History
Zvartnots Airport Terminal 1 in Yerevan, Armenia, is a striking example of Soviet modernist architecture. Designed by a team led by architects Arthur Tarkhanyan and Spartak Khachikyan, the circular terminal was officially opened on 10 February 1982. Its futuristic design, featuring a vast circular structure surrounding a central tower, earned it comparisons to a spaceship.
The terminal served as Yerevan’s main passenger facility during the final decade of Soviet rule and continued operating after Armenia gained independence in 1991. However, as aviation requirements evolved, newer passenger facilities were developed, culminating in the opening of a modern terminal complex in 2011. The original terminal subsequently ceased normal passenger operations.
Following its closure, the building faced an uncertain future amid concerns about its structural condition and proposals for demolition. Its distinctive architecture nevertheless made it an important part of Armenia’s Soviet architectural heritage. In October 2026, plans were announced to reconstruct the terminal and potentially return it to passenger service, although a confirmed reopening date remains unknown.
