Azerbaijan Airlines makes first direct Delhi-Baku flight since COVID-19 pandemic

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) made the first direct flight from India’s Delhi city to Azerbaijan’s Baku city after the COVID-19 pandemic on August 10.

While arriving at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the passengers were welcomed by Charge d'Affaires of India in Baku Vinay Kumar, Report informs citing the embassy of India in Baku.

He said that flights will be made twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays from Baku to Delhi, while on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Delhi to Baku.

The flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku takes about four hours.

Some Bollywood celebrities arrived via the first flight from Delhi to Baku. The traditional Azerbaijani dances were performed when Bollywood celebrities arrived at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

On this occasion, Kumar noted that the two countries have strong historical and cultural ties, adding that the opening of the direct flight will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy, culture and tourism.

He emphasised that thanks to a faster and more convenient flight, as well as simple procedures for obtaining an e-visa, more Azerbaijani tourists can enjoy a huge variety of attractive tourist destinations in India, including natural beauties, rich national heritage, history, geographical and cultural diversity.

The bilateral trade between India and Azerbaijan amounted to $739.10 million from January through December 2021.

The trade volume greatly increased and reached $895.95 million from January through June 2022, which is by 107.7 per cent more compared to the same period of last year.

India is currently the fourth biggest export destination for Azerbaijan.

“A direct flight between the two countries is expected to contribute to the further development of bilateral trade,” Kumar added.