Nakhchivan International Airport came under drone attack on Thursday when Iranian unmanned aircraft struck the terminal building, injuring four people and forcing authorities to close southern airspace for 12 hours.

One drone directly hit airport terminal building located just 10 kilometres from Iranian border, causing damage to skylight and disrupting operations. Video footage verified by Reuters showed black smoke rising near airport facility following the strike.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev condemned the incident as ‘unprovoked act of terror and aggression’ during Security Council meeting. Armed forces have been instructed to prepare retaliatory measures against Iran.

Three additional drones crossed into Nakhchivan exclave, with one landing near school building, another downed by military and fourth hitting civilian infrastructure. All four injured people were hospitalised in stable condition.

Authorities immediately closed southern airspace and suspended all cargo truck movements at Iranian border crossings, effectively blocking one of shortest land routes connecting Iran to Russia. Aviation experts warn such incidents highlight growing security risks to civilian airports in conflict zones.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied targeting neighbouring country. “We do not attack our neighbouring countries”, he told Azerbaijani media. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi promised investigation into incident.

Airport attack comes amid escalating Middle East tensions following US and Israel airstrikes against Iran starting Saturday. Over 1 thousand 100 people have fled Iran into Azerbaijan via Caspian Sea crossing since strikes began.

Security concerns extend beyond immediate region as Azerbaijan serves as major energy transit hub. Country exports oil and gas to Turkey and Europe through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Any damage to aviation or energy infrastructure could impact global markets and raise fuel prices.

For Bangladesh, incident underscores aviation security challenges facing airports near conflict zones. Country’s own airports have faced security concerns, making international cooperation on aviation safety increasingly critical.

Nakhchivan airport closure disrupted flights and cargo operations, demonstrating how quickly regional conflicts can paralyse aviation infrastructure. International Civil Aviation Organisation standards require airports maintain security protocols against such threats.

Source: Reuters