Ganja Airport

Ganja International Airport (IATA: GNJ) is the second most significant air gateway of Azerbaijan, second only to the capital's airport in Baku. It was opened to passengers in 2006 and quickly became a key transport hub for the entire western region of the country. The airport serves not only the ancient city of the same name but also acts as a convenient arrival point for travellers heading to the famous healing resort of Naftalan, located just 50 kilometres away. A modern terminal and one main runway allow it to accommodate various types of aircraft, ensuring comfort and safety for all guests.

Despite its compact size, Ganja Airport provides passengers with all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal building houses cafes, shops, a currency exchange point, ATMs, and information desks. For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport complex. Thanks to its convenient location, the airport is an excellent starting point for exploring not only the city of Ganja itself, with its rich history, but also other unique attractions of western Azerbaijan.

To obtain up-to-date information regarding flights, services, and the operating rules of Ganja Airport (GNJ), it is recommended to use official communication channels.

• Official website: www.airport.az — the unified portal of international airports in Azerbaijan.
• Information desk phone: +994 (22) 256 09 46, +994 (22) 256 94 42.
• Address: Azerbaijan, Ganja, Ganja International Airport.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the website www.airport.az.
• Social Media: Generally, news and updates are published on the official pages of Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport, which manages the regional airports.
• Lost & Found Information: Primarily, you should contact the representative office of the airline you flew with. Additional information can be obtained by calling the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: For all operational questions, you can contact the information desk numbers listed above.

Ganja International Airport (GNJ) is located just 10-11 kilometres northwest of the city centre, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can get from Ganja to the airport in several ways, suitable for any budget and travel style. When planning your trip around Azerbaijan, you can easily choose the best option for yourself.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to get to the terminal. Special express buses, as well as city routes heading in this direction, run from the city centre to the airport. Look for buses with the sign "Hava Limanı" (Airport). The trip will take approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the number of stops. The fare is low, making this option ideal for economical tourists. There is no direct railway or metro connection to the airport.

Taxi or Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable option. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take only 15-20 minutes. Both official taxi services and popular mobile apps (such as Bolt) operate in the city, where the cost is calculated automatically. If you hail a taxi on the street, it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family, you can book a private transfer that will meet you at the desired location and deliver you directly to the terminal entrance.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for those planning to actively move around the region. Offices of both international and local rental companies are present in Ganja. By renting a car, you will not depend on the public transport schedule and will be able to plan your route independently. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. You can return the car directly at the airport before departure.

For travellers arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones within the territory of Ganja Airport. This is a convenient option if you want to leave your car for the duration of your absence or have come to see off/meet friends and relatives.

Ganja Airport (GNJ) is a modern and compact aviation hub, navigation through which will not cause difficulties even for inexperienced travellers. Its infrastructure has been completely updated to meet international standards of comfort and safety.

A key feature of the airport is the presence of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies orientation: you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. All zones — from check-in to boarding gates — are located under one roof.

The structure of the terminal is intuitively clear:

• Check-in and Arrivals Area is usually located on the ground floor. Here you will find airline counters, the baggage claim area, and customs control for arriving passengers.
• Departures Area is located on the first floor. After check-in, you need to go upstairs to pass passport control and security screening. Boarding gates, waiting lounges, Duty Free shops, and several cafes are also located here.

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all formalities usually takes little time. Check-in for the flight and pre-flight screening rarely take more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2–2.5 hours before the departure of an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one, to go through all procedures without haste.

For the convenience of passengers, clear signs in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English are installed throughout the terminal, helping to easily find the necessary gate, washroom, or cafe. The compactness of the airport is its main advantage, allowing travellers to feel calm and confident.

The history of Ganja International Airport (GNJ) begins in the Soviet period, when it functioned as a regional airfield for servicing domestic flights and the needs of local aviation. At that time, it was an important link in the transport system, connecting the western part of Azerbaijan with Baku and other cities of the Soviet Union, but it did not have international significance.

A key stage in the development of the airport came after the country gained independence. Soon, the airport was awarded international status, which laid the foundation for its future growth. However, the real transformation was the large-scale reconstruction, which was completed in 2006. This project radically changed the appearance and capabilities of the air harbour.

As part of the modernisation, a new terminal complex was built, meeting modern requirements for comfort and safety. The most important step was the reconstruction of the runway, which was lengthened and strengthened, allowing the airport to accept larger and heavier aircraft. Modern air navigation equipment corresponding to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was also installed.

Today, Ganja Airport represents the second most important air gates of Azerbaijan, playing a strategic role in the development of tourism and the economy of the western region. One of the interesting facts of its modern history is its status as the main reserve airport for flights heading to Baku. In case of adverse weather conditions in the capital, aircraft of international airlines are often diverted specifically to Ganja, which confirms the high level of its technical equipment and readiness.

The International Airport of Ganja (GNJ) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and bars where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or have a full lunch. For those wishing to make purchases before departure, a Duty Free shop operates with an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and local souvenirs, as well as other retail outlets.

For the convenience of travellers, free access to Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP lounge, offering a more secluded atmosphere and additional amenities.

Currency exchange points and ATMs are located in the terminal building, making it easy to solve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, a medical point operates around the clock, where first aid can be obtained.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For families with small children, a mother and child room is provided. Travellers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including escort and special equipment. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, many accommodation options can be found in the city itself, located a few minutes' drive away. Business services are available for business travellers to help stay connected and use time productively before departure.

Ganja Airport (GNJ) is a compact and modern aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is corresponding. Passengers have access to several points where they can have a snack before departure, however, one should not count on a full-fledged food court with a wide assortment. In general, the existing cafes are excellent for having a coffee and eating something light while waiting for a flight.

The main part of the establishments is located in the general hall of the single passenger terminal (pre-security area), as well as in the sterile departure zone. Typically, these are small cafes and snack bars. In the menu, you will find a standard set: hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. This is a convenient option for those who want a quick snack. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so cafes are open for departing and arriving passengers.

If you hope to try dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, your choice at the airport will most likely be limited to sweets like pakhlava or other pre-packaged snacks. For a full lunch with local flair, it is better to go to one of the restaurants in Ganja itself. As for special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free dishes), finding suitable options is practically impossible. Passengers with special dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. For a quick snack, coffee with a croissant or a sandwich will be perfect, but for a full meal, we strongly advise eating in advance. When planning a trip to this beautiful corner of Azerbaijan, consider this feature of the airport so that your journey passes as comfortably as possible.

To ensure your journey through the international airport of Ganja goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these useful tips. Planning in advance will help save time, money, and nerves, leaving only pleasant impressions from the trip.

Plan your arrival at the airport well in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5–2 hours. This will give you enough time to calmly check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without haste. To save time, use the online check-in service if provided by your airline.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during take-off and landing. If the ability to stand up freely and move around the cabin without disturbing neighbours is important to you, choose an aisle seat. Passengers with children or those who value extra legroom should pay attention to seats at the front of the cabin or at emergency exits (subject to airline rules).

Pay close attention to packing your carry-on luggage. Remember standard restrictions: liquids, gels, and aerosols can be carried in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml. All containers must be packed in one transparent resealable bag with a total volume of no more than 1 litre. It is forbidden to bring sharp objects and weapons into the cabin. Electronic devices with lithium batteries, such as power banks, should be carried only in carry-on luggage.

If you have a transfer at Ganja airport, check in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. In case of a long layover, explore the possibilities for rest in the terminal. When passing customs control in Azerbaijan, be ready to declare large sums of cash and cultural valuables if you are carrying them. This is a standard procedure that will help avoid misunderstandings.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. First of all, contact your airline's counter or its representative at the airport for information on the flight status and further actions. Depending on the length of the delay, the air carrier is obliged to provide you with drinks, hot meals, and in case of a long wait — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses so that you can request compensation later.