Azerbaijan Airlines, part of AZCON Holding, closed the first nine months of 2026 with growth in operational performance, an expanded route network, the launch of new digital services and international recognition.
From January to September, the airline operated 14,100 flights and carried about 3.3 million passengers, of whom more than 2.6 million travelled on international routes. The average seat load factor was 79%, and on-time performance stood at 81%. The number of transfer passengers travelling through Baku increased by 29% year on year to 419,000.
The busiest day of the reporting period was 15 August, when the airline operated a record 72 flights. By the end of September, its scheduled network covered 55 destinations.
On the Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku route, about 3,200 flights were operated over the nine months, carrying almost 650,000 passengers. The highest number of flights on this route fell on 15 June, when 25 flights were operated.
As part of its network expansion, the airline launched direct flights to Kars, Atyrau and Aktobe. Ticket sales also began for Baku–Brussels–Baku flights.
A number of digital solutions were introduced for passenger convenience. On board, cashless payment via POS terminals became available. The range of online payment options also expanded: thanks to cooperation with Uzum Bank, payments with HUMO and UZCARD cards became available, and the Alipay and WeChat Pay payment systems were connected. In addition, passengers can now purchase air tickets in instalments.
The Stopover service became available for online booking, and the new Rental Car service allows passengers to rent a car. The airline also expanded the options for purchasing additional baggage online and introduced online ticket refunds in cases related, in particular, to flight cancellations.
The reporting period was also marked by international recognition. At the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2026 ceremony, Azerbaijan Airlines was named the best regional airline in Central Asia and the CIS. In addition, the airline won the PAX International Readership Awards 2026 in the category "Best In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity in the CIS." Its efforts to create a favourable working environment were recognised with Great Place to Work® certification. These achievements reflect the airline's consistent efforts to improve service quality, enhance the passenger experience and develop its corporate culture.
While maintaining flight safety as an unconditional priority, Azerbaijan's national carrier continues to expand its route network, improve operational efficiency and enhance services for passengers.
