The airport terminal was built in 1982 by architects Levon Christophorian and Ruben Asratyan. However, after the earthquake in 1988, the airport became largely inoperable and practically unused until it was partially renewed in 2004. At the start of 2006, Armenia felt the importance of having a second airport, when adverse weather conditions meant that many flights had to be diverted from Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport into Gyumri’s Shirak Airport. New radar systems that allow aircraft identification within a 400 km radius were installed in 2006. In 2007, the runway underwent major repairs and was completely re-asphalted. A new Finnish IDMAN light-signal system has been installed since, and repair works have been carried out in the ramp and special ground handling technics have been imported. In 2007 the General Department of Civil Aviation of the Government of Armenia granted Shirak airport an ICAO First Class Airport license. A new arrivals hall is currently being built and is expected to open by June 2021.