens aged 18–65 with disabilities,
  • socially vulnerable individuals (those scoring above 28 points on the national vulnerability scale),
  • families of fallen servicemen.

The state budget fully covers insurance packages for these groups.

The system also includes people who earn 200,001 drams ($536) or more. They pay their own contributions, but the government uses a subsidy mechanism to reduce their financial burden. In 2026, the state reimburses most of their insurance payments. It does this by returning part of the income tax they pay each month.

As a result, people earning up to 500,000 drams ($1,315) pay only 300 drams (about $0.79). Those with higher incomes pay 3,300 drams (about $8.80). This group will receive compensation in 2027 through income tax refunds after filing their declarations.

The insurance package is the same for everyone and costs 129,600 drams ($345) per year.

Other population groups will join the system over the next two years, with full coverage planned by the end of 2028.

By 2029, all citizens and residents of Armenia will be insured.

Patient experience

Several years ago, 74-year-old pensioner Volodya Sargsyan began to have problems with his eyesight. Before he received insurance, he did not go to a doctor because treatment required significant expenses. Over time, his condition worsened.

Since January this year, the state has insured him, and he could finally seek medical help.

“The hardest part was booking an appointment with a general practitioner at the local clinic. My grandchildren somehow managed to find an available slot in February. I arrived at the scheduled time. There was a long queue, and I waited for about two hours. All the patients came at their assigned time and respected the queue. The problem was that the online system kept failing.”

The universal health insurance system operates through the ArMed online platform. Patients use it to register, book consultations, undergo examinations and receive medication.

Not only Volodya but many other patients complain about technical problems with the system. People often raise the issue on social media. Many believe queues form because doctors struggle to complete numerous forms on the platform.

“My doctor found it difficult to enter data into the system. Sometimes he had to call specialists to уточнить codes needed to refer me to a specific specialist. But I suppose this is normal. The process has just started, and things will improve over time. We just need to be patient,” he said.

Volodya says he is very happy that he can now take care of his health. He believes the system is a lifeline for pensioners:

“I was ready to cover part of the costs myself. But it turned out that after the free surgery, I will also receive medication for further treatment at no cost. I also thought that since I used insurance, the doctor might not pay much attention to me. Especially because no one accompanied me. But there was no discrimination. I would like to ask the government to increase doctors’ salaries. We can see how heavy their workload is.

This reform will save lives and improve quality of life. People will no longer wait for years. If problems arise, they will go to doctors immediately for prevention. This may be a burden for the state, but I believe health must be a priority. A person needs to be healthy to create, to pay taxes, to have children and, in the end, to feel well.”

Insurance rollout in numbers

At the first stage, the universal health insurance system already covers 1.6 million people. To join the system, a person must be a citizen or a resident of the country.

A resident of Armenia is an individual who spends 183 days or more in the country during a calendar year.

Healthcare spending accounts for 5.9% of total government budget expenditures for 2026. The budget for the insurance component increased by 40 billion drams ($106.6 million) and now stands at 210 billion drams ($560 million).

Doctors under pressure, pay unchanged

Maya Grigoryan, a reproductive health specialist and gynaecologist, says the number of visits has tripled since the system launched. She also reports a large influx of patients from the regions:

“Mandatory health insurance is an excellent reform, and in some ways long overdue. It has made it possible to understand and assess the real volume of medical services. Yes, there are still problems. They are mostly technical and are being resolved fairly quickly. I think the healthcare system showed strong resilience during the coronavirus pandemic, and now it is passing another test with dignity.”

She highlights low payments from insurance companies as one of the key problems:

“I hope all issues, including payment, will be resolved soon. Previously, a patient paid 15,000 drams for a consultation. Under universal insurance, the state reduced this amount several times. At the same time, the number of patients has increased. In short, to earn the same income, a doctor now has to see four times as many patients.

I don’t think the growing number of patients affects the quality of care directly, but it is exhausting. There is an optimal working time, after which a person’s performance declines due to fatigue.”

The doctor says clinics expected a surge in demand and believe the situation will stabilise over time:

“We need to get through this transition period until everything settles. Recently, I told a patient: ‘Your issue is not urgent, you can come for instrumental tests next month.’ He objected because he feared the insurance coverage might change. People are understandable — the process is new, and there are still many concerns.”

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U.S. military says strike on vessel in Eastern Pacific kills three

Ara Felekian
U. S.13:44, 16 April 2026
Read the article in: EspañolՀայերենRussian

The U.S. military said it struck a vessel in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people.

The U.S. Southern Command alleged that the vessel was operated by “Designated Terrorist Organizations” that it did not identify.

It added that no U.S. military forces were ⁠harmed. It described those killed as “male narco-terrorists,” without offering details.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has been striking vessels that it accuses of transporting narcotics.

The U.S. military’s strikes on such vessels have killed ⁠more than 170 people since September, according to Reuters.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Swiss MP says Yerevan summits of historic significance for Armenia-EU ties

Emil Lazarian
Politics09:32, 16 April 2026
Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Stefan Müller-Altermatt, a member of Switzerland’s National Council, said that hosting the European Political Community summit and the first Armenia-European Union summit in Yerevan is of historic significance and reflects Armenia’s progress toward European integration.

Speaking in an interview with Armenpress, Müller-Altermatt noted that the upcoming summits, scheduled to take place in May in Yerevan, demonstrate Armenia’s growing engagement with European partners and its commitment to deepening ties with the European Union.

– What political message does the holding of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan carry?

-When the European political community – which Russia so clearly shuns – discusses security and cooperation in Armenia, this sends a clear signal: Armenia is slipping out of Russia’s sphere of influence and, rather than being punished for it, is being rewarded – namely, with greater recognition in Europe.    

– How do you assess the historical significance of the first Armenia-EU Summit?

-The summit is of enormous historical significance. It demonstrates that Armenia is to be integrated into Europe on an equal footing. Even though, naturally, EU accession remains a distant prospect despite this summit, it can nevertheless now be discussed about integration without membership.

-Can we say that this is a new stage on Armenia’s path to European integration?

-You could certainly put it that way. But people in Armenia aren’t naive, and unfortunately they’ve been let down by Europe far too often. A summit alone doesn’t make a partnership – just making speeches at a summit doesn’t help Armenia. What’s needed isn’t just words, but action on the part of the EU.

-What are the main areas where Armenia and the EU can deepen cooperation in the near future?

-The areas of energy, transport and infrastructure offer the greatest potential for both sides. If Armenia can reduce its dependence on Russia by expanding renewable energy, modernising its electricity grid and connecting to regional electricity markets, thereby becoming part of the European energy area, this would also represent an enormous strategic gain for the EU. The same applies, of course, to the transport sector: logistics corridors between Europe and Central Asia via Armenia benefit both Europe and Armenia.

That said, most people in Armenia would probably be delighted if visa facilitation measures were introduced quickly. Unfortunately, this is becoming an increasingly politically sensitive issue within the EU – immigration is sparking ever more debate.

– How can this summit affect the security situation in the South Caucasus?

-We must be honest with ourselves: the EU has neither the military capability nor the will to act as an effective guarantor of security in the South Caucasus. Civilian missions and assistance with crisis prevention are, unfortunately, the most that can be expected from the EU in this regard. Regrettably, the EU remained silent during the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, thereby undermining international law. As a non-military power, it would have had the opportunity to take a strong stance as a champion of international law. However, the EU has enormous energy interests in Azerbaijan. That is why it has remained silent on the violations of international law. The people of Karabakh are the ones suffering as a result. One could also say: in fact, the EU has a lot of making up to do with regard to Armenia and, above all, Karabakh. When it comes to security, it cannot do so – so it should focus on other areas instead.

-What new economic opportunities can open up for Armenia after this summit?

-In the long term, economic development must, of course, form the core of negotiations with the EU. There is a need for trade facilitation and the integration of Armenian companies into supply chains. If partnership agreements can achieve precisely this, then Armenia stands to gain a great deal economically. And if the Russian economy also recovers in the future, Armenia will have excellent prospects as a trading partner in both economic areas.

-Can Armenia become an important transit or energy partner for the EU?

-Here, too, we must be honest and admit that the geographical circumstances suggest that Armenia is unlikely to be of significant importance to the EU in the energy or transit sectors. Armenia has no direct oil or gas export capacity, and energy exports to the EU are severely limited by geographical and geopolitical factors. Armenia can be an innovation partner for the EU, but not a primary energy supplier. Armenia should seek to build on this position as an innovation partner.

Read the article in: ArmenianRussian:

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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Pashinyan says new constitution needed to fix judicial system

Mary Lazarian
Politics10:24, 16 April 2026
Read the article in: EspañolFrançaisՀայերենRussian中文

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday that the resolution of several outstanding issues in the judiciary is impossible without the adoption of a new constitution.

“I believe that a significant part of the problems in the judicial sector cannot be resolved without adopting a new Constitution,” he said in parliament during debates on the government’s 2025 report on its five-year action plan. “Because this state of inertia and [stagnation] will continue indefinitely. Constitutional regulations are needed so that we can set aside those very artificial constraints and confront the situation in the judicial system,” Pashinyan said.

The Pashinyan administration has initiated constitutional amendments, with work ongoing to develop a draft for a referendum.

Speaking in parliament earlier on Wednesday, Pashinyan again called for the adoption of a new constitution, saying that the judiciary and justice systems do not have an “organic connection” with the people.

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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