Azerbaijan’s national carrier AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) has launched two weekly direct flights from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Islamabad.
The inaugural flight from Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) arrived at the Islamabad International Airport early in the morning on November 2.
“The flight was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute as it taxied through the arch created by the firefighters spraying water across the plane,” Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said in a statement.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan shared the video of first direct flight landing at Islamabad Airport.
The flight welcome reception was attended by the Additional Director General PCAA Air Vice Marshal Taimur Iqbal, the Azerbaijan Embassy’s deputy head of mission, Airport Manager and other airport officials.
The inaugural flight landed in Pakistan as the two countries agreed to bolster defense ties during the visit of Pakistan’s army chief General Syed Asim Munir to Baku.
Baku-Islamabad direct flights
The maiden flights marked a significant step in fostering bilateral relations and boosting travel and tourism ties between the two nations.
AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) had announced to initiate two weekly flights to three cities in Pakistan – Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The flights will be available on a flexible timetable, catering to various travel preferences.
The airline will operate flights from Baku to Islamabad twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday.
The Azerbaijan Airline also has scheduled flights for Karachi and Lahore two days a week.

Direct flights to boost tourism and trade
The initiative is expected to facilitate stronger connections and partnerships between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, improving international transportation and enhancing diplomatic ties.
This expansion aligns with Azerbaijan Airlines’ ongoing efforts to broaden its network and cater to increasing travel demand. The carrier’s recent acquisition of additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners underscores its commitment to elevate the travel experience for passengers.
With the launch of these new routes, Azerbaijan Airlines is not only expanding its operational reach but also contributing to the advancement of global connectivity and cultural exchange.
For flight details and ticket booking, travelers can conveniently access the official airline website or buy tickets on the AZAL mobile app.