Passenger Information Guide — Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), Baku

Everything you need to know before, during and after your journey through Baku’s main international gateway.

About Passenger Information at GYD

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA: GYD) is Azerbaijan’s busiest and most modern aviation hub, located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of central Baku. The airport handles tens of millions of passengers annually, serving routes across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. A single integrated terminal building covers both international and domestic operations, making connections straightforward. Passenger information desks are staffed around the clock in the main departures hall and arrivals concourse. Digital information screens throughout the terminal display real-time flight data, queue times and gate assignments. This guide consolidates the most important practical details so you can move through GYD with confidence in 2026.

Before You Arrive — Documents and Entry Requirements

Preparing your documents before you reach GYD will save significant time at check-in and immigration. All international travellers must carry a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity beyond their intended departure date from Azerbaijan. Citizens of many countries are required to obtain a visa prior to travel; Azerbaijan’s convenient e-Visa system allows most nationalities to apply online and receive approval within three working days. Print your e-Visa approval or save it to your phone — airline staff will check it at check-in. You should also carry proof of onward or return travel, as border officers and airline agents may request it. Travel insurance documentation, while not mandatory, is strongly recommended. For full, up-to-date visa requirements by nationality, visit our visa information page.

Getting to GYD from Central Baku

Several reliable transport options connect the city centre to the airport.

Taxi (Bolt, Uber and local services): Bolt and Uber both operate in Baku and offer app-based rides to GYD at metered, transparent fares. Journey time from the city centre is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, and fares generally range from 10 to 20 AZN. Local Baku taxis are widely available but agree on a price before departure if the driver does not use a meter. Only use taxis from official ranks or trusted apps to avoid overcharging.

Bus H1: The dedicated airport express bus H1 runs between 28 May Metro Station (a central interchange in downtown Baku) and GYD terminal. Buses depart frequently throughout the day and night, with the journey taking approximately 40–55 minutes. The fare is very affordable, making this the best budget option. Check current timetables at the 28 May station information board or the Baku Transport Agency website before travel.

Private transfer: Pre-booked private transfers offer a fixed price, meet-and-greet service and luggage assistance. This is the most comfortable option for families, groups or passengers with heavy baggage. Several licensed operators serve GYD; book in advance to guarantee availability during peak periods.

Arrival Times — When to Get to GYD

Arriving at the airport with adequate time is essential to avoid stress and missed flights. For international departures, passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, immigration passport control and reaching your gate, which may require a short walk or shuttle. During peak summer travel months (June–September) and major public holidays, queues at all points can be considerably longer, so consider arriving up to three and a half hours early. For domestic flights within Azerbaijan, arriving 90 minutes before departure is generally adequate, though two hours is recommended if you are unfamiliar with the terminal layout.

Check-In — Your Options at GYD

GYD offers multiple check-in methods to suit different traveller preferences. Counter check-in desks are located in the main departures hall and open between two and three hours before each scheduled departure. Staff can assist with seat selection, baggage tagging and special requests. Online check-in is available through most airline websites and apps, typically opening 24–48 hours before departure; completing this step in advance saves time at the airport. Self-service kiosks are positioned throughout the departures area for airlines that support them, allowing you to print boarding passes and bag tags quickly. Mobile boarding passes are accepted by most carriers at GYD; ensure your screen brightness is high and your battery is charged before reaching the gate scanner.

Baggage Allowance — Economy, Business and Special Items

Baggage allowances vary by airline, fare class and route, so always confirm with your carrier before packing. As a general guide, economy class passengers are typically permitted one checked bag of 20–23 kg plus one cabin bag of up to 10 kg. Business class passengers usually enjoy 30–40 kg of checked baggage and a larger cabin allowance. Excess baggage fees apply when limits are exceeded and can be significant if paid at the airport rather than online in advance. Oversize items such as bicycles, surfboards, golf bags and pushchairs must be declared at check-in and are subject to additional fees; wrap or bag them appropriately. Special items including musical instruments, fragile goods and sports equipment should be discussed with your airline at least 48 hours before travel to arrange proper handling.

Security Screening at GYD

All passengers pass through security screening before entering the departures lounge. The standard 100 ml liquids rule applies: all liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes in your cabin bag must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single transparent resealable bag of no more than one litre capacity. Remove laptops, tablets and large electronics from your bag and place them in a tray separately. Shoes, belts and jackets must also be removed for screening. Prohibited items include all standard international restrictions such as sharp objects, flammable materials and firearms without prior authorisation. Azerbaijan applies specific regulations regarding drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): carrying a drone in your cabin baggage is prohibited, and checked drone batteries are subject to strict watt-hour limits. Importing or exporting drones commercially requires advance permits from Azerbaijani civil aviation authorities. Always declare any drone equipment at check-in to avoid confiscation.

Immigration on Departure — Passport Control

After security, departing international passengers proceed to passport control. Azerbaijani border officers will check your travel document, boarding pass and, where applicable, your visa or e-Visa. An exit stamp will be placed in your passport. Queue times vary considerably; during morning and evening peak departure banks, waits of 20–40 minutes are possible, which is one reason the three-hour arrival recommendation exists. E-gate lanes are available for eligible passport holders — check signage on arrival at the immigration hall. Ensure all your documents are readily accessible and that you have not exceeded your permitted length of stay in Azerbaijan.

Customs — Currency, Declarations and VAT Refunds

Azerbaijan’s customs regulations require travellers to declare cash and monetary instruments exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) when departing. Failure to declare amounts above this threshold can result in confiscation and penalties. Antiques, artworks, carpets of cultural significance and certain natural resources may require export permits — check with the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan before attempting to take such items out of the country. A VAT refund desk is located in the departures area for eligible purchases made at participating retailers in Azerbaijan; retain your original receipts and request a Tax Free form at the point of sale to process your refund before passing through customs.

Lounges and Amenities

GYD offers a range of lounges and passenger amenities to make your wait comfortable. Business and first class passengers, as well as eligible frequent flyer cardholders, have access to dedicated departure lounges offering complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi and quiet seating. Pay-per-use lounge access may also be available. The terminal features a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, duty-free retail, pharmacies, currency exchange counters, ATMs, prayer rooms and children’s play areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. For a full overview of all facilities, visit our services page.

Special Assistance at GYD

GYD is committed to accessible travel for all passengers. Wheelchair assistance is available from the terminal entrance through to the aircraft door; request this service at least 48 hours in advance through your airline. Passengers with hearing impairments can request visual paging and written communication support from airport staff. Families travelling with infants and young children will find dedicated family check-in lanes, baby changing facilities and priority boarding on most carriers. Passengers with hidden disabilities are encouraged to speak with ground staff at any information desk to arrange appropriate support. All special assistance requests are best made directly with your airline before arrival at the airport.

Lost Luggage and Complaints

If your baggage does not arrive on the carousel, proceed immediately to your airline’s baggage services desk in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport. Staff will log a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) and begin tracing your bag. Compensation and reimbursement for essential items purchased due to delayed baggage are governed by your airline’s conditions of carriage and international conventions. For complaints relating to airport facilities, staff conduct or terminal services rather than the airline itself, contact the Heydar Aliyev International Airport authority directly through the passenger feedback channels at the information desks or via the official airport website.

Language at GYD

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, and all terminal signage is displayed in Azerbaijani as the primary language. Russian is widely spoken among airport staff and is understood by the majority of personnel, reflecting its historical role as a regional lingua franca. English is increasingly common at GYD, particularly among check-in agents, immigration officers and retail staff in the international departures zone. Most digital screens and announcements are provided in at least two languages. If you experience a communication difficulty, approach any information desk and staff will do their best to assist or find a colleague who can help.

Currency on Departure — AZN Exchange

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). If you have unspent Manat, exchange it before leaving the country, as AZN is not freely traded internationally and can be difficult to convert abroad. Currency exchange counters are located both before and after passport control in the departures area, offering competitive rates. ATMs dispensing AZN are also available throughout the terminal. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at most airport shops, restaurants and lounges, but having a small amount of local currency for tips or last-minute purchases is always practical.

Connecting Flights — International Transit at GYD

GYD serves as a transit point for passengers connecting between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. International transit passengers who remain airside do not require an Azerbaijani visa for short layovers, but those who need to exit the terminal to access a hotel or the city must hold a valid visa or be from a visa-exempt country. A minimum connection time of 90 minutes is generally recommended for international-to-international transfers, though two hours provides a safer buffer if you need to re-check baggage or change terminals. Confirm your connection requirements with your airline, as some itineraries may require you to collect and re-check your bags. Transit information desks are available in the arrivals area to assist connecting passengers.

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