AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines launched its first direct Baku–Shymkent route, with flights twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from June 16–27, then three times weekly from June 30—an upgrade expected to boost tourism and business links between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Tourism Promotion: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board joined the “WiT Phocuswright Middle East” event in Barcelona, with ATB CEO Florian Sengstschmid discussing Azerbaijan’s destination positioning and data-led tourism development. New Experiences in Baku: The Azerbaijan Tango Festival “El Calor en Baku – Azerbaijan Tango Festival” runs June 19–24 in Icherisheher, offering free venues for residents and visitors, plus live music and performances. Culture Calendar: The State Theatre of Young Spectators will premiere “Haji Gara” on June 27 at 19:00, based on Mirza Fatali Akhundzadeh’s classic. Regional Air Links: Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel says charter flights between Azerbaijan and TRNC could start soon, aiming to strengthen tourism and people-to-people ties. Humanitarian Spotlight: Veronika Zonabend announced plans for an international women’s humanitarian delegation to visit Baku to restore contact for Armenian detainees and families.

Azerbaijan Tourism: Gabala and Sheki are proving they’re more than “after Baku” stops, with both cities drawing the highest visitor numbers thanks to mountain scenery, cultural heritage, and solid tourism infrastructure. Aviation & Travel Disruptions: AZAL has canceled Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku flights for June 14 due to adverse weather in Nakhchivan, with services expected to resume once conditions improve. New Routes & Connectivity: Direct charter flights between Azerbaijan and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are at an advanced stage, with preparatory work progressing in Baku and agreements expected to pave the way for tourism, trade, and education links. Diplomacy & Travel Links: Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Peru, Seymur Fataliyev, presented credentials in Lima, highlighting cooperation in economy, energy, and tourism as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic ties. Regional Travel Interest: Air Serbia’s Baku–Belgrade route is gaining attention as a practical bridge between the Caucasus and the Balkans, with a growing mix of business and leisure travelers.

Maritime Safety Update: US President Donald Trump says ships are starting to move again through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the “Southern Highway” safe after a reported US-Iran deal is set to be signed soon in Switzerland. National Day & Diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Azerbaijan on National Salvation Day (June 15), stressing “one nation, two states” unity. Humanitarian Outreach: Veronika Zonabend, wife of detained Ruben Vardanyan, says she will organize an international women’s humanitarian delegation to travel to Baku to restore contact between Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan and their families. Air Travel Disruption: AZAL canceled Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku flights on June 14 due to adverse weather, with services to resume once conditions improve. Tourism Spotlight (Beyond Baku): Gabala and Sheki are highlighted as Azerbaijan’s top tourist hotspots after Baku, thanks to mountain scenery, heritage sites, and strong tourism infrastructure. Regional Connectivity: Turkish Cyprus and Azerbaijan say direct charter flights are nearing launch, framed as a tourism and trade “gateway.”

Azerbaijan Tourism Beyond Baku: Gabala and Sheki are topping the charts for international visitors after Baku, with strong pull from mountain scenery, cultural heritage, and tourism infrastructure. Air Travel Update: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) canceled Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku flights on June 14 due to adverse weather in Nakhchivan, with services expected to resume once conditions improve. New Air Link in the Pipeline: Turkish Cyprus and Azerbaijan are moving toward direct charter flights, with agreements said to be at an advanced stage—positioned as a boost for tourism, trade, and education. Cultural Tourism Boost: Northern Cyprus Culture Days opened in Baku’s Icherisheher, highlighting shared heritage and tourism potential. Trade & Tourism Connections: Azerbaijan’s Tourism Board hosted a familiarization trip for 10 Pakistani tour operators, including Baku and Shabran, Guba, and Gusar, plus B2B meetings. Winter Sports Push: Azerbaijan represented at the International Ski Congress in Belgrade, where a five-year partnership with the State Tourism Agency was highlighted to grow winter tourism around Shahdag. Diplomatic Tourism Angle: Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Peru presented credentials, with both sides discussing expanding cooperation including tourism.

Aviation Update: AZAL canceled all Baku–Nakhchivan–Baku flights on June 14 due to adverse weather in Nakhchivan, with services expected to resume once conditions improve. New Routes & Tourism: Turkish Cyprus and Azerbaijan say direct charter flights are “at an advanced stage” and could start soon, framed as a tourism and trade corridor—though the plan remains politically sensitive. Culture & Heritage: Northern Cyprus Culture Days opened in Baku at Icherisheher, with officials highlighting growing Azerbaijan–TRNC ties and tourism potential. Travel Industry Outreach: Azerbaijan Tourism Board hosted a familiarization trip for 10 Pakistani tour operators, taking them to Baku, Shabran, Guba and Gusar, plus B2B meetings; AZAL already operates direct flights to Lahore and Islamabad. Winter Tourism Push: Azerbaijan’s winter sports push got a boost at the International Ski Congress in Belgrade, where a five-year partnership with the tourism agency supports winter events at Shahdag. Business & Investment: The V Tashkent International Investment Forum (June 16–19) is set to draw thousands of delegates and major finance institutions, underlining the wider regional investment momentum.

Northern Cyprus Culture Days in Baku: Northern Cyprus Culture Days opened in Baku’s Icherisheher, with officials highlighting shared heritage and tourism potential, and calling the Azerbaijan–Türkiye–TRNC bond “One nation, three states.” Azerbaijan–TRNC Air Links: TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel says charter flights between Azerbaijan and the north are at an advanced stage, aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and education. Alat cargo airport: Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone plans a dedicated cargo airport for next year, positioning Baku for faster global logistics beyond traditional transit. Tourism push for Pakistan: Azerbaijan Tourism Board hosted a familiarization trip for Pakistani tour operators, including Baku and regions like Shabran, Guba, and Gusar, plus B2B networking; direct flights already connect Baku with Lahore and Islamabad. Winter tourism spotlight: Azerbaijan joined the International Ski Congress in Belgrade, reinforcing a five-year partnership to develop winter tourism and host events at Shahdag. Digital heritage upgrade: Azerconnect Group signed an MoU with Icherisheher to use AI and digital tools for visitor services, interactive maps, and 3D digital twins of monuments.

Alat Free Economic Zone Logistics: Azerbaijan is moving toward a new post-oil model with plans for a dedicated cargo airport inside the Alat Free Economic Zone, aiming to speed up multimodal trade links (sea, rail, road and air) and better serve time-sensitive sectors like pharma and electronics. TRNC Charter Flights: Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Ünal Üstel says Azerbaijan–north charter flights are in an advanced stage, with agreements under discussion that could boost tourism, trade and education ties. Azerbaijan–Slovakia Talks: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met Slovakia’s Marek Eštok as both sides highlighted expanding cooperation in education, culture and tourism, praising Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor. Azerbaijan Tourism Push to Pakistan: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board hosted a familiarization trip for 10 Pakistani tour operators, with visits across Baku and the regions of Shabran, Guba and Gusar, plus B2B meetings with local industry. Winter Tourism Spotlight: Azerbaijan represented at the International Ski Congress in Belgrade, where a partnership with the State Tourism Agency was cited for developing winter tourism and supporting events at Shahdag. Digital Heritage Upgrade: Azerconnect Group signed an MoU with the Icherisheher reserve to use AI and digital tools for smart tourism, interactive maps and 3D monument modeling. Summer Flight Options: AZERTAC reports nearly 40 airlines operate from Baku for the summer season, with growing demand for Türkiye and Europe and added routes including Air Serbia to Belgrade, Airblue to Lahore and FlyOne to Tashkent.

Winter Sports & Tourism: Azerbaijan joined the 57th International Ski Congress in Belgrade, with a new push to grow winter tourism—highlighted by a five-year FIS partnership with the State Tourism Agency aimed at developing Shahdag Tourism Center and hosting major events. Tourism Marketing (Pakistan): The Azerbaijan Tourism Board hosted a familiarization trip for 10 Pakistani tour operators, taking them through Baku and Shabran, Guba and Gusar, plus B2B networking; Pakistan arrivals rose 13% in 2025 to 91,043, with direct AZAL flights to Lahore and Islamabad. Digital Heritage & Smart Tourism: Azerconnect Group signed an MoU with the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve to drive AI-powered visitor services, interactive maps and audio guides, and 3D scanning/digital twins for monuments. Aviation & Summer Routes: Heydar Aliyev International Airport’s summer network is expanding with new services including Air Serbia to Belgrade, Airblue to Lahore, and FlyOne to Tashkent, alongside strong demand for Turkey and major European hubs. Regional Travel Connectivity: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia discussed launching direct air service, while Azerbaijan’s broader connectivity agenda continues to link into the Middle Corridor conversation. Policy for Tourism Growth: Azerbaijan’s Economic Council backed tourism-sector development tied to the Alat Free Economic Zone, with decisions and instructions for relevant bodies. Culture in Baku: Venezuela participated in ADA University’s International Festival in Baku, showcasing its cultural and tourist wealth to the diplomatic and academic community.

Azerbaijan Travel & Tourism: Azerbaijan’s summer flight network is expanding as demand rises, with nearly 40 airlines operating from Heydar Aliyev International Airport and new routes/options including Air Serbia to Belgrade, Airblue to Lahore, and FlyOne to Tashkent. Visa & Travel Policy: Azerbaijan is set to introduce a one-year visa-free regime for Japanese nationals, aiming to widen travel choices. Digital Tourism Upgrade: Azerconnect Group signed an MoU with the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve to speed up digital transformation using AI, smart maps, personalized services, and 3D digital twins of monuments. Regional Connectivity for Travelers: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia are pushing Black Sea access tied to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) railway and the Middle Corridor—an approach that could boost future cargo and tourism links via Azerbaijan and Georgia. Tourism Promotion Abroad: Azerbaijan Tourism Board opened its first China office in Beijing to grow China as a top tourism source market, supported by the Azerbaijan–China visa-free arrangement.

World Cup 2026 Guide: The tournament (June 11–July 19) expands to 48 teams across 16 cities, co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, with Group A spotlighting Mexico and South Africa. Azerbaijan Tourism Policy: Prime Minister Ali Asadov’s Economic Council meeting backed tourism-sector development tied to the Alat Free Economic Zone, with decisions adopted for the sector. Japan–Azerbaijan Travel Boost: Azerbaijan plans a unilateral one-year visa-free entry for Japanese citizens, announced during Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s Tokyo talks, aimed at boosting tourism and people-to-people ties. Azerbaijan–Japan Cooperation: Bayramov and Japan’s Motegi also discussed energy security, investment talks, decarbonization and connectivity via the Trans-Caspian route. Baku Transport & Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s tourism and transit agenda also aligns with regional cooperation themes raised in the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye trilateral foreign ministers’ Istanbul meeting. UK Travel Reminder for Georgia: The UK Foreign Office warns travelers that Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy, including rules on codeine-containing medicines. Sports Venue Spotlight (Baku): AZERTAC’s “If I Were a Tourist” highlights Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium as a historic football landmark in the capital.

Azerbaijan-Japan Travel Boost: Azerbaijan plans a one-year unilateral visa-free regime for Japanese citizens, welcomed by Japan as a step to boost tourism and people-to-people ties. Tourism Growth in Asia: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board opened its first China office in Beijing, aiming to turn China into a top three source market within five years. New Rail Capacity: Extra carriages will be added to the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku train from June 11/12 to handle summer demand after the route resumed. Baku Sports Landmark: AZERTAC spotlights Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium as a historic heart of Azerbaijani football. Regional Travel Guidance: The UK Foreign Office warns travelers that Georgia has a very strict anti-drugs policy, including bans on some codeine-containing non-prescription medicines. Cultural Spotlight: Istanbul’s opera and ballet festival ends with a “Swan Lake” performance. Local Heritage Travel: AZERTAC highlights Shamkir’s “German quarter” streets as a heritage stop for visitors.

Azerbaijan-China Tourism Push: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board opened its first China office in Beijing, aiming to make China a top three source market within five years, with visa-free entry for Chinese visitors already in place. Visa & Travel Access: Azerbaijan announced a one-year unilateral visa-free regime for Japanese citizens to boost tourism and people-to-people ties. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye reaffirmed plans to strengthen the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail links at their Istanbul trilateral meeting. Baku Summer Rail Boost: Extra carriages will be added to the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku train from mid-June to handle seasonal demand. Tech for Travelers: Google rolled out Gemini 3.5 Live Translate for near real-time voice translation across 70+ languages, including Azerbaijani, for tours and meetings. Sports Tourism: A Formula 1 raffle in Georgia offers a trip for two to the Baku race, while FC Qarabag starts its 2026/27 preseason with a Baku camp before heading to Austria. Safety & Travel Alerts: Azerbaijan confirmed deaths of six citizens after a drone strike on cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov.

Azerbaijan–Japan Tourism & Travel Links: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met Japan’s Motegi Toshimitsu during an official visit, with both sides highlighting cooperation in diplomacy, the economy and tourism, and noting Japan’s one-year visa-free entry decision for Azerbaijani travel. Baku–Tbilisi Summer Rail Boost: Azerbaijan Railways will add extra carriages on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route from June 11/12 to handle summer demand, with tickets via ADY offices, website and mobile app. Azerbaijan Tourism Push Abroad: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board promoted year-round travel in Belgrade, pointing to visa-free travel and new direct Baku–Belgrade flights, plus B2B meetings with Serbian operators. Travel Safety Warning: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens to avoid conflict zones and reassess travel risks amid rising tensions, noting criminal liability for participation in foreign conflicts. Sports Travel Moment: A Global Benefits Georgia travel-insurance raffle offers a trip for two to Formula 1 in Baku, with winner announced Sept 4. Regional Transport Context: Russia–Iran cargo via INSTC rose sharply, with Azerbaijan-linked checkpoint capacity increased, underscoring the corridor’s growing role for regional logistics.

Sea of Azov Safety: Azerbaijan confirmed six citizens killed after a Ukrainian drone strike hit cargo vessels supporting Russia’s logistics, with Azerbaijani diplomats coordinating consular support and medical help for the injured. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia pledged deeper trilateral cooperation in Istanbul, focusing on security, transport connectivity (including the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor) and trade. Tourism Promotion: The Azerbaijan Tourism Board showcased Azerbaijan in Belgrade, highlighting visa-free travel and new Baku–Belgrade direct flights, plus B2B meetings with Serbian tourism firms. Travel Advisory: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry warned citizens to avoid conflict zones amid rising global tensions, stressing criminal liability for taking part in armed activities abroad. Aviation Disruption: SAS’s inaugural India flight attempt was forced to turn back over Azerbaijan due to missing paperwork approval from Indian authorities. Connectivity Update: Aztelekom and Huawei said “Online Azerbaijan” broadband coverage reached 99.7%. Visa/Border Pressure Abroad: Pakistan’s FIA reported large-scale misuse of UK student visas for asylum and cited new smuggling routes, underscoring tighter travel scrutiny across Europe.

Sea of Azov Safety Alert: Azerbaijan confirms six citizens killed after a Ukrainian drone strike hit cargo vessels supporting Russia’s logistics in the Azov Sea, with 25 Azerbaijani nationals reportedly aboard and consular support underway. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia reaffirm deeper trilateral cooperation in Istanbul, spotlighting security, transport and the Trans-Caspian corridor, including the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Tourism Promotion: Azerbaijan Tourism Board showcases the country in Belgrade, citing visa-free travel and new Baku–Belgrade direct flights as key drivers for year-round tourism. Travel Rules for Visitors: The UK Foreign Office updates guidance for travelers carrying medication to Georgia, warning of strict anti-drugs rules (including codeine) and urging prescriptions/original packaging. Azerbaijan–Serbia Connectivity: Azerbaijan strengthens tourism ties with Serbia through B2B meetings and media briefings tied to direct flights and mutual visa-free arrangements. Local Media Detention: A court orders detention of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadygov as his case is reopened after a prior termination decision was overturned. Travel Deal (Baku F1): A Georgia-based insurer raffle offers a trip for two to FORMULA 1 in Baku, with the winner announced via Facebook Live on Sept. 4.

Sea of Azov Safety Update: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry says the condition of injured Azerbaijani citizens after a drone strike on two cargo vessels is stable, with some expected to be discharged, after five were killed and three injured; Azerbaijan’s embassy and consular teams are coordinating with Russian authorities on returns and documentation. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia reaffirmed strategic ties in Istanbul, adopting the Istanbul Declaration at their 10th trilateral foreign ministers meeting, stressing cooperation on security, trade, investment and connectivity. Tourism & Events in Baku: Baku’s Icherisheher will host the first Azerbaijan Tango Festival, “El Calor en Baku,” running June 19–24 with free open lessons, live music, performances and an Argentine-style city atmosphere aimed at locals and tourists. Aviation Demand Signals: ACI Europe data shows Europe’s airport passenger traffic dipped, while Uzbekistan grew 9.1%; the report also flags Azerbaijan as affected by Middle East disruptions, with a 12.9% drop. Business & Investment Outreach: A Pakistani delegation met AZPROMO in Baku to explore cooperation in areas including textile, food production, health technologies and medical tourism, and was invited to the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in September.