In recent months, serious interruptions, mass delays and cancellations of flights have been observed in the air connection, which is the only transport corridor between the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Baku. Looking at the statistics, it appears that more flights on the Baku-Nakhchivan-Baku route have been canceled this year compared to previous years.
Modern.az sent an inquiry to the Press Service of "Azerbaijan Airlines" (AZAL) CJSC regarding flight cancellations. In response to our inquiry, the institution stated that this year's intensive cancellation of flights directly aims to protect the safety of passengers and crew:
"Due to the geographical position and complex mountainous relief of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the meteorological conditions observed in the region directly and sharply affect flight operations. In particular, strong winds, sudden changes in wind direction (wind shear) and lightning activity create additional and serious risks during the landing and take-off phases of aircraft."
The Press Service also clarified some misunderstandings among passengers:
"It is important to note that the decision to postpone or cancel flights due to weather conditions is not made solely based on the visual image observed by the passenger on the ground - at the airport. In aviation, decisions are made based on existing and predicted meteorological conditions along the route, as well as at the departure and arrival airports.
For example, the weather may appear clear and bright from the ground. However, lightning activity, strong winds, vertical air currents, intense precipitation or storm clouds in the upper layers are not clearly visible from the ground level. Since these factors pose a direct threat to flight safety, the crew and operational services are forced to cancel flights in accordance with international aviation safety standards."
AZAL officials stated that Azerbaijan's national air carrier makes all decisions based only on international civil aviation norms, without risking the lives of passengers and crew members.
