Silk Way West Airlines expands cargo service at IAH

Jan 12, 2026

Increased frequency reflects strong performance in Houston and deepens global trade links to Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East.

HOUSTON — Houston Airports announced that Silk Way West Airlines added a second weekly international cargo flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Beginning Jan. 10, 2026, Silk Way West Airlines will operate a second weekly Boeing 747-8F freighter flight with nonstop service from Houston to Baku, Azerbaijan. The expanded schedule builds on the airline’s existing once-weekly service at IAH.

“This expanded service is a direct result of Houston’s strength as a global cargo hub and the reliability of operations at Bush Airport,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “As global trade demands evolve, Houston is well positioned to support additional capacity and nonstop connections that move critical goods efficiently and safely.”

The expanded cargo service supports the movement of high-demand commodities, including energy sector equipment, medical supplies, high-tech hardware, perishables, and industrial goods. It also reinforces long-standing economic and cultural ties between Houston and Azerbaijan, including the Houston–Baku Sister City relationship established in 1976.

Silk Way West Airlines began service at Bush Airport in spring 2023 as a new entrant carrier, launching a once-weekly freighter operation to Baku with a commercial stop in Chicago. The airline later included a stop in Frankfurt-Hahn. The new second frequency will operate nonstop between Houston and Baku.

“Adding a second frequency at Houston signals the growing demand we are seeing in the U.S. energy and industrial hub. More frequencies mean greater flexibility and reliability for our shippers, and this expansion reflects Silk Way West Airlines’ commitment to improved service and an ever‑stronger global reach,” said Fadi Nahas, vice president-Americas for Silk Way West Airlines.

Silk Way West Airlines operates hundreds of cargo flights each month using a fleet of Boeing 747-8F and 747-400F aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Founded in 2012 in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines has grown into a leading global cargo carrier serving key markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. The carrier is anticipating the delivery of three B777-300F in 2027, four A350F in 2028 and four 777-8F in 2029.

The service expansion comes as air cargo activity at Bush Airport continues to grow. Air cargo generates an estimated $13.8 billion annually for the Houston region. Houston Airports is poised to set a record with 565,000 metric tons of cargo moved in 2025, representing more than $23 billion in international trade value.

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