Top 8 Airports in Azerbaijan | IATA Codes & Operating Airlines

Azerbaijan relies heavily on air travel for domestic and international connectivity. The country has numerous world-class airports in Azerbaijan that serve as gateways to its natural wonders, cities, and cultural experiences.

In this guide, we have covered the top airports in Azerbaijan, their facilities, transportation options, and everything you need to know for a smooth travel experience.

Airport Name	Type	Airport Code
Heydar Aliyev International Airport	Domestic & International	GYD
Ganja International Airport	Domestic & International	GNJ
Nakhchivan International Airport	Domestic & International	NAJ
Qabala International Airport	Domestic & International	GBB
Lankaran International Airport	Domestic & International	LLK
Fuzuli International Airport	Domestic & International	FZL
Zangilan International Airport	Domestic & Limited International	ZZE
Yevlakh Airport	Primarily Domestic	YLV

1. Heydar Aliyev International Airport – Azerbaijan’s Premier International Gateway

Heydar Aliyev International Airport is Azerbaijan’s busiest international gateway. As the flagship among airports in Azerbaijan, it handled over 5 million passengers in 2023 and features two main runways, with the longest extending 3,200 meters.

Address: Bakı şəhərindən, Şimal, Azerbaijan

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kegGs1sEC6crvNrr7

Airport Code: GYD 

Category: Operates both domestic and international flights 

Phone: +994124972727

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 23 km from Baku City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Aeroflot, flydubai, and numerous other international carriers serve this premier facility among airports in Azerbaijan.

Terminals: Three terminals are available: Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 2 (Domestic), and a VIP Terminal.

Services & Amenities:

• Accessible toilets, wheelchair assistance, parking
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals
• Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, bars
• VIP and business lounges
• Currency exchange, charging stations, medical center
• Baggage wrapping services (7 AZN per baggage)
• Lost and found center

Nearby Attractions: 

• Baku City Center: Iconic landmarks like Maiden Tower, Flame Towers, and Old City (Icherisheher). The UNESCO-listed Old City features ancient fortress walls and centuries-old architecture.
• Heydar Aliyev Center: An architectural masterpiece by Zaha Hadid offering cultural exhibitions, museum displays, and an iconic building design that has become a symbol of modern Baku.
• Baku Boulevard: Scenic promenade along the Caspian Sea with parks, cafes, and entertainment options. 
• Nizami Street: Major shopping and entertainment district with high-end boutiques, restaurants, theaters, and historical buildings displaying European architectural influences.

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2. Ganja International Airport (GNJ) – Western Azerbaijan’s Major Hub

Ganja International Airport serves as western Azerbaijan’s main aviation hub. This important facility is among the best airports in Azerbaijan and connects Azerbaijan’s second-largest city to domestic and international destinations.

Address: Ganja, Azerbaijan 

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1HCX8HthkzN32Xgw9

Airport Code: GNJ 

Category: Operates both domestic and international flights 

Phone: +994222569963

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 10 km from Ganja City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and select international carriers connect this important hub in the network of airports in Azerbaijan.

Terminals: One passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Passenger terminal with basic amenities
• Ground transportation options
• Basic food and beverage outlets
• Currency exchange services
• Domestic and international check-in counters

Nearby Attractions: 

• Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum: Cultural heritage site dedicated to Azerbaijan’s greatest poet, featuring a distinctive green dome and elegant architecture surrounded by a peaceful park setting.
• Khan Bagy Park: Central city park offering green space, walking paths, fountains, and recreational areas where locals gather for leisure activities.
• Bottle House: Unique architectural landmark decorated with thousands of colorful glass bottles embedded in the walls, created by a local resident to commemorate his brother’s return from World War II.
• Imamzadeh Mausoleum: This is a Religious and historical site of significance featuring impressive Islamic architecture, ornate decorations, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere popular with both tourists and pilgrims.

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3. Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ) – Serving the Nakhchivan Exclave

Nakhchivan International Airport is the primary gateway to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. As a critical link in the network of airports in Azerbaijan, it provides essential connectivity for this geographically separated region.

Address: Shekerabad, Azerbaijan

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vHAqgF6XGQCVztC3A

Airport Code: NAJ 

Category: Operates both domestic and international flights 

Phone: +994365444727

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 5km away from Nakhchivan City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and select international carriers serve this vital connection point in the Azerbaijan airport facilities network.

Terminals: One modern terminal handles both domestic and international operations.

Services & Amenities:

• Two jet bridges for boarding
• Elevators and escalators for accessibility
• Baggage conveyor system
• Waiting lounges and passenger waiting rooms
• Cafes and retail stores
• Bank/money exchange and ATMs
• Lost and found center
• Passenger information center
• Nursery and medical station
• Duty-free shops

Nearby Attractions: 

• Noah’s Mausoleum: This is a Historic and religious site connected to biblical narratives about Noah’s Ark, featuring a distinctive tomb structure marking what some traditions identify as the burial place of Prophet Noah.
• Momine Khatun Mausoleum: An Iconic medieval monument with an impressive 12th-century design showcasing intricate geometric patterns and exceptional brick craftsmanship that stands as a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture.
• Yezidabad Castle: A reconstructed fortress offering historical insights into the region’s defensive structures with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains.
• Palace of Nakhchivan Khans: 18th-century palace converted into a museum displaying regional history artifacts, traditional furnishings, and exhibits about the autonomous region’s unique cultural heritage.

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4. Gabala International Airport (GBB) – Gateway to Northern Azerbaijan

Gabala International Airport serves as the northern gateway among the top airports in Azerbaijan. Opened in 2011, this modern facility has become increasingly important for tourism development in northern Azerbaijan’s scenic mountain region.

Address: Qabala, Azerbaijan 

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PNPSQ1XremteEALb6

Airport Code: GBB 

Category: Operates both domestic and international flights 

Phone: +994 24 205 40 43 

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 22 km away from Qabala City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines, flydubai, and seasonal charter flights from various carriers utilize this growing facility in the airports in Azerbaijan network.

Terminals: One terminal handles both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• 24-hour operation
• International entry and customs facilities
• High-intensity lighting and modern navigation aids (ILS, VOR/DME)
• Jet fuel available
• Basic passenger services
• Car parking

Nearby Attractions: 

• Tufandag Mountain Resort: Premier ski and outdoor activities destination operating year-round with skiing in winter and cable car rides in summer, providing spectacular mountain views across northern Azerbaijan.
• Yeddi Gozel Waterfall: A popular natural attraction with scenic hiking trails leading to a beautiful seven-cascade waterfall surrounded by lush forests and mountain scenery ideal for nature photography.
• Qabaland: A family amusement park offering rides, games, entertainment options, and recreational facilities perfect for visitors traveling with children or seeking leisurely activities.
• Nohur Lake: Scenic lake near the city, perfect for relaxation, picnicking, and enjoying the tranquil natural setting with mountains reflected in its calm waters, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

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5. Lankaran International Airport (LLK) – Southeastern Azerbaijan Gateway

Lankaran International Airport connects southeastern Azerbaijan to domestic and international destinations. This strategic facility in the airports in Azerbaijan network serves the subtropical region known for its tea plantations and natural beauty.

Address: Lankaran, Azerbaijan

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e9ZqoPVttwJNaczN7

Airport Code: LLK 

Category: Operates both domestic and international flights 

Phone: +994252553236

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 4.2 km away from Lankaran City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines and seasonal flights to Russia operate from this regional facility among airports in Azerbaijan.

Terminals: One terminal serving both domestic and international passengers.

Services & Amenities:

• Meet and greet services
• Lounge access
• Wheelchair and special assistance
• Porter and baggage handling services
• Fast track through immigration and security
• Priority boarding
• Buggy transfer within the terminal
• Escort to car pickup and liaison with the driver
• VIP concierge and private transfer services

Nearby Attractions:

• Lankaran Fortress and Lighthouse: Historic sites in the city center dating back centuries, with the fortress ruins illustrating the strategic importance of this southern coastal city throughout Azerbaijani history.
• Hirkan National Park: UNESCO World Heritage site famous for rare subtropical flora and fauna, including the endangered Caucasian leopard, ancient boxwood trees, and iron trees in a pristine forest environment covering 21,000 hectares.
• Khanbulan Lake: A natural attraction near the city offering scenic views, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a peaceful environment surrounded by lush vegetation characteristic of this subtropical region.
• Local tea plantations: Agricultural tourism opportunities in the region known for producing Azerbaijan’s finest tea, with tours available to see traditional cultivation methods and sample local varieties in authentic settings.

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6. Fuzuli International Airport (FZL) – Karabakh Region’s Newest Airport

Fuzuli International Airport, opened in 2021, is one of Azerbaijan’s newest air facilities. This modern addition to the airports in Azerbaijan network serves as a gateway to the Karabakh region and symbolizes reconstruction efforts in the area.

Address: Fuzuli, Azerbaijan 

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fqecb9z4TxrU2HTXA

Airport Code: FZL 

Category: Operates domestic and international flights 

Phone: NA

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 8.7 km from Fuzuli City Center

Operating Airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines and limited scheduled services connect this developing hub in the Azerbaijan airport facilities network.

Terminals: One modern terminal with a capacity for 200 passengers per hour.

Services & Amenities:

• Baggage conveyors
• VIP lounges
• Registration/check-in system
• Shops and restaurants
• Car parking for 150 vehicles
• Modern air traffic control tower and navigation systems
• Apron and taxiway for all aircraft types

Nearby Attractions: 

• Karabakh Region: Access point for visiting the liberated territories with significant cultural and historical importance to Azerbaijan, featuring stunning mountain landscapes and historic sites being carefully restored.
• Mountain Landscapes: Surrounding ranges offer natural beauty with diverse flora and fauna, hiking opportunities, and photogenic vistas across the region’s valleys and peaks.

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7. Zangilan International Airport (ZZE) – Southwestern Border Gateway

Zangilan International Airport, opened in 2022, is among Azerbaijan’s newest aviation facilities. This modern addition to the best airports in Azerbaijan’s network serves the southwestern region near the border with Iran.

Address: Zangilan, Azerbaijan 

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wTUwTLoitpbv57b26

Airport Code: ZZE 

Category: Domestic with limited international flights 

Phone: NA

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 13.3 km away from Zangilan City

Operating Airlines: Limited scheduled services with plans for expansion as part of the developing airports in the Azerbaijan network.

Terminals: One modern terminal facility.

Services & Amenities:

• Newly constructed (opened 2022)
• Modern runway and apron
• Basic passenger amenities
• International border processing capabilities
• Limited scheduled services are currently available

Nearby Attractions:

• Voghji River: Also known as Okhchuchay River, this waterway flows through the scenic region, creating fertile valleys surrounded by mountains, with environmental restoration projects currently underway.

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8. Yevlakh Airport (YLV) – Central Azerbaijan Regional Hub

Yevlakh Airport serves central Azerbaijan with regional connectivity. This facility in the airports in Azerbaijan’s network provides convenient access to central regions away from the Caspian coast.

Address: Yevlakh 6600, Azerbaijan

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYiAQQ7iwSYUmi2H9

Airport Code: YLV 

Category: Primarily domestic operations 

Phone: NA

Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 7.4 km away from Yevlakh City Centre

Operating Airlines: Occasional domestic and charter services within the Azerbaijan airport facilities network.

Terminals: One terminal with basic facilities.

Services & Amenities:

• Modern and functional design
• Domestic and international flight capability
• Local transport options (bus, taxi, minibus)
• Occasional cultural exhibitions and displays
• Limited services; check schedules in advance

Nearby Attractions: 

• Kura River: Azerbaijan’s major waterway flows near the city, offering fishing opportunities, scenic riverbank walks, and agricultural landscapes that showcase the importance of this river to central Azerbaijan.
• Cultural Heritage Sites: Local museums, monuments, and historical buildings preserve the region’s unique traditions and showcase artifacts from various periods of Azerbaijani history.

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Top 5 Places You Must Visit in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from iconic urban landmarks to natural wonders. When planning your trip to airports in Azerbaijan, make sure to include these must-visit destinations in your itinerary.

Place	Location	Highlights
Icheri Sheher (Old City)	Baku	UNESCO site, Maiden Tower, Palace of Shirvanshahs
Gobustan National Park	Near Baku	Ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes
Sheki and Palace of Sheki Khans	Northwestern Azerbaijan	UNESCO site, Silk Road heritage, stained-glass windows
Lake Goygol	Near Ganja	Crystal-clear mountain lake, national park
Khinaliq Village	Quba District	Ancient mountain village, traditional culture

Icheri Sheher (Old City), Baku

Baku’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed by ancient walls. This medieval heart of Azerbaijan features narrow alleys, the iconic Maiden Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

Visitors can explore traditional restaurants, souvenir shops, and museums throughout the district. The area offers a perfect glimpse into Azerbaijan’s past while being minutes from modern Baku landmarks.

Best For: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and photographers.

Gobustan National Park

Located about 60 km southwest of Baku, Gobustan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for its ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back 40,000 years and fascinating mud volcanoes.

The on-site museum provides context for understanding the prehistoric significance of this remarkable archaeological site. This destination is easily accessible as a day trip from Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Best For: Archaeology buffs, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sheki and Palace of Sheki Khans

Sheki, located in northwestern Azerbaijan, is home to the UNESCO-listed Palace of Sheki Khans. The palace is renowned for its intricate stained-glass windows (shebeke), which were created without nails or glue.

The city itself preserves its Silk Road heritage with historic caravanserais and a charming old town. Surrounded by lush forests and mountain scenery, Sheki offers cultural richness in a beautiful setting.

Best For: Cultural travelers, architecture enthusiasts, and photographers.

Lake Goygol

Near Ganja in western Azerbaijan, Lake Goygol is a pristine mountain lake formed by an earthquake. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters, the name “Goygol” literally means “Blue Lake.”

Set within Göygöl National Park, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The dramatic backdrop of Mount Kyapaz makes this one of Azerbaijan’s most photogenic natural sites.

Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility.

Khinaliq Village

High in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the Quba District, Khinaliq is one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Its unique stone houses and traditional mountain culture have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The village offers breathtaking alpine scenery and serves as a starting point for scenic hikes. For an authentic experience of Azerbaijan’s mountain heritage, Khinaliq is unmatched.

Best For: Adventure travelers, cultural explorers, and photographers.

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FAQs

What are the accommodation options near major airports in Azerbaijan?

Major airports in Azerbaijan offer various lodging options. Heydar Aliyev International Airport has nearby international brand hotels, while Ganja and Nakhchivan airports provide mid-range accommodations. 

What are some of the facilities at Azerbaijani airports?

Azerbaijan airport facilities include duty-free shopping, dining options, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi at international terminals. The best airports in Azerbaijan also provide lounges, prayer rooms, baggage services, and information desks for travelers.

How does customs processing work at Azerbaijani airports?

Customs at airports in Azerbaijan involve the declaration of items exceeding duty-free allowances. Electronic gates expedite processing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, while other airports maintain traditional customs checks with separate lanes for citizens and foreign visitors.

What are the transportation options available from airports in Azerbaijan?

Airport transportation in Azerbaijan includes official taxis with fixed rates, airport shuttles to city centers, and public buses from major airports. Car rentals are available at international terminals, while ride-sharing services operate primarily from Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

How long does an Azerbaijani tourist visa last?

Azerbaijani tourist visas typically last 30 days with single or multiple-entry options. E-visas are available for most nationalities visiting airports in Azerbaijan, while some travelers may qualify for a visa-on-arrival. Extensions can be arranged through the State Migration Service.

What items cannot be brought into Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan enforces restrictions at all airports in Azerbaijan. Prohibited items include weapons, narcotics, endangered species products, and politically sensitive materials. Alcohol limits apply (up to 1.5 liters), and currency exceeding $10,000 must be declared upon arrival.

How much is 1AZN in USD?

1 Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is approximately $0.59 US Dollars (USD) based on the current mid-market exchange rate.

Which are the nearest airports to popular Azerbaijani destinations?

The main airports in Azerbaijan serving popular destinations include Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) for Baku and the surrounding area, Ganja Airport (GNJ) for western attractions like Lake Goygol, Qabala Airport (GBB) for northern mountain resorts, and Shaki Airport for the historic Silk Road city.

What procedures should be followed if belongings get lost inside an Azerbaijani airport?

For lost items, contact the airport’s lost property office immediately. Items lost on an aircraft require contacting the airline directly. The best airports in Azerbaijan maintain dedicated offices for handling lost belongings, with claim forms available online and at information desks.