Azerbaijan Will Build Two More International Airports By The End Of 2024

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev visited the construction site of Lachin International Airport, the third airport in the liberated lands of Azerbaijan. The airport is expected to be operational by 2024 and will boost the region's socio-economic development and tourism potential. The Fuzuli International Airport has already been inaugurated, and the Zangilan International Airport is expected to be operational in autumn 2022. These developments are part of state-run programs following the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which resulted in the liberation of several Azerbaijani territories.

Background of Azerbaijan's Civil Aviation Infrastructure Development

The First Karabakh War in the early 1990s saw Azerbaijan's Karabakh (Garabagh) region fall under Armenia's occupation. The conflict continued until the signing of a ceasefire deal in 1994, which resulted in Armenia occupying 20% of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territories. This resulted in over 30,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis being killed, and one million being expelled from their lands in a brutal ethnic cleansing policy carried out by Armenia.

The illegal attempts of Armenia to use the Karabakh region's airspace and the Khojaly airport for hosting Armenian company flights and military aviation met with severe backlash from Azerbaijan, including ultimatums on international platforms. In 2020, Azerbaijan regained access to the airspace over the Karabakh region, leading to the liberation of over 300 settlements, including the cities of Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Zangilan, and Shusha, from illegal Armenian occupation.

Benefits of Building International Airports in the Karabakh Region

The construction of international airports in the Karabakh region will undoubtedly bring numerous benefits to the region. The opening of the Fuzuli International Airport has already shown that such infrastructure projects can provide a boost to the economy and tourism sector of the region. The newly constructed airports will enable the establishment of regional logistical centers, which will facilitate the flow of goods and services within the region and beyond.

The airports will also enable comfortable and convenient travel for both tourists and locals, which will promote the region's tourism potential. The construction of new airports will open up new opportunities for investment and development, which will drive economic growth and job creation.

Zangilan International Airport: A Promising Infrastructure Project

The Zangilan International Airport is the second airport to be built in the liberated lands of Azerbaijan. The airport is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, and it will be able to receive all types of aircraft, including heavy cargo planes weighing up to 400 tons.

Details of the Zangilan International Airport Project

The airport's runway will measure 3 kilometers in length and 60 meters in width, making it one of the most extensive runways in the region. The construction of the airport began in May 2021, and the main building's installation and electro-mechanical work are currently underway. The airport is being built by the Baku-based AzVirt Construction Company.

Fuzuli International Airport: A Successful Inauguration Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The Fuzuli International Airport, the first airport in the liberated lands, was inaugurated in October 2021, eight months after the groundbreaking ceremony. The airport has been built by the Azerbaijani and Turkish companies, and recognized by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Fuzuli International Airport has a 3,500-meter-long runway, which can accommodate all types of aircraft, including large cargo planes. The airport has six aircraft parking areas, a modern passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and a control tower equipped with advanced technology.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fuzuli International Airport has already served several domestic and international flights, including a flight from Istanbul, Turkey, carrying Azerbaijani citizens returning from abroad.

The Role of International Air Transport Association and International Civil Aviation Organization in Airport Operations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of airports worldwide. These organizations set standards and guidelines for airport construction, maintenance, and operations, and provide training and support to airport staff.

The recognition of Fuzuli International Airport by IATA and ICAO demonstrates Azerbaijan's commitment to meeting international standards and regulations in aviation. This recognition also opens up opportunities for the airport to attract international airlines, increasing connectivity and economic growth in the region.

Lachin International Airport: A Major Boost to the Tourism Industry

The ongoing construction of the Lachin International Airport in the Lachin district will provide a significant boost to the tourism industry in the region. The airport is being built in an area consisting mainly of highlands and mountains, making construction a challenging task. However, once complete, the airport's 3,000-meter-long runway will be able to receive all types of aircraft, including large cargo planes.

The Lachin International Airport is expected to open in 2024, and President Aliyev has expressed his confidence that it will become a major tourist destination due to the natural beauty of the region. The airport's opening is also expected to contribute to the establishment of regional logistical centers, further promoting economic growth in the area.

Construction Challenges and Opportunities for Future Infrastructure Projects

The construction of new international airports in Azerbaijan's liberated lands is a significant undertaking that comes with its challenges. The rugged terrain, limited infrastructure, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have all posed obstacles to the successful completion of these projects. However, the Azerbaijani government has shown its commitment to developing the region's aviation infrastructure, and the successful inauguration of the Fuzuli International Airport is a testament to their efforts.

The construction of these airports not only promotes economic development but also provides employment opportunities for local communities. Moreover, it opens up new opportunities for investment in the region's tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.

Conclusion

The construction of two new international airports in Azerbaijan's liberated lands is a significant step towards boosting economic growth and improving connectivity.