New Baku–Bratislava air route confirmed, launch planned for 2026 photo

Samir Rzayev, President of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), which is part of AZCON Holding, has discussed the opening of a new Baku–Bratislava air route during a meeting with Elchin Gasimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to Azerbaijan.

According to AZAL’s press service, cited by Caliber.Az, the talks focused on the prospects for expanding air connectivity between Azerbaijan and Slovakia, as well as on broader opportunities to deepen cooperation in civil aviation. Particular attention was given to creating new travel options for passengers and improving overall transport accessibility between the two countries.

In this context, the parties recalled that AZAL’s management had earlier held working consultations with Wizz Air. As a result of those discussions, the launch of the Baku–Bratislava–Baku route was confirmed. Wizz Air plans to begin operating flights on this route from Heydar Aliyev International Airport starting in 2026.

Rzayev noted that the opening of the Baku–Bratislava route would represent a significant step toward strengthening tourism, business, and humanitarian ties between the two countries. He stressed that the new connection would also expand travel geography for passengers by offering a wider range of destinations and more convenient flight options.

For his part, Ambassador Gasimov underlined Slovakia’s strong interest in establishing direct air links with Azerbaijan. He pointed to Wizz Air’s extensive route network from Bratislava, which includes more than 30 destinations, and highlighted that more than 5,000 Azerbaijani citizens currently reside in Slovakia.

The meeting also highlighted AZAL’s broader development in recent years. The airline’s route network has expanded substantially, growing from 25 destinations to nearly 40 across Europe, Asia, Central Asia, and the Gulf region, with the airport becoming an increasingly important hub in the aviation network. At the same time, AZAL is consistently implementing a fleet modernisation program, adding modern and efficient Airbus and Boeing aircraft, a move aimed at boosting operational efficiency and enhancing service quality for passengers.

By Tamilla Hasanova