Azerbaijan's Silk Way Group aims to launch cargo airport near Baku in 2026

BAKU. Nov 14 (Interfax) - Azerbaijan's Silk Way Group is planning to commission a cargo airport in the Alat free economic zone 70 km from Baku in 2026.

"The project for building a cargo airport aims to increase the potential of the group's activities, stimulate growth, and use the zone's strategic opportunities to improve business prospects and raise effectiveness," the group said.

The cargo airport will be managed by Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone, an organization created to advanced Silk Way Group's logistical and infrastructure initiatives.

The project stipulates the construction of forwarding warehouses, terminals for perishable goods and office buildings.

The airport will have a total of 18 aircraft stands, a 4 km runway, taxiways, an air traffic control center, fuel and fire services and other related facilities.

"When the airport's construction is completed in 2026, the free economic zone will become an important transit hub with integrated logistical infrastructure. New facilities will gain access to the Baku International Sea Trade Port, extensive railways and roads, as well as to the new airport, which taken together will increase Azerbaijan's transport capabilities," the group said.

Silk Way Group was founded in 2006. It is based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport and specializes in cargo transportation. The group optimized its activities in 2019 to focus on three key subsidiaries - Silk Way Airlines, Silk Way West Airlines which transports cargo, and Silk Way Technics, which provides repair and technical services for aircraft.