The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the "Rule for granting consent for the placement of buildings, structures, and facilities in the safety zones of airports and airfields." According to Operative Information Center-OMM, Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed the new decree to regulate urban planning and aviation safety standards across the country.
The new regulations were developed in accordance with the Law "On Aviation," the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) of December 7, 1944, and its Annex 14. The document aligns Azerbaijan's domestic policies with the international standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), specifically the "Doc 9137, Part 6, Control of Obstacles" document. Under the new rules, the State Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport will oversee permits for civil aviation zones, while the Ministry of Defense will be responsible for state (military) aviation safety zones.
To ensure the safety of aircraft operations, operators of certified and newly planned airports must prepare obstacle schemes (maps) defining the safety zones. These maps must be submitted to relevant authorities for approval within five days. Once approved, these schemes will be integrated into the urban planning databases of the State Committee for City Planning and Architecture, particularly for projects in Baku and the liberated territories within the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions. Local executive authorities and the State Housing Development Agency will also utilize these maps to regulate construction intentions within their respective jurisdictions.
This regulatory update comes as Azerbaijan continues its extensive infrastructure restoration in the liberated territories. Since 2020, the country has prioritized the construction of international airports in Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin to enhance regional connectivity and support the "Great Return" program. By establishing clear legal frameworks for safety zones, the government aims to prevent architectural interference with flight paths while ensuring that the rapid development of residential and commercial hubs in Garabagh adheres to global aviation safety protocols.
