Zabrat Airport (ZXT)

Zabrat Airport (ZXT) is a highly specialized aviation hub located approximately 11 kilometers northeast of the center of Baku, Azerbaijan. It serves as the primary operational base for ASG Helicopter Services (formerly Silk Way Helicopter Services), one of the leading regional operators in the South Caucasus. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the nation's energy sector, providing the essential link between the mainland and the vast offshore oil and gas installations in the Caspian Sea.

The facility is specifically designed to handle high-frequency helicopter operations and specialized small aviation services. It plays a vital role in transporting technical personnel, heavy equipment, and essential supplies to remote drilling rigs and production platforms. Beyond its industrial support function, Zabrat is a key center for aerial pipeline monitoring, search and rescue operations, and environmental patrolling across the Absheron Peninsula. Its strategic importance ensures that it remains a hive of activity, even during the challenging weather conditions often encountered in the Caspian region.

Technically, the airport features a modern terminal building with a capacity to handle up to 240 passengers per hour. The infrastructure includes dedicated departure and arrival halls, a professional VIP lounge, and specialized briefing rooms for flight crews. The airfield is equipped with two runways: a primary 969-meter asphalt strip (16/34) and a secondary 475-meter grass runway. Advanced navigation and lighting systems, including the German-built BAN-2000 ACAMS, facilitate precise landing approaches and enable reliable night-time and low-visibility operations.

Amenities within the terminal are tailored to the needs of industrial flight crews and technical specialists. Passengers have access to a comfortable waiting lounge with seating for 120 people, a small café serving refreshments, and modern communication facilities. The airport complex also houses a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center, ensuring that the diverse fleet of Sikorsky, Leonardo, and Airbus helicopters is maintained to the highest international safety standards. This specialized focus makes ZXT a unique and indispensable pillar of Azerbaijan's aviation and industrial landscapes.