Azerbaijan is seeking to attract more European visitors by improving air connectivity and raising its profile as an international tourism destination, with a new direct route between Brussels and Baku expected to support those efforts.
Azerbaijan Airlines is set to operate four flights a week between Brussels Airport and Baku starting in May 2027.
The direct service is expected to reduce travel time between the Belgian and Azerbaijani capitals to under five hours, offering passengers an alternative to routes that currently require connections, often through Istanbul.
Azerbaijan Tourism Board chief Florian Sengstschmid said the new connection could help attract more visitors from Europe and strengthen awareness of Azerbaijan as a tourism destination.
Tourism currently contributes around €3.5 billion ($4 billion) to Azerbaijan’s economy, equivalent to approximately 5.4 per cent of gross domestic product.
Officials are aiming to increase the sector’s contribution to around €6 billion ($6.8 billion) by 2030 as the country works to expand both visitor numbers and tourism revenues.
As part of that strategy, Azerbaijan is promoting destinations and experiences beyond Baku, including winter sports, wine tourism and cultural heritage sites.
Major international events have also played a role in boosting Azerbaijan’s visibility abroad.
The latest Formula One race in Baku attracted around 17,000 overseas visitors, highlighting the importance of major sporting events in drawing international tourists to the country.
Tourism officials hope that stronger direct air links will make Azerbaijan more accessible to European travellers and encourage longer stays and wider travel across the country.
More European connections under consideration
Further direct routes to European cities, including possible connections with Athens and Zurich, are also being considered.
Officials hope that expanding the country’s air network will support sustained growth in the tourism sector and help position Azerbaijan as a more accessible destination for European visitors.
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