Zvartnots International Airport — Attraction in Yerevan

Dear Zvartnots staff,

Among you are members who truly do not know how to work, or at the base level do not use logic. I came to Armenia for a layover flight from bulgaria. Due to using wizz air i had to check out and check back in to go to the next flight. During customs check out, the lines were as far as the eye can see. I was cut by many people and was given bad instructions as to how to get to my transfer flight. Anyhow, once i reached the customs check shack, the lady kept first looked at the cover on my passport like she had no clue what it was. Then, she asks me what my mothers name is, then my father, then continues to look at me weirdly. I show her my lebanese passport since she didnt believe me, then showed her my Bulgarian id. Then i lifted my hair up after her asking, still didnt believe me. She goes to another cabin, didnt believe me, then the third cabin, and finally starts walking back to me. Only to look at me suspiciously for another 5 minutes. Ch2: The check in, the guy had no clue bulgarians didnt need visa. Looked at me suspiciously for a few seconds until his colleague mentioned i dont need a visa. Didnt think much of it, whatever. Moving on to passport control, and history repeats itself. That guy was sweet unlike the last bitter lady. He looked at me suspiciously for a bit and examined the passport, which was already done. Bare in mind they barely speak english so bare communication with them doesnt work. If anything it's counterproductive since a nerve of racism starts spiking when they hear english. Anyhow, few minutes later, i was let through.

Baggage safety check, i reach, theres a lady speaking to me in her native tongue, i apologized and asked her if she speaks english (i do mot need instructions and look like i already know what im doing, which i do). She says yes and starts giving me instructions like a drill sergeant. Then i was asked to walk through the scanner by another guy, the machine didnt ring, but even so when they did not ask anyone to do this, they asked me to go back and remove my shoes?😂😂 as if it rang?? Let me not call someone names right now. But what on planet earth?

At every stop, i felt like i was hated and being harassed, when all i present to people are nice 'hi's' and 'how are you'. I do not understand the incompetence that happened here today but whatever, definitely not coming back. Not because i hate the country but because i was shown an ugly reality in just a transfer.

Also, i payed 1000 for a water bottle in a small cheap looking grocery shack, and had to exchange money for it.

If i could put a 0 i would, im at awe at the fact this airport has a 4.1 star rating, and would absolutely love to see the true 1 star rating in the future. Thank you for reading. Do not come here for a transfer, have...

My recent experience at this airport left much to be desired, with several notable drawbacks that impacted the overall travel experience.

Cons:

Outdated Facilities: The airport appeared outdated and in need of modernization. From infrastructure to amenities, there was a noticeable lack of investment in keeping up with the standards expected of a contemporary airport.

Inadequate Seating: One of the significant issues was the lack of adequate seating facilities for passengers. This made waiting areas crowded and uncomfortable, especially during peak travel times.

Rude Staff: The staff at the airport exhibited a consistently rude attitude, which detracted from the overall customer experience. Basic courtesy and helpfulness were lacking, contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere.

Racist Behavior: Shockingly, I encountered instances of racist behavior from the staff, which is not only unacceptable but deeply troubling. Such behavior is completely inappropriate and goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity.

Below-Par Services: The overall services at the airport were below par. From customer assistance to cleanliness and organization, there is room for improvement in various aspects to meet the expectations of travelers.

Recommendations:

Modernization: Urgent attention is needed to update and modernize the airport's facilities to enhance the overall passenger experience.

Seating Facilities: Investing in additional seating facilities would greatly improve passenger comfort during wait times.

Staff Training: There is a clear need for staff training programs to address rudeness and eliminate any instances of racist behavior. Customer-oriented and committed staff are crucial for a positive airport experience.

Overall Impression:

While the airport serves its basic purpose, the outdated facilities, inadequate seating, rude staff behavior, and instances of racism significantly detracted from the overall experience. I strongly recommend that the airport management take immediate steps to address these issues, focusing on modernization, improved services, and fostering a more inclusive and customer-friendly...

Airport is very tiny but it's very clean and efficient. Super expensive to buy American style coffee such as latte etc. Staff is not friendly at all especially if u look that you are from Asian country. Food and normal coffee is super expensive and tastes terrible.

I highly suggest to not travel. There is nothing worth to see in the country

I am an Australian citizen but of an Indian heritage. I Arrived at Yerevan international airport on 04/12/18. I have travelled extensively in my life and unexpectedly my experience at Yerevan airport was the worst of all.

On my arrival, the immigration officer asked me to produce more Australian identifications besides my Australian passport. He interrogated me more about my Indian heritage rather than me being an Australian. I were shell shocked when he asked me if I have any friends in Pakistan?

First of all, I am an atheist and secondly I was born into a Hindu family so him even asking such questions were completely irrelevant.

Thirdly, he asked me that why I want to visit Armenia. Before this experience I had no clue that Armenia is off limit for tourists.

Anyways the same experience was continued on my departure.

The immigration officer checked my passport for more than 10 mins from every possible angle and ran it through UV light several times whereas other passengers where going through the gates super quick. Upon approaching him, I politely open the front page of my passport and he very rudely told me to not touch my passport and told me to just hand him over simply.

After that customs made me open my hand luggage coz I had an electronic book reader inside.

I travelled to Qatar with the same luggage and eventually to Sydney and yet none of there customs seems to have any problem.

I had a very sour experience. If this is how your immigration treats someone from the world's 5th most powerful passport holder than god help tourist from less powerful...