Drone strike hits Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan near the Iran border. Flights disrupted after Iranian drones reportedly damage terminal and injure civilians.
Drone strike hits Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan near the Iran border [Photo: X]
The ongoing regional confrontation linked to the Iran-Israel conflict is now spreading beyond the Middle East, with Azerbaijan reporting a drone strike at Nakhchivan International Airport. Authorities said drones launched from Iranian territory struck the airport area in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an Azerbaijani enclave located close to the Iranian border.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety and regional stability as military activity intensifies across multiple countries. Officials confirmed that parts of the airport infrastructure were damaged and at least two civilians were injured. Governments across the region are closely monitoring the situation as tensions between Iran and its neighbours continue to rise.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said drones launched from Iranian territory targeted the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5. One drone struck the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, causing damage to the facility and triggering emergency response operations.
🇮🇷🇦🇿⚡️- BREAKING: A DRONE MAKES DIRECT IMPACT WITH NAKHCHIVAN AIRPORT, AZERBAIJAN. pic.twitter.com/I6ig3BUmzq
— Abhimanyu Manjhi (@AbhimanyuManjh5) March 5, 2026
Officials confirmed that the strike injured at least two civilians and damaged airport infrastructure. Another drone reportedly crashed near a school building in the nearby village of Shakarabad, prompting local authorities to evacuate students and teachers as a precaution.
Emergency crews quickly reached the airport complex to assess the damage, while investigators began examining drone debris and the impact site. Security forces also increased surveillance and air defence monitoring across the Nakhchivan region.
Videos circulating online appeared to show explosions and smoke near the airport terminal shortly after the drone strike occurred.
Following the drone attack, authorities began assessing whether Nakhchivan International Airport could continue normal operations. While officials have not announced a permanent shutdown, damage to the terminal and runway areas raised concerns about operational safety.
Azerbaijani authorities launched an immediate investigation to evaluate structural damage and ensure that the airport remains safe for civilian flights. Aviation authorities are reviewing security protocols and airspace conditions before allowing full flight operations to resume.
Passengers travelling to or from Nakhchivan have been advised to check with airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules and airport operations.
The attack disrupted airport activity in the Nakhchivan region as emergency services and security teams worked inside the airport complex. Reports indicated that sections of the runway and terminal building were damaged by falling drone debris.
Airport authorities temporarily slowed or suspended certain operations while investigators examined the impact sites. Such security incidents often lead to precautionary delays, diversions or cancellations as aviation authorities conduct safety inspections.
Airlines operating in the region are monitoring the situation closely and may adjust schedules depending on airport conditions and regional security assessments.
Passengers affected by disruptions at Nakhchivan International Airport can contact airport authorities and airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules, cancellations, and travel assistance.
Nakhchivan International Airport Enquiry:
+994 36 544 45 45
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Customer Support:
+994 12 598 88 80
AZAL Call Centre (24/7):
Call from Azerbaijan: 598
Airport authorities have advised travellers to check their airline websites or official airport announcements before heading to the airport, as flight schedules may change depending on ongoing security assessments and operational reviews.
Passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed can also request rebooking, refunds, or alternate travel arrangements through their airline’s customer support channels.
Government sources said that drones and possibly missiles were seen approaching Nakhchivan from the direction of Iran before striking the airport area. The airport lies roughly 10 kilometres from the Iranian border, making it particularly vulnerable to cross-border military activity.
Officials strongly condemned the attack and demanded an explanation from Tehran. Azerbaijan also summoned Iran’s ambassador to lodge a formal protest over the incident and warned that it reserves the right to respond if similar attacks continue.
The Azerbaijani government described the drone strikes as a violation of international law and said such actions increase tensions in an already volatile region.
Nakhchivan is an autonomous Azerbaijani region separated from mainland Azerbaijan by Armenia. The enclave borders Iran, Turkey and Armenia, making it one of the most strategically sensitive areas in the South Caucasus.
The airport plays a vital role in connecting the isolated region to the rest of Azerbaijan and international destinations. It supports passenger travel, cargo transport and regional connectivity.
Security analysts say the strike on the airport highlights how infrastructure linked to transportation and logistics can become vulnerable during regional conflicts. Because the airport lies very close to the Iranian border, it sits directly within a sensitive geopolitical corridor.
As tensions continue to rise across the Middle East and neighbouring regions, attacks on critical infrastructure like airports could have wider consequences for aviation safety and regional stability.
