Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan’s state-owned scheduled flag carrier, connecting its Baku hub with 36 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Caucasus.
About Azerbaijan Airlines
Azerbaijan Airlines, widely known as AZAL, is the national flag carrier of Azerbaijan. Established in 1992 after the country gained independence, it operates as a state-owned closed joint-stock company and uses the airline codes J2 and AHY. Scheduled passenger transport is its principal activity, and its identity reflects Azerbaijan’s position between Europe and Asia. The airline also provides an important link between the capital and several regional cities within the country.
Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is AZAL’s primary hub and the centre of its network. The airline serves 36 destinations across 18 countries through 86 routes. Its busiest departure cities by route count are Baku, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Lankaran and Khanty-Mansiysk. The network encompasses domestic destinations such as Ganja and Zaqatala alongside international points including Istanbul, London, Prague, Tbilisi and Aberdeen.
Aircraft types associated with AZAL’s operations include ATR 42-500 and ATR 72 turboprops, Airbus A319, A320, A321 and A330-300 aircraft, and Boeing 737, 757, 767 models. This range supports short domestic sectors, regional services and longer international flights. Economy and Business Class are available across much of the network, although cabin configuration, seat design, meals, entertainment and other amenities vary according to aircraft type and route.
Azerbaijan Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, although commercial partnerships can extend the itineraries available beyond its own services. Its loyalty programme is AZAL Miles, which allows members to earn and redeem miles subject to fare, route and membership conditions. Travellers using partner-operated or codeshare flights should confirm mileage eligibility, through-checking arrangements and baggage rules because benefits are not necessarily identical across every operating carrier.
AZAL’s main strength is the connectivity provided through Baku, particularly for journeys linking Azerbaijan with Russia, Türkiye, the Caucasus and selected European markets. Its domestic routes also connect the capital with regional communities. A practical challenge is that the varied fleet can produce noticeable differences in cabin comfort and onboard service. Some routes may have limited frequencies, so passengers should allow sensible connection time and check schedules again before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Azerbaijan Airlines — what to expect
Baku Is Central
Most connecting journeys are organised through Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. Leave a comfortable transfer margin, especially when the onward route has limited frequencies.
Aircraft Vary
AZAL uses aircraft suited to domestic, regional and longer international services. Seat layout, entertainment and cabin amenities can therefore differ considerably by route and operating aircraft.
Check Fare Baggage
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements depend on the fare, route and travel class. Review the allowance printed on the booking rather than assuming the same policy applies throughout the network.
No Major Alliance
AZAL does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. On partner or codeshare itineraries, verify mileage credit, baggage transfers and any status benefits before travelling.
Regional Frequencies
Some domestic and regional routes operate less frequently than major international services. Consider the consequences of a missed connection when arranging separate tickets or short transfers.
Cabin Service Differences
AZAL generally follows a full-service model, but meals and other onboard features vary with flight duration, cabin and aircraft. Check the inclusions for the specific fare before departure.
Network overview
Where Azerbaijan Airlines flies
Azerbaijan Airlines operates 86 routes to 36 destinations across 18 countries, its longest sector reaching Aberdeen to Baku (4,123 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Azerbaijan Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Aberdeen → Baku
4,123 km · ABZ → GYD
The longest sector in the Azerbaijan Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Azerbaijan Airlines
Notable destinations on Azerbaijan Airlines's network.
J2BakudirectJ2LankarandirectJ2MoscowdirectJ2Saint PetersburgdirectJ2GanjadirectJ2IstanbuldirectJ2Khanty-MansiyskdirectJ2LondondirectJ2PraguedirectJ2TbilisidirectJ2ZaqataladirectJ2AberdeendirectDestination list is indicative of Azerbaijan Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Azerbaijan
Other airlines based in Azerbaijan
FAQ
Azerbaijan Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Tickets are generally easier to find at lower prices outside summer, major holidays and periods of heavy travel between Azerbaijan and key regional markets. Comparing flexible dates and booking ahead is particularly useful on routes with limited frequencies.
- Azerbaijan Airlines’ primary hub is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. Baku has more AZAL routes than any other departure city in its network.
- Carry-on entitlements vary by travel class, fare and route. Passengers should check the weight and size allowance shown on their booking because limits can differ between itineraries.
- Azerbaijan Airlines’ longest route is Aberdeen to Baku, covering about 4,123 km nonstop.
- Azerbaijan Airlines serves exactly 36 destinations across 18 countries. It operates 86 routes within that network.
- The busiest departure cities for Azerbaijan Airlines, ranked by route count, are Baku, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Lankaran and Khanty-Mansiysk. Baku is the airline’s principal hub and largest departure point.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Azerbaijan Airlines serves domestic and international destinations across 18 countries. Its network includes Baku, Lankaran, Ganja, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Istanbul, London, Prague, Tbilisi, Zaqatala, Khanty-Mansiysk and Aberdeen.