Forging Documents Led to Different Route: What is the Real Reason for the Disappearance of the Armenian Registered Aircraft?

In connection with the presence of a "Boeing 737-300" aircraft owned by "Fly Armenia Airways" in Iran, the company has issued an official statement to put an end to the circulating rumors.

“Various hypotheses and unfounded assumptions were being circulated regarding this case, but based on the interests of the investigation, the airline had not published any information. Now, wishing to put an end to unnecessary speculation, as well as misleading assumptions in the public, we present the facts that emerged during the investigation conducted by "Fly Armenia Airways,"” the statement reads.

According to the announcement, the company acquired the "Boeing 737-300" aircraft through a leasing option from a European company. The aircraft was stationed in Tallinn, Estonia, where technical work was carried out. From February 12 to 22 of this year, it was supposed to head to Hostomel Airport in Ukraine, where the aircraft's technical maintenance was to continue.

“Fly Armenia Airways” was granted permission by the Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia to conduct a technical flight from Tallinn to Hostomel, for which the crew was also instructed. Due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the acquisition of Schengen visas for Armenian pilots was delayed, for this reason, a crew was proposed by the lessor.

On February 20, "Fly Armenia Airways" found out that the aircraft had not arrived at Hostomel Airport. After contacting Tallinn Airport, it became clear that the aircraft had flown in a different direction. The crew, without the permission or consent of the airline, forged documents and departed from Tallinn to Varna Airport in Bulgaria. Subsequently, at 11:41 local time, the aircraft left Varna Airport, heading towards Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

After discovering that the aircraft was following an unauthorized flight path, "Fly Armenia Airways" immediately contacted the Civil Aviation Committee of Armenia to inform them about the situation. At the same time, the company notified law enforcement agencies about the hijacking and the aircraft's unknown flight path.

On the same day, the company reached out to and informed the European air navigation flight safety agency, Eurocontrol, about the incident. Eurocontrol indicated that the aircraft had taken a planned route to Sharjah. During this time, the airline alerted Sharjah Airport and urged them to take the aircraft under control upon arrival.

Both Sharjah and Dubai airports reported that the aircraft had not entered the airspace of the United Arab Emirates.

After receiving a negative response from the UAE, the company searched for the aircraft in neighboring countries. An operational investigation by “Fly Armenia Airways” revealed that the aircraft had requested an emergency landing at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI).

After documenting this fact, "Fly Armenia Airways" immediately contacted the law enforcement agencies of Armenia and requested to take control of the aircraft.

On February 28, the flight and technical staff of "Fly Armenia Airways" traveled to the IRI with the employees of the Civil Aviation Committee to thoroughly investigate the situation and take necessary measures to bring the aircraft to Armenia. Thanks to the joint efforts with the state structures of the Republic of Armenia, the aircraft was successfully transported to Armenia today.

A criminal case has been initiated by the legal authorities of the Republic of Armenia. "Fly Armenia Airways" has presented all possible evidence to law enforcement agencies, and an investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances of the incident.