Baku eyes new subsidy scheme to attract international airlines

Azerbaijan plans to launch a subsidy mechanism to encourage airlines operating regular flights to the country, Rashad Aliyev, deputy chairman of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board under the State Tourism Agency, has said.

According to him, the mechanism is included in a new state program for the tourism sector, which is currently being prepared, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"We have included a subsidy mechanism for airlines operating flights to Azerbaijan in the state program. The main goal is to encourage the launch of flights on new routes and increase the number of existing flights. When international airlines choose a new route, they consider airport charges, service fees, tax obligations and other costs, and give preference to countries offering more favorable conditions. A number of countries, including Uzbekistan, apply an active subsidy strategy by financially supporting airlines, tourism operators, hotels and other tourism sector participants. We also plan to create a support mechanism in this area to strengthen our competitiveness," he said.

Aliyev emphasized that attracting low-cost airlines to Azerbaijan has been identified as one of the key priorities in the new state program.

By Vafa Guliyeva