Baku, September 24, 2025
Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman has raised sharp criticism of the new taxi tariffs at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, calling them discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Following a monitoring mission, the Ombudsman’s Office concluded that the airport’s special tariff policy artificially inflates prices, restricts passenger choice, sidelines licensed drivers, and fuels social discontent. The findings argue that the system violates Article 25 (Right to Equality) and Article 59 (Right to Free Enterprise) of the Constitution, as well as competition law.
Passengers say the new pricing leaves them with no fair alternatives. “A ride into the city used to cost me 15–20 manat. Now it’s nearly double. At this point, it feels like we’re being forced to pay whatever they decide,” one traveler told reproters.
Another added: “There’s no real choice. Either you pay the airport tariff or you walk outside with your luggage hoping to find another car.”
Drivers also expressed frustration. “We lose clients because many passengers can’t afford these inflated fares. Some prefer to leave the terminal and call a regular taxi app,” said one taxi driver.
Another stressed that the system squeezes out competition: “The system favors a single operator. Independent drivers like us get pushed out – even if we’re licensed.”
The Ombudsman announced plans to file a formal appeal with state agencies to safeguard constitutional rights, push for a transparent pricing mechanism, and restore equal opportunities for all licensed taxi providers.
