Azerbaijan Airport: Reopening Plans And Expected Dates

Azerbaijan is set to open several airports in the coming years, with the country investing in its aviation infrastructure. The Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the country's main aviation gateway, located 20km northeast of the capital city's centre. The airport is a hub for Azerbaijan Airlines and serves destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In addition, the country has recently opened the Fuzuli International Airport, with the Zangilan International Airport set to open in 2024, and the Lachin International Airport expected to open in 2024 as well. These airports are part of the country's efforts to improve transport and security, as well as boost tourism and economic development in the region.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is Azerbaijan's busiest airport

Heydar Aliyev International Airport is a vital transportation hub, serving as the main aviation gateway to Azerbaijan. It is the base for the national carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines, and also serves as a hub for Azal Avia Cargo, Buta Airways, and Silk Way West Airlines. The airport has two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 being the newer one, and two cargo terminals. Terminal 1 was designed with a capacity of 6 million passengers per year, and currently serves up to 3 million annually. The airport offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, and duty-free stores in both the departures and arrivals areas. Terminal 1 contains five lounges and a spa, and is equipped with modern amenities and facilities.

The airport is easily accessible from the city centre by various transportation options, including taxis, airport shuttles, buses, and car rental services. Baku Airport is well-connected to its surrounding areas and the rest of the world, playing a pivotal role in shaping Azerbaijan's global presence and facilitating travel, trade, and tourism.

The Baku airport is 20km from the city centre

Azerbaijan is a country that has been gaining more visibility in recent years, with tourism on the rise. Baku, the capital and largest city, is a sophisticated place with a rich culture and bustling nightlife. The city boasts contemporary buildings and world-renowned museums, such as the State Art Museum, founded in 1924.

The Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport is located about 20 kilometres (approximately 12 miles) from the city centre. Named after Heydar Aliyev, the third President of Azerbaijan, the airport is a modern transportation hub with world-class facilities. It offers a range of amenities, including lounges, dining options, and duty-free shops, ensuring a comfortable experience for travellers.

The airport is well-connected to the city centre, and travellers have several transportation options to choose from. Here is some essential information for travellers regarding transport options:

• Taxi: The most convenient and fastest option is to take a traditional taxi or a London-style cab, which can be found outside the airport exit gate. The ride to the city centre typically takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately 30-40 AZN (16-23 USD). It is recommended to negotiate the fare in advance to avoid being overcharged. Baku Taxi, the official state taxi service, has a booth in Terminal 1, and you can also book through their call centre or mobile app.
• Private Transfer: Pre-booking a private transfer is another comfortable and hassle-free option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Prices vary depending on the company and vehicle type, but they are generally more expensive than taxis. Baku Airport Transfers can be arranged through your hotel or booked online. Sample fares for a group of up to four people with three pieces of luggage start at 26 USD for a standard vehicle and 75 USD for a luxury transfer.
• Bus: For a budget-friendly alternative, the Aero Express bus is available 24 hours a day, departing from outside the arrivals terminal and arriving at Baku Central Railway Station (28 May Station) in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus costs 1.50 AZN (approximately 0.80-0.85 EUR or USD) and runs every half hour, with hourly frequency between 9 pm and 6 am. To use the bus, you must purchase the BakuKart, the city's public transport card, from the BakuKart kiosk in Terminal 1.
• App-based Ride-hailing Services: You can also use international and local ride-hailing apps such as Bolt or Yango. These apps offer upfront pricing, and rides are often cheaper than traditional taxis, especially for longer trips. An estimated fare from the airport to Baku Central Railway Station should be around 10-15 AZN (6-9 USD). However, there may be times when drivers are scarce, and it is recommended to stick to in-app payments or agree on cash payment without additional charges.

With these transportation options, travellers can easily navigate their way from Baku Airport to the city centre, ready to explore all that Baku has to offer.

Baku Airport has two terminals, one for international and one for domestic travel

Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) has two terminals, with distinct purposes and amenities. Terminal 1 is a sleek, modern hub for international flights, while Terminal 2 caters to domestic travel with basic facilities. Terminal 1 boasts a unique, contemporary vibe, with airy spaces, plenty of seating, and an overall impressive architectural design. In contrast, Terminal 2, though older and with less space, still offers sufficient seating for passengers.

The terminals are located in separate buildings, approximately 200 metres apart, with no internal connecting corridor. However, passengers can walk between the terminals via a marked outdoor walkway. Each terminal serves different airlines, with Terminal 1 handling China Southern Airlines and Pakistan International Airlines, and Terminal 2 catering to Azerbaijan Airlines.

Both terminals offer a selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops, which are open 24 hours a day. However, these options are reportedly quite expensive. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, and passengers can also access several airport lounges for an upgraded experience.

For those with overnight layovers, the airside area of Terminal 1 is recommended for its carpeted floors and quieter corners. Landside areas in both terminals offer limited metal benches, so extra layers for warmth are advised. Sleep pods are available in Terminal 1, and nearby hotels provide a more comfortable option with complimentary shuttle services.

The Zangilan International Airport is the second airport in Azerbaijan

The Zangilan International Airport is the second airport built in Azerbaijan after it was liberated from Armenian occupation in 2020. Construction of the airport began in May 2021 and was completed in October 2022. The airport is located in the Zangilan district, which is part of the East Zangazur economic region of Azerbaijan. The district was chosen for its geographical location and proximity to international markets.

The airport is designed to be an international transport hub, serving Azerbaijan's transport and security requirements. It features a 3,000-metre-long and 60-metre-wide runway, capable of accommodating various aircraft types, including heavy cargo planes. The terminal building is constructed to international standards, with a capacity to handle 200 passengers per hour. It includes office rooms, VIP halls, cafes, and medical facilities.

The airport is equipped with the Phoenix automated air traffic control system, developed by DFS Aviation Services, a German-based air navigation services provider. This system enhances flight safety and airspace capacity and was successfully tested in April 2022. The installation is part of a project to upgrade air navigation services over the liberated territories.

The inauguration of the Zangilan International Airport is part of Azerbaijan's push for its "Zangezur corridor" project, which aims to create a seamless transportation route connecting Azerbaijan's mainland to its exclave of Nakhchivan through southern Armenia. The opening of this airport, along with the construction of another international airport in Fuzuli, demonstrates Azerbaijan's commitment to improving its aviation infrastructure and connectivity.

The construction of Zangilan Airport began in May 2021 and was completed in October 2022

The construction of the Zangilan International Airport in Azerbaijan began in May 2021 and was completed in October 2022. The airport is located in the city of Zangilan, in the Zangilan district, which is part of the East Zangazur economic region of Azerbaijan. The airport's construction was carried out by the Azerbaijani company Azvirt, which also constructed the Fuzuli International Airport. The airport features a 3,000-metre-long and 60-metre-wide runway and can handle 200 passengers per hour. The terminal building is built to international standards and includes office rooms, VIP halls, cafes, and medical facilities. The airport is designed to accommodate different types of aircraft, including heavy cargo planes.

The construction of the airport involved significant earthworks, including 2.05 million cubic metres of excavation and embankment works, as well as the use of 208,000 tons of asphalt-concrete mixture. The equipment and materials for the terminal building were imported from Italy, Germany, and Turkey. The air traffic control system at the airport is the Phoenix automated system, provided by DFS Aviation Services, a German company. The system was successfully tested in April 2022 and is part of a project to upgrade air navigation services in the liberated territories.

The inauguration of the Zangilan International Airport took place on October 20, 2022, with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The airport is the second to be built in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan after the Fuzuli International Airport. These territories were previously under Armenian occupation and were reclaimed after Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The construction of the Zangilan Airport is part of the transportation infrastructure of the Zangazur corridor, connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with mainland Azerbaijan.

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