Azerbaijan: Authorities deploy increased security measures for COP29 Summit in Baku, Nov. 11-22

Authorities will deploy enhanced security measures during the COP29 summit in Baku, Nov. 11-22. The summit will be held in the Baku Olympic Stadium and will be attended by heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and multiple other policy groups. Local authorities will likely implement tight access security in the vicinity of the stadium, including vehicle and personnel checks. Officials will also likely implement heightened security at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) to facilitate the arrival and departure of delegations. Temporary road closures are likely between the airport, delegates' hotels, and conference locations, to further enhance security for senior visitors.

Azerbaijan does not have a culture of climate change or environmental demonstrations; however, campaigners may stage protests during the summit. Authorities will likely deploy extra police to any demonstration, which may prompt further localized disruptions.

Heightened security and access restrictions will likely prompt transport disruptions throughout Baku. Vehicle and personnel checks will likely cause delays. Mass transit systems may be congested and rerouted to bypass security perimeters. Demonstrations and associated heightened security may prompt localized disruptions.