Azerbaijan's scheduled air network expands 27% over decade, IATA says

Azerbaijan's network of scheduled air routes expanded by 27% between 2015 and 2025 to reach 95 destinations, while the number of airlines serving the country rose to 39 from 24 over the same period, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on June 29.

Thus, scheduled services to and from Azerbaijan are now operated by 39 carriers through the country's five airports, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Medium-haul routes account for 71% of the country's route network, while short-haul and very short-haul services make up 19% and 6%, respectively.

Although the total number of routes declined by 4% between 2024 and 2025, six new routes were launched, and seven previously operated services were restored during the period, the association said.

IATA said 54% of Azerbaijan's current route network differs from that of 2015, reflecting what it described as the country's continued progress in improving air connectivity.

The association also said Central Asia is playing an increasingly important role as an intercontinental hub for global air cargo. Since 2019, regional air freight volumes have more than doubled, while the share of direct transit traffic has increased from 59% to about 65% of total air cargo traffic.

According to IATA, airspace restrictions and the resulting changes to airline route networks have redirected cargo flows through new transit corridors in Central Asia, a trend it said would strengthen the region's airport infrastructure and logistics capacity over the longer term.

By Aghakazim Guliyev