Resumption of direct flights between Russia and Azerbaijan: what travelers can expect

Why the air link was suspended

In December 2024 airline AZAL suffered a tragedy: an Embraer‑190 from Baku to Grozny crashed in the Aktaú area of western Kazakhstan. After the accident both sides sharply cut flights – the Azerbaijani carrier halted services to seven Russian cities, and Russian airlines stopped flights from three Russian cities to Baku. In the end direct connections between the two countries were reduced to ten routes.

How the decision to thaw the link was reached

On 17 July in Moscow, at a joint press conference of foreign ministers Dzhakhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov, they announced readiness to resume direct flights. They said all issues stemming from the December crash have been settled. Compensation agreements for the victims’ families, announced by the Russian president in the autumn, were formally sealed in April.

What has already been scheduled

Restoration of flights is being considered “on a number of routes”. Specific dates and the list of routes have not been released yet, but official comments hint at a phased launch. The most likely first line is Moscow – Baku, because it traditionally enjoys the highest demand. Afterwards regional flights could follow, for example towards Astrakhan Oblast, where Governor Igor Babushkin already in June expressed willingness to bring back the route frozen in February 2025.

Political context

The resumption fits into a broader rapprochement programme. In September a meeting of vice‑premiers Shahin Mustafayev and Alexey Overchuk is planned, where trade and economic issues will be discussed. In addition, Azerbaijan confirmed readiness for another dialogue in a “3 + 3” format, meaning coordination between the foreign affairs, economy and transport ministries of both states.

What this means for Russian tourists

Baku and the Caspian coast have long been popular near‑abroad destinations. The city mixes Eastern colour, modern architecture and a relatively short flight. Over the past year and a half the lack of direct flights made trip planning harder: travelers had to look for connections in third countries, which lengthened journeys and raised ticket prices.

Expected benefits

• Reduced travel time. A direct Moscow‑Baku flight takes about three to four hours, with no need for transfers.
• Higher tourist flow. Autumn is traditionally the “velvet season” for the Caspian region, when the weather is no longer scorching and nature stays vivid. If flights restart before the end of the summer season, some tourists will manage to arrive exactly in that period.
• Business trips without delays. Trips linked to energy, trade and cultural projects can be scheduled again without the risk of missing a meeting because of a layover.

How to keep up with the news

Since official dates are not yet announced, it is advisable to subscribe to news from AZAL and major Russian carriers, and to watch statements from the foreign ministries of both countries. Information about the first departures usually appears a few weeks before flights start.

Practical tips for those planning a trip

1. Flexibility with dates. While the schedule is being worked out, it’s better to pick tickets that allow a free date change.
2. Alternative airports. If a direct flight is still unavailable, consider options with a stopover in Istanbul or Dubai – they are often used by large airlines serving both markets.
3. Document preparation. Russian citizens need only a passport to enter Azerbaijan; a visa is not required for short tourist visits, but it’s worth checking the current requirements.
4. Book accommodation early. With direct flights returning, demand for hotels in Baku and along the coast may rise, especially in October‑November.

A brief look ahead

If negotiations continue at the same pace and technical details are settled, we can expect some routes to be operating by the end of 2024. That will open new possibilities for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between neighbours who have long shared historical and humanitarian ties.

The resumption of direct flights is not just a convenience for travelers, but an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations after a difficult period. Stay tuned, and perhaps within the next weeks you’ll be able to book a nonstop ticket and head off to the Caspian shore.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.