Lachin: The inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held with the presence of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the airport. Symbolic keys to the new airport were presented to both heads of state, who also toured the facilities established at the site.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Lachin International Airport is the third international airport constructed in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. This development is part of a broader restoration and reconstruction initiative led by President Ilham Aliyev, focusing on rebuilding the region’s infrastructure. Prior to this, Fuzuli and Zangilan International Airports were constructed to meet modern standards. With Lachin International Airport now operational, Azerbaijan’s total number of international airports has increased to nine.
The construction of Lachin International Airport began in August 2021 and adhered to high technological and engineering standards. The foundation stone was laid by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, with ongoing inspections of the construction progress. The airport features a 3,000-meter runway capable of accommodating any aircraft type and a terminal building that spans 5,000 square meters, with a capacity to serve 200 passengers per hour. The terminal is equipped with a VIP lounge, check-in systems, baggage conveyors, retail outlets, and food courts.
Located in the village of Gorchu in the Lachin district, the airport is the highest-altitude airport in Azerbaijan, situated at 1,700 meters above sea level. Covering over 130 hectares, it is positioned 30 kilometers from Lachin, 70 kilometers from Shusha, and 60 kilometers from Kalbajar. The airport is expected to enhance transport links in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, contributing to the area’s tourism potential and economic development.
Following the inauguration, Presidents Aliyev and Erdogan visited ‘Dost Agropark,’ the first private agricultural complex in the Karabakh and Zangezur regions, established by Turkish and Azerbaijani investors. The agropark, which uses smart farming technologies and renewable energy, currently employs 120 people and is expected to create 500 jobs once fully operational.