Armenian Boeing 737-300 Aircraft Was Also in Bulgaria Before Reaching Tehran: Details on the Disappeared Aircraft

The investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the Armenian "Fly Armenia Airways" Boeing 737-300 aircraft is ongoing at the Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia. This was reported by the committee, which stated that no details could be disclosed until the investigation concludes.

News.am spoke with former Prime Minister advisor and aviator Hakob Jagharyan, who had reported on his Facebook page on February 23 that the aircraft, which had taken off from Tallinn, Estonia, should have landed in Yerevan but ended up in Tehran due to a "technical malfunction."

"The Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia and Fly Armenia Airways are the only ones who know what permissions were granted for this aircraft's movement from Estonia," noted Jagharyan.

He explained that the aircraft was originally registered in Lithuania before it was transferred to the Armenian airline. "It became an Armenian aircraft and made a flight from Tallinn. The operating company claims that the aircraft was supposed to land at Hostomel Airport. There is a company there that services Boeing aircraft," he added.

However, Jagharyan remarked that the aircraft should have had some sort of permission to leave Estonia. He confirmed the information that the Armenian aircraft had also flown to Bulgaria before reaching Tehran. "Yes, it overnighted there on the 19th and then flew to Iran."

In response to our observation that Bulgaria is within the EU, and the question of how the Armenian aircraft managed to enter EU airspace despite the restrictions on Armenian aircraft, Jagharyan stated that the flight was a technical flight. "In addition to technical flights, charter flights are also possible. The EU's inclusion of Armenia in the 'blacklist' has not completely stripped Armenia of the right to operate flights," he clarified.

It is worth noting that the Armenian Civil Aviation Committee has provided clarification regarding the aircraft's disappearance, stating that an investigation is underway. Jagharyan emphasized that the investigation could have been completed in just one hour, "An official telegram is sent to the Estonian aviation authorities regarding what was presented to them when allowing that aircraft to depart. After that, it becomes clear what was submitted, whether it was appropriate or not compared to the flight plan. Without this action, it is impossible to find a solution to the problem."

When asked if it is possible for the aircraft to be handed over to one of the operators in Iran, Jagharyan said, "I believe everything is possible because what is happening here is an absolute process of deception. Whether it was leased or sold, I cannot provide answers to those questions."