Report: Herzog forced to fly on Azerbaijani plane to bypass Turkey

President Isaac Herzog flew on an Azerbaijani plane to bypass Turkey's airspace ban on Israeli government aircraft. Herzog landed in Baku for an international summit, and Azerbaijan did not inform Turkey of the passenger's identity. Turkey has banned Israeli government aircraft from its airspace since 2024.

President Isaac Herzog was forced to fly on an Azerbaijani plane to bypass Turkey, due to the ban Ankara imposed on Israeli government aircraft in its airspace since 2024, as reported by Middle East Eye. Herzog flew on Wednesday on a plane of the Azerbaijani airline AZAL on his way to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to participate in the international summit for cooperation among Asian countries. According to the report, Azerbaijan did not inform Turkey that the flight was carrying the Israeli president. Herzog landed in Baku for a day-and-a-half visit and met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The two discussed deepening strategic cooperation and strengthening ties. Herzog said that Azerbaijan and Israel share a unique relationship and thanked Aliyev for the partnership. During the visit, Herzog will hold meetings with other international leaders and will sign a meeting with heads of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan. The Turkish ban has previously forced Herzog to cancel visits or take longer routes.