How the South Caucasus Became a Crucial Bridge for Europe-Asia Flights
Airlines now rely heavily on the South Caucasus corridor to link Europe and Asia after Russian and Iranian airspace became less accessible.
Conflicts and sanctions have dramatically narrowed the skyways that once connected Europe with Asia, closing large swaths of Russian and Iranian airspace. As a result, airlines are channeling a growing share of their traffic through the South Caucasus, a route that most travelers never notice. The region’s ability to manage this influx stems from decisions made during the COVID-19 slump, when Armenia kept its air-traffic controllers on the job despite reduced demand.
This foresight now allows the corridor to accommodate higher volumes without compromising safety. According to a recent KPMG analysis, geopolitical rerouting already imposes $5 billion to $12 billion in direct costs on airlines each year. The piece highlights that airspace management should be viewed as critical infrastructure, requiring investment in expertise and coordination comparable to airports and runways.
Why it matters
Airline rerouting through the South Caucasus affects ticket prices, cargo flow and global connectivity for millions of travelers.
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