Efforts to Eliminate Technical Deficiencies: Armenian Ambassador in Iran Provides Details on Registered Aircraft Incident

The Armenian embassy in Iran has received information from the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the incident involving a Boeing 737 aircraft registered in Armenia, which made an emergency landing in Tehran on February 20. In response to a written inquiry from NEWS.am, Armenian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Artashes Tumanyan, provided details on the situation. He also noted that the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed the embassy to assist in resolving the issues related to the Boeing 737.

Referring to information provided by the Civil Aviation Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ambassador Tumanyan assured NEWS.am that the emergency landing was due to technical reasons. “During this entire period, the Armenian embassy has remained in constant contact with the Armenian government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Committee, Fly Armenia Airways, and relevant Iranian authorities,” he stated in the response sent to us.

When asked about when the aircraft is expected to return to Armenia and what steps the Armenian embassy is taking in this regard, Ambassador Tumanyan did not specify exact timelines. “Representatives from the Armenian Civil Aviation Committee and Fly Armenia Airways currently in Tehran are actively conducting a technical assessment of the aircraft's condition and working to rectify existing deficiencies. The Armenian embassy is undertaking all necessary efforts to facilitate communication with various stakeholders and ensure working conditions for the Armenian representatives,” the ambassador reported.

Regarding information about the potential sale of the aircraft in Iran, Artashes Tumanyan stated that the Armenian embassy has no details and cannot provide comments on the matter.

It is important to remember that the Boeing 737, which is leased by Armenian Fly Armenia Airways, became the subject of an international scandal after deviating from its planned flight path and landing in Iran last month. The issue stems from U.S. legislation prohibiting the transfer or provision of U.S.-made aircraft and aviation parts to Iran, with organizations involved in such activities potentially facing U.S. sanctions.

The Armenian Civil Aviation Committee insists that the reason for the landing of the Armenian-registered aircraft was technical in nature, specifically citing issues related to the aircraft's fuel. Fly Armenia Airways has stated that the change in flight path occurred without the company’s consent and knowledge. The Civil Aviation Committee previously announced that in conjunction with the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Service, it is making every effort to return the aircraft to Armenia.

A criminal case has been initiated by the National Security Service of Armenia regarding the incident, based on the characteristics of item 1 of part 2 of Article 221 of the Armenian Criminal Code. This article pertains to the hijacking or attempted hijacking of an aircraft by a group of individuals in prior agreement and is punishable by imprisonment for a period of 7 to 12 years. The criminal case is also being investigated under part 1 of Article 325, which deals with the forgery of a license or other official document that grants rights or relieves from liability.