What to expect flying with Azerbaijan's national carrier — fleet, routes, and booking tips
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is the national flag carrier, founded in 1992 as the country's first independent airline following Soviet-era Aeroflot operations. AZAL holds a 4-star Skytrax rating and operates from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, itself rated 5 stars by Skytrax — a genuinely well-regarded airport by regional standards.
AZAL operates a modern fleet including Boeing and Airbus aircraft, serving destinations across Europe, Asia, the CIS region, and increasingly further afield, with recent route expansion including new long-haul connections. Baku functions as a genuine regional hub for connections between Europe and Asia.
Book several weeks to a few months ahead for the best fares, particularly around Novruz (late March) and summer peak season. Direct flights from major hubs are increasingly available; connecting flights via Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha remain a common route for travelers from destinations without a direct Baku connection.
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is modern, efficient, and well-regarded for a relatively compact regional hub — arrivals and immigration are generally smooth, especially for eVisa holders who've completed their application in advance.