What are the reasons behind Stepanakert airport launch delay?

PanARMENIAN.Net - In early January, the Head of NKR Civil Aviation Service Dmitry Adbashyan said Stepanakert airport will operate its first flight in the coming month.

In conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, David Babayan didn’t specify dates of airport opening, noting that works are in progress.

Today, Feb 4, Mr Adbashyan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, that some technical problems still remain unsolved causing delay in airport operation.

“The solution to the problems doesn’t depend on us only,” he said, refraining from specifying dates.

During his election campaign ruling party candidate Serzh Sargsyan said Stepanakert airport will launch operations soon.

“Work is currently in progress to ensure every necessary condition for the airport operation,” he said.

Earlier Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said Armenian air defense forces will ensure the security of Artsakh-bound civil aircrafts.

Meanwhile, political expert Ara Papyan said the reasons behind the delay bear technical, rather than political character.

At a press conference, he called attention to the destabilizing atmosphere in Azerbaijan, whose president doesn’t seek to avoid a war.

“Armenia must issue a relevant response, in case Azerbaijan shoots down a civil airport,” Mr Papyan said.