Khojaly Airport

A small Azerbaijani town carrying deep historical significance.

Khojaly is a small town in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, situated near the city of Khankendi (Stepanakert). The town became internationally known due to the tragic events of February 1992, when a large-scale massacre of Azerbaijani civilians occurred during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Azerbaijan regained full control of the region following the 2020 war, and reconstruction efforts have been ongoing since then.

Today, Khojaly is gradually being rebuilt as part of Azerbaijan's broader initiative to restore the Karabakh region. Visitors who come here do so primarily to pay respects to those who perished, to witness the scale of reconstruction underway, and to understand a pivotal chapter of South Caucasus history. The landscape is rugged and scenic, set against the backdrop of the Karabakh highlands.

Due to its sensitive historical context and ongoing infrastructure development, Khojaly is not a conventional tourist destination. Travel requires advance planning, and visitors should approach the area with cultural sensitivity and awareness of its recent past.

• •Khojaly Memorial — solemn monument commemorating the 1992 massacre victims.
• •Khojaly Airport ruins — a haunting reminder of wartime destruction now under restoration.
• •Karabakh highlands scenery — dramatic mountain landscapes surrounding the town.
• •Reconstruction sites — witness Azerbaijan's large-scale rebuilding efforts firsthand.
• •Nearby Shusha — the historic cultural capital of Azerbaijan just a short drive away.
• •Aghdam ruins — the so-called 'Caucasian Hiroshima,' a sobering war-damaged ghost town nearby.

Getting around: Public transportation options in and around Khojaly remain limited as infrastructure is still being rebuilt. Visitors typically travel by private car or organized tour vehicle from Baku or Ganja. Taxis and chartered vehicles are the most reliable options; rideshare apps have limited coverage in the region. Check road conditions and access permissions before travel, as some areas may require coordination with local authorities.

Best time: Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures and clear skies ideal for visiting the Karabakh highlands.

Local food: Look for traditional Azerbaijani dishes such as piti (slow-cooked lamb and chickpea soup), kebabs, and fresh lavash bread, which are staples in the broader Karabakh region.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.