Baku launches direct flights to Türkiye’s eastern Kars
The first direct flight from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku landed at Harakani Airport in the eastern province of Kars, initiating a new route expected to boost regional trade and tourism.
The long-anticipated mutual flights, operating twice a week, aim to create an air bridge that will develop transportation, economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Deputy Governor Şeyma Aktaş Semiz welcomed the plane on the apron, presenting flowers to passengers and a cake to the pilots. Protocol members gathered with passengers from Azerbaijan and took souvenir photos.Mayor Ötüken Senger and Kars Chamber of Trade and Industry President Kadir Bozan traveled on the inaugural flight, joining local officials, business figures, nongovernmental organization representatives and numerous guests at the ceremony.
The route establishes an air corridor connecting the Caucasus to Central Asia and is the result of long-term efforts, Bozan said. The direct flights will economically benefit Kars and the surrounding provinces of Ardahan, Erzurum and Iğdır, he said.
