Azerbaijan partners with INDRA to revolutionize Alat airport with advanced air navigation

As part of the Passenger Terminal Expo 2025 held in Madrid, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the joint-stock company "Azerbaijan Airlines" and the company INDRA.

The press service of AZAL told Caliber.Az that per the agreement, INDRA, a global leader in air traffic management, defense, and space, will provide the construction of a new cargo airport in the Alat Free Economic Zone (located in the Garadagh district of Baku) with modern air navigation systems.

This agreement marks an important step in the implementation of the national strategy to transform the Alat FEZ into one of the leading multimodal logistics centers in Eurasia. The new airport, created with the support of the Government of Azerbaijan and the Silk Way Group of Companies, will occupy a strategic position along the route of the Middle Corridor and enhance transport connectivity between Europe and Asia.

The partnership with INDRA will ensure the implementation of advanced air navigation technologies to improve airport efficiency, ensure flight safety, and support round-the-clock cargo operations. INDRA's customized solutions will provide high reliability, flexibility, and scalability, fully meeting the needs of modern airspace users.

With over 30 years of experience and providing innovative air traffic management solutions in over 90% of the world's countries, INDRA is the ideal partner for the Alat cargo airport. The new cargo airport is located near the Alat seaport, not far from Baku, and is directly connected to Azerbaijan's rail and road network, ensuring uninterrupted cargo movement by sea, land, and air. Sustainability is a priority in the construction process, including eco-friendly building practices and the use of renewable energy sources. The project will serve as a model of low-carbon cargo infrastructure.

As the national air navigation service provider, Azeraeronavigation (AZANS), part of Azerbaijan Airlines, will ensure safe and efficient air traffic management adapted to the specific needs of the Alat cargo airport. A special division, ALAT Aeronavigation Service, will be created to integrate airspace and strengthen the airport's role as a key logistics hub on the Middle Corridor.

"The implementation of intelligent, automated air navigation systems is one of the key conditions for the effective operation of modern cargo airports. Cooperation with a global leader like INDRA opens a new chapter in the development of a high-tech, efficient, and safe infrastructure at the Alat cargo airport. I am confident that this partnership will significantly strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a key logistics center in Eurasia," noted Farhan Guliyev, advisor to the president of Azerbaijan Airlines.

Angel Escribano, Chairman of the Board of INDRA Group, also commented: "We are pleased to partner with Azerbaijan Airlines in this strategic project. Using our expertise and advanced air navigation technologies, we aim to contribute to enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of one of the most ambitious logistics hubs in the region. We are proud to support Azerbaijan’s vision for the development of the Alat Free Economic Zone and strengthening economic ties between Europe and Asia."

It should be noted that the construction of the Alat cargo airport, which began in 2024, is located near the international seaport and is directly connected to the country's railway and road infrastructure. The project includes a 4000-meter runway, taxiways, an air traffic control center, refueling and fire-fighting services, as well as other infrastructure facilities.

The airport is expected to open in 2026.

By Tamilla Hasanova