AZE.US
Azerbaijan plans to expand its network of direct international flights and attract more foreign carriers, a move that could reduce airfares by 15-20%, according to a tourism industry expert.
The initiative is part of Azerbaijan’s 2026-2030 state tourism development program, approved by President Ilham Aliyev.
The program seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the non-oil economy, develop regional destinations, encourage investment, improve service quality and accelerate digitalization across the sector.
Tourism expert Elgun Babayev said the measures could lead to more nonstop flights from Azerbaijan, including routes currently requiring passengers to travel through transit hubs. New services could include medium- and long-haul flights lasting four to eight hours.
Azerbaijan is also expected to expand the number of countries offering visa-free travel to its citizens over the next four years.
Babayev said increased flight frequency and stronger competition could push ticket prices down by at least 15-20%.
Flights to European destinations from neighboring countries currently cost an average of about 800 manats ($471), compared with approximately 950 manats ($559) for similar journeys departing from Azerbaijan, he said.
The expert did not rule out the possibility that fares from Azerbaijan could eventually fall below those offered in neighboring countries.
Lower prices could also make the Azerbaijani market more attractive to international low-cost airlines.
However, the projected decline remains an expert estimate. No specific routes, timetable or mechanism for reducing ticket prices has yet been announced.
AZE.US