The renovation operations at the Stepanavan Airport will be over in 2016, Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan told journalists on November 2.
He noted that Armenia is negotiating with Russia to receive Mi-24 and K-32 helicopters, which will carry out a rapid response mission in emergency situations. In addition, similar negotiations are being conducted with French, Swiss and Russian colleagues on provision of light aeroplanes and helicopters. "We want a normal airport to operate in Stepanavan," he said.
Earlier on May 25 Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Emergency Situations Vache Terteryan said that the Stepanavan Airport would be ready for operation by the end of 2015. According to him, the airports in Stepanavan and Kapan are being renovated in cooperation with Russian partners within the Armenian-Russian Humanitarian Center. The Center is of international importance to rapid response in emergency situations. Both airports are suitable for civil aviation, too.
The Stepanavan Airport has been idle since 2006. After the joint maneuvers in 2012 Armenia's Emergency Situations Minister Armen Yeritsyan, together with Chief Military Expert of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia Pavel Plat, visited the airport by helicopter. They inspected the territory of the airport and decided to renovate it and use it for receiving and sending humanitarian aid to other countries in case of emergency situations.