Exploring Azerbaijan: A Country With Wings To Fly

Azerbaijan is a country with a rich history and culture, but before you pack your bags, there are some important things to know. Firstly, due to the ongoing conflict with Armenia, the border region and the Nagorno-Karabakh region are considered high-risk areas, and the FCDO and U.S. government advise against all travel to these areas. Secondly, all visitors to Azerbaijan must have a valid visa and passport, with some countries being exempt. Thirdly, there are strict rules about bringing goods in and out of the country, and you must declare certain items. Finally, there are cultural and social norms to be aware of, such as modest clothing and avoiding public eating during Ramadan. So, while Azerbaijan is open to tourists, it's important to do your research and be aware of any potential risks and requirements before booking that flight!

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flies to over 55 destinations across Asia, Europe and North America

Azerbaijan Airlines, also known as AZAL, is the flag carrier of Azerbaijan and the country's largest airline. Its hub is located at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) outside the capital city of Baku.

Azerbaijan Airlines flies to over 55 destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. This includes five domestic destinations, as well as international destinations in Austria, Belarus, China, the Czech Republic, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and the United States.

Some of the specific destinations served by Azerbaijan Airlines include Vienna, Beijing, Prague, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Moscow, New York City, and many more. The airline also has codeshare agreements with 11 other airlines and offers a unique frequent flyer programme called AZAL Miles that rewards members with travel and status points.

With a fleet of 32 aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer planes, Azerbaijan Airlines offers a variety of two-cabin (Business Class and Economy Class) and three-cabin (Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class) configurations to suit different passenger needs.

Whether you're looking for a comfortable journey in Business Class or a more affordable option in Economy Class, Azerbaijan Airlines provides a range of options for your travel plans.

Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the hub for Azerbaijan Airlines

Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport is Azerbaijan's largest and busiest airport, and it also happens to be one of the busiest in the South Caucasus and the former Soviet countries. Located 20 kilometres northeast of Baku, the airport serves as the primary hub for the country's flag carrier and largest airline, Azerbaijan Airlines, also known as AZAL.

The airline operates an extensive network, flying to over 55 destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. This includes five domestic destinations and international routes to countries like Austria, Belarus, China, the Czech Republic, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and the United States. Azerbaijan Airlines also has codeshare agreements with 11 other airlines, expanding travellers' options even further.

At Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Azerbaijan Airlines passengers have access to a dedicated business class lounge, providing a stylish and comfortable space to relax before their flight. The airport itself boasts a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafés, and duty-free stores in both the departures and arrivals areas. Terminal 1, the newer of the two passenger terminals, features five lounges and a spa, catering to the needs of discerning travellers.

The airline's fleet includes a variety of aircraft types, such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer planes. These planes are configured with either two cabins (Business Class and Economy Class) or three cabins (Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class), ensuring passengers can choose the level of comfort that suits their needs.

The airline offers three cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy (Comfort Club) and Business Class

Azerbaijan Airlines offers three cabin classes: Economy, Premium Economy (Comfort Club) and Business Class. The airline is the flag carrier of Azerbaijan and the country's largest airline. Its hub is located at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) outside the capital city of Baku.

Economy Class is the most basic class, with narrow seats and limited legroom. The seats may recline slightly, and passengers may have to pay extra to reserve a specific seat. In-flight entertainment systems, snacks and beverages are usually provided, and on long-haul flights, meals are served. The number of meals depends on the flight duration. Economy class fares may or may not include checked baggage and carry-on allowances, and this varies by airline and route.

Premium Economy Class is a step up from Economy, offering more legroom, wider seats, and additional perks. The cabin is usually separate from the main Economy cabin, and passengers often benefit from priority boarding and enhanced meal options. Some airlines include amenity kits and offer complimentary checked baggage in this class.

Business Class is a significant upgrade from Economy, with wider seats, ample legroom, and enhanced privacy. On long-haul flights, Business Class may offer lie-flat seats, fine dining, and an extensive range of amenities. Business Class passengers also enjoy priority services at the airport, such as dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding.

Azerbaijan Airlines provides a unique experience in each cabin class, ensuring that passengers can choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.

Azerbaijan Airlines is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Azerbaijan Airlines, also known as AZAL, is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA is a trade association of the world's airlines, founded in 1945. As of 2023, IATA represents 317 airlines from over 120 countries, including major carriers.

Azerbaijan Airlines is the flag carrier and largest airline of Azerbaijan. It was founded on 7 April 1992 and was the first national airline established after the country gained its independence. The airline is based in Baku, adjacent to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and operates to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the CIS.

IATA provides a forum for its members to set technical standards and fix prices for international air travel. The association has been criticised for its price-fixing activities, which have been described as anti-competitive.

Azerbaijan Airlines offers a range of cabin classes, including Economy, Premium Economy (Comfort Club), Business, and First Class (VIP Club). The airline has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.

The airline has codeshare agreements with 11 other airlines

Azerbaijan Airlines, the country's flag carrier and largest airline, has codeshare agreements with 11 other airlines. The airline operates out of Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) outside the capital city of Baku. With a fleet of 32 aircraft, including Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer planes, Azerbaijan Airlines offers a range of two-cabin and three-cabin configurations to suit different passenger needs.

The codeshare agreements that Azerbaijan Airlines has in place with other airlines are mutually beneficial, providing increased flexibility, convenience, and choice for passengers. These agreements allow travellers to combine flights on one ticket, granting them access to a broader network of routes and services. One such example is the codeshare partnership between Azerbaijan Airlines and Air Astana, which enables joint flights on the Baku-Almaty-Baku route five times a week. This collaboration provides passengers with seamless connectivity between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

In addition to Air Astana, Azerbaijan Airlines has also forged codeshare agreements with several other reputable airlines. These include Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. These partnerships expand the reach of Azerbaijan Airlines and offer passengers a more comprehensive range of travel options.

Another notable codeshare partnership is with Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of Bulgaria. This agreement, established in May 2024, opened a direct route between the capitals of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria. Passengers can now conveniently book direct flights between Baku and Sofia, with flights operating twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. This collaboration also provides seamless connections to other destinations in Bulgaria and throughout Europe via Bulgaria Air's network.

The codeshare agreements that Azerbaijan Airlines has established with 11 other airlines demonstrate its commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing the travel experience for its passengers. These partnerships enable the airline to offer a wider range of destinations and provide travellers with greater flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.

Frequently asked questions