Azerbaijan, Baku, June 1 / Trend E. Ismailov /
Geological studies on the territory designated for the construction of a new airport in the north of Azerbaijan will begin in the nearest future, the vice-president of Azerbaijan Airlines JSC (AZAL) Etibar Huseynov told Trend.
"We can say that we have decided on the territory, and geological studies are likely to be conducted in the near future," Huseynov said.
Regarding the timing for undertaking construction of a new airport, Huseynov said the work may start following the relevant decision by the country's leadership.
As chief architect of the Guba region of Azerbaijan, Fikret Gurbanov, told Trend earlier, among the possible options for the new airport's location are an area in the Khachmaz region and two areas in Guba. Vice-President of AZAL did not comment on where exactly the new airport is to be built.
Currently, there are six international airports functioning in Azerbaijan, including the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. There are also airports in Nakhchivan, Ganja, Lankaran, Zagatala and Gabala.
Proposal for a seventh airport in the northern region of the country can be attributed also to the start of operation of the Shakhdagh winter and summer tourist complex in test mode in the end of last year.
Within just two months of the Shahhdagh ski resort's operation, it attracted over 50,000 visitors, which is a record attendance for tourist facilities in Azerbaijan. Following the closing of the winter season, the hotel located on the territory of the complex temporarily suspended its services, which is associated with the development of the summer concept to be completed in mid-June. In summer, those enthuastic about cycling and trips on quad bikes may be offered relevant services.
Construction of a new airport in the northern region of the country will provide convenient access to tourists for visiting the Shahdagh complex, which will operate year-round.