Цивільна авіація Азербайджану у період незалежності: хронологія подій

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive chronological analysis of the evolution of civil aviation in the Republic of Azerbaijan from 1990 to 2026. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent founding of the national carrier, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) in 1992, the country embarked on a strategic journey toward institutional autonomy and infrastructure modernization. The research details the transition from Soviet-era Tupolev aircraft to a world-class fleet featuring Boeing and Airbus models, as well as the establishment of vital institutions such as the National Aviation Academy and the "Azeraeronavigation" (AZANS) air traffic servicing enterprise.A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to the rapid expansion of the 2000s and 2010s, highlighting the development of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport as a major Eurasian hub and the rise of "Silk Way Airlines" as a global leader in cargo logistics. The study also explores the historic restoration of air sovereignty in the Karabakh region following the 2020 conflict, specifically focusing on the record-breaking construction and inauguration of the Fuzuli International Airport in 2021. Furthermore, the abstract reflects on the most recent strategic advancements of 2025, including agreements with the UK’s NATS Holdings for air traffic management and Italy’s Leonardo for next-generation meteorological systems. The author concludes that the systematic modernization of infrastructure, fleet, and human capital has transformed Azerbaijani civil aviation into a primary engine for economic growth and a pillar of the nation’s integration into the global transport network.