New departure hall put into operation: First guest worker leave Armenia
The new passenger terminal of Zvartnots International Ariport was put into operation on November 7.
The first passenger Fenya Yeghiazaryan, who was leaving for St Petersburg, received a certificate and was allowed to shop from the duty-free salon for up to $100.
The terminal covering a total area of 34,000 sq m can serve 3 500 000 passengers annually. $160 million was invested in the construction of the new terminal. It has upscale halls for passengers and diplomats, a check-in hall with 46 desks, central heating system, modern high-quality ventilation system, and new parking space for 2300 cars. It has 1500 employees.
Eduardo Eurnekian, President of Armenia International Airports Corporation told reporters that they plan to construct a hotel in future.
"Armenia deserves the best, so we shall do our utmost. The airport aims to raise Armenia's rating worldwide, attracting more tourists to the country," he said.
Some twelve airports have been built in the world in recent ten years, with Zvartnots coming the third in the list.
Asked whether the new terminal with its high-quality services would not promote migration, Mr. Ernekyan said, "Emigration is a temporary phenomenon. The airport creates new job opportunities," he said.
Note that many of the passengers, including women, said that they were going to work overseas and were uncertain as to when they would return to their homeland.
