Azerbaijani, Turkish leaders attend opening ceremony of Lachin International Airport PHOTO/VIDEO/UPDATED

On May 28, the grand opening ceremony of Lachin International Airport took place in Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development and connectivity.

The event was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Erdoğan, highlighting the strong partnership between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye cut the ribbon symbolising the official opening of the airport.

The symbolic keys to Lachin International Airport were presented to the presidents.

The leaders familiarised themselves with the facilities created at the airport.

The Lachin International Airport, located in a complex mountainous terrain, is the third international airport built in the territories liberated from occupation.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale restoration and reconstruction activities are being carried out in Azerbaijan's liberated lands. Among these projects, the construction of airports holds particular strategic importance. So far, the Fuzuli and Zangilan International Airports, built to meet modern standards, have been commissioned in these territories. With the opening of Lachin International Airport, the number of international airports in Azerbaijan has reached nine.

Construction of this important infrastructure facility began in August 2021 and was carried out in accordance with the highest technological and engineering standards. It should be noted that the foundation of the airport was laid in 2021 by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. Since then, the President and the First Lady have visited the site several times to inspect the progress of the construction activities.

A runway 3,000 meters long and 60 meters wide has been constructed at the airport, capable of accommodating any type of aircraft. The 5,000-square-meter terminal building can serve at least 200 passengers per hour. For passenger comfort, the terminal includes a VIP lounge, check-in and security systems, baggage conveyors, commercial facilities, and catering zones.

The Air Traffic Control Tower, equipped with fully automated systems, ensures that flights are managed in accordance with international regulations and safety standards. The infrastructure established here allows for the safe and efficient operation of flights in compliance with ICAO and IATA standards.

The airport, located in the village of Gorchu in the Lachin district at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, covers a total area of more than 130 hectares. This airport is the highest-altitude airport in Azerbaijan. Situated 30 kilometres from Lachin city, 70 kilometres from Shusha, and 60 kilometres from Kalbajar, the airport will play a significant role in strengthening the transportation links of the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions.

Furthermore, the implementation of this important transport project will broadly enhance the region's tourism potential. Due to its geographical location and accessibility, this airport will become a key transportation hub supporting the economic, social, and logistical integration of the region.

Later, President Aliyev, along with President Erdoğan, viewed the products produced at “Dost Agropark,” the first private agricultural complex established by Turkish and Azerbaijani investors in the Karabakh and Zangezur regions.

It was noted that the complex operates based on smart agricultural technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable farming mechanisms. Currently, the agropark employs 120 people, and once fully operational, it will provide jobs for 500 individuals.