Baku

AYNA names operators for bus routes from Baku to Quba, Qusar and Khudat
One operator won two northern routes. The agency also announced the winners for Zaqatala services and suburban bus route 567.

Three Baku teams propose ways to connect bus, metro and cycling trips
Fifteen of 510 applicant teams reached the TransportTech final. The winners used public transport data to tackle transfers, fares and passenger feedback.

AIREX real estate and investment exhibition opens in Baku
The first edition runs at Baku Expo Center through November 6. The opening day focuses on development projects and Azerbaijan’s urban planning priorities.

ADY adds Baku-Agstafa trains for the November holidays
Additional services are planned for November 7, 8, 9 and 10. Passengers should check departure times and seat availability for their chosen date.

More than 70 startups pitch to investors in Baku
Startup School 4 finalists showcased products after three months of training. Projects included a fruit-derived bioenzyme solution for polluted water.

Gulf arrivals fall by a third: the concentration risk for Baku tourism
More arrivals from the EU cannot offset the decline from Gulf countries. We calculate the shift and distinguish border arrivals from tourism revenue.

Azerbaijan Drops to 81st in Fixed Internet Speed Ranking
In September, Azerbaijan's average fixed broadband speed was 92.94 Mbps, ranking 81st out of 150 countries, down three places in a month. Mobile internet speed (98.92 Mbps) secured 47th place among 100 countries.

Baku conference discusses sustainable business, risk and compliance
Government representatives, financial-sector professionals and specialists discuss business transparency, corporate governance and emerging risks.

Central Bank of Azerbaijan Fines MJ Finance Official for AML/CFT Violations
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has fined an official of non-bank credit organization MJ Finance for violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing legislation. The court imposed a fine of 2,000 manats.

Heydar Aliyev Airport Switches to Autumn-Winter Schedule from October 25
Heydar Aliyev International Airport will operate on its autumn-winter schedule from October 25, 2026, through March 27, 2027, with flights to Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, and Central, South and East Asia.

AWS Agentic Football Cup with AI-Controlled Teams to Be Held in Baku
On October 17, Baku will host the AWS Agentic Football Cup, organized by AWS User Group Baku with support from Azercell. Participants will create virtual football teams controlled by AI agents.

October Pensions Paid in Baku, Sumgayit, and Absheron
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population reported that October pensions have been paid in Baku, Sumgayit, and the Absheron district. In the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, payments were also made on 7 October.

ABB Bank to Host International Risk Management Forum in Baku
On 16 October 2026, Baku will host the International Risk Management Forum, organized by ABB Bank with partner support from Mastercard.

Kadyrov Congratulates Azerbaijan on Resolution of Karabakh Issue
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, during a reception with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the resolution of the Karabakh issue.

Baku to Restrict Traffic on Several Streets and Avenues on October 11
From 08:00 to 13:00 on October 11, traffic will be temporarily rerouted on several streets and avenues in Baku as part of preparations for an international event.

AZAL Suspends Baku-Moscow Flights Due to Russian Airspace Restrictions
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has temporarily suspended several Baku-Moscow-Baku flights due to restrictions in Russian airspace. One flight made an emergency landing in St. Petersburg, while another returned to Baku.

Baku Branch of Iran's National Bank Reports 28.2% Profit Decline
For January-September, the branch's profit amounted to 3.144 million manats, 28.2% less than a year earlier. Assets declined by 5.8%, but the loan portfolio grew by 25.4%.

Tbilisi Overtakes Baku in Startup Ranking: What's Behind the Shift
Tbilisi entered the global top 300 startup cities, while Baku fell outside. But the round-number boundary makes the gap look larger than it is in points: the capitals are separated by ten places and about 4.1% in overall score. For businesses, it's more important to understand what opportunities lie behind this comparison.

Commercial Real Estate Prices in Baku Rise 13% Year-on-Year
In September 2026, the average annual growth in prices for non-residential properties in Baku reached 13%. Sabail district saw the highest increase at 27%.

Baku Centre to Restrict Car Traffic on All Days of the Week
Azerbaijan's Land Transport Agency is expanding traffic restrictions on central Baku streets from weekends to all days of the week. The new rules will be introduced in test mode from 5 October.

Second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum kicks off in Baku on September 25
The forum will take place on September 25–26 under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev. It is organized by the Ministry of Economy and AZPROMO. Documents are expected to be signed across several sectors.

Rodin Motorsport Drivers Take Top Two in Second F2 Qualifying at Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Martinus Stenshorne set the fastest time, with teammate Alex Dunne second. Rafael Camara of Invicta Racing was third.

Mastercard: Baku Race Nearly Tripled Tourist Spending on Dining
A Mastercard Economics Institute analysis shows that a major international racing event in Baku in 2025 significantly boosted foreign visitors' spending on dining and retail.

Air Astana Opens Ticket Sales from Baku to Almaty and Atyrau for Winter 2026/2027
Air Astana has started selling tickets for flights from Baku to Almaty and Atyrau as part of its winter 2026/2027 schedule. The flights will be operated by Airbus A320 and Airbus A321LR aircraft.