Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA: GYD – ICAO: UBBB) is the leading international gateway to Azerbaijan and one of the busiest airports in the Caspian region. Located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Baku, the capital city, it connects Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Recognised for its award-winning architecture and modern infrastructure, the airport offers world-class facilities catering to domestic and international travellers. Its IATA code, GYD, is essential for booking flights, tracking departures and arrivals, and organising travel plans through Baku.
As a strategic aviation hub, GYD is served by numerous international airlines and supports various travel services. Knowing the airport code helps streamline your journey, whether planning a visit, making a connection, or simply identifying your arrival point in Azerbaijan.
Contents
- 1 General Information
- 2 Airport Details
- 3 Flight Operations
- 4 Contact Information
- 5 Passenger Information
- 6 Local Attractions
- 7 Travel Tips
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 Which terminal will I use at Baku Airport for international flights?
- 8.2 How can I check in for my flight at Baku’s main airport?
- 8.3 Can you name the primary airport serving Azerbaijan?
- 8.4 In which city is the airport with the IATA code GYD located?
- 8.5 What facilities are available at Terminal 1 of the airport in Baku?
- 8.6 What airlines operate out of Heydar Aliyev International Airport?
- 8.7 Related
General Information
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Country: Azerbaijan
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: GYD
ICAO Code: UBBB
Elevation: 10 feet (3 metres)
Coordinates: 40°28′15″N 50°03′08″E
Timezone: UTC+4
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 20 km (12.5 miles) northeast of Baku
Website: www.airport.az
Operator: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)
Services: Scheduled domestic and international flights, cargo operations, general and executive aviation
Airport Details
Runways: 2
Runway Designations and Lengths:
16/34: 3,995 m (13,107 ft) – Asphalt
17/35: 3,200 m (10,499 ft) – Concrete
Runway Surfaces: Asphalt and concrete
Runway Strength: Supports Code F aircraft (e.g., A380, B747)
Fire Services: ARFF Category 10
Tower Frequency: Available
Ground Frequency: Available
Navigation Aids: ILS CAT II/III, VOR/DME, RNAV, GNSS
Customs and Immigration: Available 24/7 for commercial, cargo, and private flights
Aircraft Types: Regional jets, narrow-body, wide-body, and VIP aircraft
Terminals: 2 passenger terminals (Terminal 1 – international, Terminal 2 – domestic), plus VIP terminal
Cargo Facilities: Modern cargo terminal with cold chain, DG, and express services
Fuel: JET A-1
FBOs: Silk Way Business Aviation, general aviation ground handling available
Equipment: GPU, potable water, de-icing, lavatory service
Ground Services: Comprehensive commercial, cargo, and VIP aviation handling
Flight Operations
Permit Time: 24–72 hours for international general aviation
Permission Required: Yes, for all non-scheduled and foreign-registered aircraft
Slots: Required for peak hours
Aircraft Types: All aircraft up to Code F
Alternate Airports:
GBB: Ganja International Airport
LLK: Lankaran International Airport
TBS: Tbilisi International Airport, Georgia
Contact Information
Enquiries: +994 12 497 27 27
Email: info@airport.az
FBO Coordination: Silk Way Business Aviation – fbo@silkwaybusinessaviation.az
Passenger Information
Immigration Requirements: E-visa for most nationalities; a passport is required
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew license/ID, GenDec, visa if applicable
Transport Options: Airport Express buses, taxis, Bolt/Yango, car rentals
Nearby Accommodation:
Near Airport: Fly Inn Baku, Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel
In Baku: Four Seasons Baku, JW Marriott Absheron, Fairmont Baku Flame Towers
Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN); major international cards widely accepted
Local Attractions
Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring winding alleyways, mosques, palaces, and historic architecture. Explore the Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and local artisan shops.
Flame Towers
Baku’s modern architectural icons overlook the Caspian Sea. These three flame-shaped skyscrapers host offices, luxury apartments, and the Fairmont Hotel, which are best viewed illuminated at night.
Baku Boulevard
A long promenade along the Caspian Sea with parks, cafes, and entertainment. An excellent place for walking, cycling, and enjoying city views.
Heydar Aliyev Centre
Zaha Hadid’s futuristic structure houses exhibitions, concerts, and cultural programs. Its fluid curves have become a symbol of modern Azerbaijan.
Carpet Museum
A unique structure shaped like a rolled carpet showcases Azerbaijan’s rich weaving traditions. Features ancient, regional, and modern designs.
Gobustan Rock Art Reserve
A short drive from Baku, this archaeological park features ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. A mix of history, geology, and scenic landscapes.
Airlines Operating at GYD
The airport is a hub for several Azerbaijani airlines, including Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). It also hosts various international carriers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Some key airlines operating at Heydar Aliyev International Airport are:
- Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)
- Turkish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Qatar Airways
- Aeroflot
- Emirates
These airlines provide frequent flights, connecting Baku with major cities worldwide. The airport supports passenger and cargo flights, making it essential for trade and tourism.
Popular Destinations from GYD
Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport offers flights to many popular cities, mainly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Common international destinations include Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Doha, and Frankfurt.
Popular routes from the airport are:
| Destination | Region | Frequent Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Europe/Asia | Turkish Airlines, AZAL |
| Moscow | Europe | Aeroflot, AZAL |
| Dubai | Middle East | Emirates, Flydubai |
| Doha | Middle East | Qatar Airways |
| Frankfurt | Europe | Lufthansa |
Domestic flights mainly connect Baku with other regional airports inside Azerbaijan. The airport plays a significant role in connecting the country to global cities.
Travel Tips
Best Times to Visit:
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct: Pleasant weather and cultural festivals
Jul–Aug: Hot and dry; best for coastal and night-time events
Winter: Quiet, off-peak season; some fog delays may occur
Additional Notes:
GYD has won awards for design, comfort, and passenger satisfaction
VIP terminal and Silk Way FBO offer premium travel services
Airport Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout all terminals
Excellent connectivity for business travel, tourism, and tech stopovers
Strong regional positioning between Europe and Central Asia
Frequently Asked Questions
Baku’s airport is known for its clear layout and good passenger services. Information about terminals, check-in methods, and airport location helps travellers plan their trips smoothly. The airport also hosts various airlines, serving both domestic and international flights.
Which terminal will I use at Baku Airport for international flights?
International flights at Heydar Aliyev International Airport mainly use Terminal 1. This terminal is equipped to handle passport control and customs for international arrivals and departures.
How can I check in for my flight at Baku’s main airport?
Passengers can check in at the airport counters located in Terminal 1. Some airlines also offer online check-in before arriving at the airport.
Can you name the primary airport serving Azerbaijan?
The main airport serving Azerbaijan is Heydar Aliyev International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the country and the key gateway for air travel.
In which city is the airport with the IATA code GYD located?
The airport with the IATA code GYD is located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
What facilities are available at Terminal 1 of the airport in Baku?
Terminal 1 offers passenger lounges, cafes, shops, and duty-free stores. It also has services like information desks and currency exchange to assist travellers.
What airlines operate out of Heydar Aliyev International Airport?
Several international and domestic airlines operate from this airport. These include Azerbaijani airlines and many major carriers connecting Baku to destinations worldwide. For details, travellers can visit the airport’s official sites.
More information about the airport can be found at Heydar Aliyev International Airport FAQ.
