Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku

A new terminal building to promote Baku and Azerbaijan to the wider world.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is the principal airport of Azerbaijan, and potentially a major hub for the whole of the Caucasus region.

In designing a new international terminal at the existing airport, Arup aimed to create a facility equal to the very best in the world. The terminal is designed to meet a projected demand of 3m passengers per year.

Encouraging relaxation, minimising stress

The aim of the aesthetic design is to create spaces which are a pleasure to use, encourage relaxation and minimise stress. This is achieved through generously-proportioned, naturally-lit spaces with extensive internal and external views. The terminal will also offer luxury shopping and leisure areas.

The design includes a tapered façade which gives the building a unique appearance. The innovative shape allows light from the façade and roof to enter the space. Skylights are an integral part of the steel structure of the roof.

Design by Arup

Arup is responsible for the design of a new façade for the existing international terminal. The work will include stripping the existing façade, adding insulation and replacing with a metal mesh façade in harmony with the design of the new terminal.

The terminal design has been greatly influenced by the vision and design ideas of the client, Mr Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airways (AZAL).

Baku is a seismic zone, and the design uses a frame resistant system to allow for seismic forces. The terminal will have eight air bridges and is compatible with the Boeing 676 aircraft.

The construction of this unique project began with the completion of new entrance tollgate in October 2010. The bulk of the remaining construction is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and finish in 2013.