Situation In Afghanistan Leads To Kabul Flight Disruptions

The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has unfolded so rapidly that airlines are coming into the market unprepared. After flying safely into Kabul for some time now, airlines are now facing a new future of uncertainty in Afghanistan. While not a massive air market, there is enough traffic to justify a fair bit of international flying. Kabul’s airport is currently shut to commercial flights as evacuations take priority, raising questions about the future of Afghan aviation.

Flight disruptions in Afghanistan

One of the first signs of disruption came from EK640. The Boeing 777-300ER-operated flight took off from Emirates’ hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) en route to Kabul International Airport (KBL) in Kabul, Afghanistan. However, the aircraft ended up a five-and-half hour to nowhere, returning to Dubai after holding around Kabul amid the ongoing confusion.

Air India flight 243, operated by an Airbus A320neo, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) In New Delhi, India, and made its way to Kabul. However, the aircraft also held for a while outside Kabul before continuing for a landing at the airport.

These are just a few examples of civilian flight disruptions. The ongoing situation has unfolded so rapidly, and the current focus is on military evacuations.

Kabul’s airport is shut down

Reports are coming in from Afghanistan that the airport in Kabul is now shut down for commercial travel. As the ongoing struggle for the country continues with the Taliban on the verge of taking over Kabul, the airport is now entirely focused on getting key personnel out.

Military evacuations are continuing, and the US Embassy in Kabul is reportedly working out of the airport and working to manage the situation as best as possible. If you are scheduled to fly to or from Afghanistan in the coming days, it is best to watch airline schedules closely. Several airlines have pulled Kabul from their schedules in the coming days and weeks.

What this means for the future of Afghan aviation

Afghanistan has two major airlines. There is first the flag carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines. The second major airline is Kam Air, which is a private airline. Both airlines operate significantly out of Kabul.

A report in the Associated Press just from Saturday discussed the civilian evacuation out of Afghanistan. Many expressed concern over the Taliban’s ongoing takeover of the country and worry over the fallout. The report also indicated that Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines have almost no capacity to get people out of the country. Many concerns have been over the fallout of subcontractors who worked with outside organizations like NATO or the US.

Once the dust settles on the ongoing conflict, the question will be what business and family ties may keep Afghanistan connected to the broader world. Without enough demand, it is difficult to imagine many airlines returning to the country, assuming airlines believe it is safe enough to resume operations.

There is a sizable Afghani diaspora around the world. However, the question remains whether they will be allowed to return to Afghanistan to see their family or friends. As of now, so much remains unclear.

Air travel has an important role in the world. Between adding vital cargo capacity and connecting passenger traffic, the economic importance of air travel cannot be understated.

Source: https://simpleflying.com/afghanistan-kabul-disruptions/