IATA: More than half of Azerbaijan's air routes have changed over the past decade

Between 2015 and 2025, Azerbaijan's scheduled air route network expanded from 75 to 95 destinations, marking a 27% increase.

According to Report, citing the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 39 airlines currently operate scheduled services to and from Azerbaijan, compared to 24 a decade ago, with flights operating through five airports across the country.

"Medium-haul routes account for 71% of the route network, while short-haul routes make up 19% and very short-haul routes 6%. Despite a 4% decline in the number of routes between 2024 and 2025, six new routes were launched and seven previously operated routes were restored during the same period.

Overall, 54% of the current route network differs from that of 2015, indicating the steady development of Azerbaijan's air connectivity," IATA said in its report.

According to the association, Central Asia is playing an increasingly important role as an intercontinental bridge for the global air cargo network.

"Since 2019, the region's air cargo traffic has more than doubled, while the share of direct transit has increased from 59% to approximately 65% of total air freight volumes," IATA noted.

The association concluded that current airspace restrictions and the resulting adjustments to route networks are redirecting cargo flows through new transit corridors in Central Asia. In the long term, this trend is expected to strengthen the region's airport ecosystems and enhance its logistics potential.