Azerbaijan Airlines named best at World Airline Awards 2026 PHOTO

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has been named the Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and the CIS at the World Airline Awards 2026.

AZAL said the award recognises the airline’s consistent efforts to improve the passenger experience through fleet modernisation, expansion of its route network and service enhancements.

The ceremony, organised by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax, was held on September 18, 2026, at The Langham hotel in London.

Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted stated that Azerbaijan Airlines has firmly established itself as a benchmark for service among regional airlines in Central Asia and the CIS.

“This award highlights the airline’s commitment to consistent development, reflected in the expansion of its fleet, growth of its route network and improvement in service quality,” he noted.

Samir Rzayev, Chairman of the Board of AZAL, said: “This recognition belongs to our employees, whose dedication shapes passengers’ travel experiences with us every day. It also reflects passengers’ trust in Azerbaijan Airlines. By investing in new aircraft, expanding our route network and improving our services, we consistently strive to make every journey safer, more comfortable and more convenient. We are proud of this award, which inspires us to continue living up to this trust.”

Azerbaijan Airlines continues to strengthen its role in connecting Azerbaijan with international markets. The airline’s development priorities combine fleet renewal and route network expansion with improvements to onboard services and digital tools, giving passengers greater choice and making travel more convenient at every stage.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov