Baku:The Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Hasanov, highlighted during a panel discussion at the 'German-Azerbaijani Strategic Partnership and Connectivity Conference 2026' that transit flights through Azerbaijan's airspace have increased more than fivefold in the past four years.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Hasanov attributed this surge to the closure or restriction of airspace along northern and southern routes due to ongoing conflicts, positioning Azerbaijan as a crucial transit hub with its open and safe airspace.

The number of transit flights now exceeds 260,000 per year, including numerous flights between Europe and Asia, with several originating from German airports. In passenger transportation, there are currently 10 direct flights between Baku and Germany, operated by AZAL to Berlin and Lufthansa to Frankfurt daily. Hasanov noted the potential for further growth in this area.

Regarding cargo transportation, Hasanov mentioned Silk Way West Airlines, based in Baku, as one of Europe's largest commercial cargo airlines, transporting over 500,000 tons of cargo annually. He stated that Silk Way Airlines carries more than 15% of the air cargo between China and Germany.

He also announced that a new cargo airport is under construction in the Alat Free Economic Zone, near Baku Port, which will add an annual cargo capacity of 1 million tons. This development will consolidate cargo transportation by sea, rail, road, and air in the Alat zone.