Last checked: October 2026
Most visitors fly into Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, about 20 km from the city centre. Flying is the only unrestricted way to enter Azerbaijan, according to the UK government, because land and sea entry is restricted. Flights have been disrupted in 2026, so check schedules with your airline close to departure.
Safety note: the US State Department rates Azerbaijan Level 3, “Reconsider travel”, and says commercial flights have been seriously disrupted. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you book, and choose flexible tickets.
Main Airports
| Airport | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heydar Aliyev International (GYD), Baku | Main international gateway and hub of Azerbaijan Airlines | About 20 km from the centre |
| Ganja, Gabala and Zaqatala | Regional airports | Check which routes currently run |
| Nakhchivan | Airport in the exclave | Struck by a drone on 5 March 2026; check current status |
Regional airports have limited services, and schedules change often. Don’t rely on them for tight connections.
What’s Been Disrupted in 2026
- Iran conflict: the US State Department notes an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks, including the 5 March 2026 drone strike on Nakhchivan airport. Flights in the south of the country were briefly halted and resumed on 9 March, according to an airspace-risk site.
- Iranian airlines: Azerbaijan Airlines said flights by Iranian carriers to Azerbaijan were suspended from 22 September 2026, after new US sanctions on Iran’s aviation sector.
- Russia routes: on 9 October 2026, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended several Baku–Moscow flights because of restrictions in Russian airspace.
These examples show why flexible tickets and travel insurance matter. Check each airline’s own notices for your route.
How to Get From Baku Airport to the City
Taxis wait outside the terminal, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are widely available, according to the UK government. It advises arranging pick-up near your hotel, agreeing fares upfront or checking that the meter is on. Public buses also run from the airport to metro stations, but they take longer, and the metro doesn’t reach the airport directly.
Domestic Travel
Azerbaijan Airlines operates the national network from Baku, but not all regional routes run all year. Trains and buses serve some regions, and a published guide says they take about seven hours to Sheki, against about four hours by car. For realistic times between regions, see our Azerbaijan itineraries.
Borders, Trains and Buses From Abroad
The UK government says the land borders with Iran and Georgia are temporarily closed, the border with Armenia remains closed, and the border with Russia is closed. Entry by land or sea is restricted, and leaving by road needs permission from the authorities. Plan to arrive and depart by air. Our Azerbaijan visa guide explains the e-visa and border rules.
Time Zone
Azerbaijan uses a single time zone, UTC+4, and doesn’t observe daylight saving time, according to the US State Department. That means the difference with Europe and North America changes twice a year, so check your arrival time carefully.
Before You Fly Checklist
- Print your e-visa and check that your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival.
- Check your airline’s latest notices for your route and your connection points.
- Choose a flexible ticket, and read the cancellation terms.
- Buy travel insurance, and check that it covers disruption and the advisories.
- Save your hotel address and a printed copy of your booking.
- Register for the State Department or UK alert services if you’re eligible.
Which Route Should You Choose?
- Choose a direct flight to Baku if one is available, since every connection adds a possible disruption.
- Choose a connection through a hub with several daily flights if no direct flight exists.
- Choose a flexible fare if your dates depend on current advisories.
Booking Tips
- Compare the full cost, including baggage and any change fees.
- Avoid routings that pass through airspace under restrictions.
- Don’t book a tight connection if you need to collect baggage.
- Keep your booking confirmation and visa on your phone and on paper.
3 Quick Answers
Which airport do I fly into?
Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, for almost every trip.
Can I enter by land?
Not reliably. Several land borders are closed, and entry by land or sea is restricted.
Are flights running normally?
Not always. Some routes have been disrupted in 2026, so check with your airline before you travel.
Flight Deals
Compare current offers below. Always confirm the final price, taxes and cancellation terms on the partner site.
Flights to Azerbaijan FAQs
How far is Baku airport from the city?
About 20 km. A taxi or ride-hailing app is the simplest option, and buses run too.
Do I need to print my e-visa?
Yes. The UK government says you must print it and bring it with your passport to show on arrival.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
Contact your airline first and keep receipts. Your insurance policy and the ticket’s terms decide what you can claim, so read them before you travel.
After you land, our guide to getting around Azerbaijan explains how to travel between cities and regions.
