Video: I've Lost Everything, My Bakery Business Closed; First Flight Passengers Mostly Russian Citizens

Armenians traveling to Russia have noticed a sharp increase in the prices of airline tickets. In a conversation with NEWS.am today, passengers on the first flights to Russia after the reopening of entry to the country mentioned that ticket prices have nearly doubled. "Previously, we used to buy tickets for 14,000 rubles, but now they are already 23,000. Since the borders are open for a month, citizens are probably rushing to leave for Russia, which is why ticket prices are high," said a man.

In our discussion, Gevorg Khachatryan, Deputy Director of Armenia Airlines, stated that ticket prices have not increased. "A lot of people want to travel; the demand is high. Cheap tickets sell out quickly, leaving only the more expensive ones, which makes it seem that ticket prices have risen," Khachatryan explained.

Three days before departure, citizens are required to submit a coronavirus test through the app "Traveling Without Covid-19." "I downloaded the app on my phone. I submitted the test at one of the laboratories listed there two days before leaving, uploaded the result into the app, received a green light, and got permission to depart," one passenger reported.

Many citizens discovered at the airport that they had submitted their tests at the wrong laboratory and could not travel. They raised a ruckus, after which the airline made exceptions, allowing them to change their tickets and depart a few days later.

Our interviewees were mostly Russian citizens who had not been able to travel to Russia due to the coronavirus, and many had already lost their jobs in Russia and were trying to get back on their feet. "I came to Armenia on February 19 of last year. Due to the border closures, I remained here while my wife and child are in Russia. I have lost everything I could in a year. I had a small bakery, but since it did not operate during that period, I couldn't pay the rent and salaries, and my bakery closed," one man recounted.

Among those departing were also Russian citizens who arrived in Armenia at the end of last year or the beginning of this year to see their relatives. "I might return in the summer. If I had the option, I would have established permanent residency here, but I have a permanent job in Russia, and my family is there," one of the citizens said.

It is noteworthy that starting from today, February 1, until March 1, entry for citizens of the Republic of Armenia to the Russian Federation has been opened for one month. Today, four flights were operated to Moscow.