Budget carrier Wizz Air has unveiled six fresh flight paths departing from its hub at London Luton Airport, with one city emerging as a hot spot for British travelers in 2026 due to its historical significance and affordable drinks.
Starting June 12, 2026, travelers from Luton can journey to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, marking the inaugural non-stop flights from the UK to Armenia. The introduction of this route opens up a potential new city getaway for many. Wizz Air’s flights to Yerevan will span slightly over five hours, commencing at just £51.99 for a one-way journey.
Despite being geographically located in West Asia, Armenia is often grouped with Eastern Europe due to its cultural ties and past. Yerevan, already a favored city break destination for many Europeans, has seen limited British tourism, with only 11,000 UK visitors in 2025. Nonetheless, the advent of this new route could see a surge in British arrivals in 2026.
Yerevan is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally. Its rich past is reflected in the diverse architectural styles spanning various epochs, encompassing a blend of Soviet-era and contemporary designs.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the world’s oldest cathedral, traces back to the early fourth century, constructed atop a former Pagan temple following Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as the state religion. The cathedral has undergone multiple rebuilds and renovations, showcasing a mix of art and architectural influences.
The Kond District, Yerevan’s oldest quarter, features narrow streets, stone dwellings, and sections with unpaved roads. Large parts of this area were razed during the Soviet period, with inhabitants relocated to modern residential complexes, although efforts are underway to restore this historic zone.
Dubbed the Pink City, Yerevan boasts numerous buildings with a faint pink hue, more pronounced under specific lighting conditions. This coloration stems from the use of a local pink-tinted volcanic stone in constructing many older edifices. Republic Square is an ideal spot to admire these structures and witness the captivating dancing fountains illuminated with music in the evenings.
Amid escalating prices in various European cities, Yerevan remains an economical city break option. Comparative analysis by Numbeo indicates that Yerevan is approximately 20% cheaper than Warsaw, with dining out and alcohol typically more affordable in Armenia. Local pubs offer pints between £1.50 and £2, particularly for Armenian brews, while a mid-range bottle of wine costs around £7.
The city presents attractive lodging deals, such as the centrally situated Grand Hotel Yerevan, a five-star establishment near key attractions with rooms starting from just £101 per night. Alternatively, the budget-friendly Erebuni Hotel Yerevan, centrally located on a side street near Republic Square, offers clean and modern basic rooms at £47 per night, inclusive of breakfast.
Yerevan boasts numerous traditional Armenian eateries serving hearty local fare. Visitors can savor specialties like lavash flatbreads, dolma stuffed vine leaves, and khorovats grilled meat skewers, typically featuring pork, beef, or lamb.
For those who wish to share their travel experiences, reach out to us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
