AZE.US
A new direct Wizz Air service between Slovakia and Azerbaijan is expected to begin on Oct. 10, potentially offering round-trip tickets for about 170-255 manats ($100–$150), according to tourism expert Aziz Shiriyev.
The planned route comes as Azerbaijan seeks to attract more low-cost airlines and make air travel more affordable. The initiative is included in the country’s State Tourism Development Program for 2026-2030.
Shiriyev told Globalinfo.az that Azerbaijan’s closed land borders and relatively expensive airfares have limited the growth of mass tourism.
“The current situation means that visitors to Azerbaijan largely come from higher-income groups,” he said.
“To attract tourists across different budget categories, the country needs more affordable flights, particularly while its land borders remain closed.”
Although Slovakia has a population of about 5 million, its location in Central Europe could allow travelers from neighboring countries to use the new service. The route could also give Azerbaijani citizens a cheaper option for reaching other parts of Europe.
Shiriyev said the arrival of additional low-cost carriers would increase competition and could eventually reduce fares on other popular routes, including those connecting Azerbaijan with Turkey, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and European destinations.
He also argued that reopening land crossings with Georgia and establishing a transport route through the Zangezur corridor toward Nakhchivan and Sadarak could further increase tourism and put downward pressure on airfares.
However, Azerbaijani authorities have not announced an official date for reopening the country’s land borders. Shiriyev’s comments regarding their possible reopening remain an expert forecast rather than a government decision.
AZE.US