Page 113 - SHARJAH AIRPORT PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

12/28/23, 10:57 AM Air Arabia resumes flights to Kabul – Afghanistan Times
The Ministry of Transport is optimistic that the resumption of these flights could serve as a
positive signal, encouraging more carriers to resume operations at airports across
Afghanistan. The country boasts several other airports meeting international flight
operation standards, including Kandahar International Airport (KDH) and Mazar-i-Sharif
International Airport (MZR), the latter already serviced by Iranian carrier Mahan Air.

The consistent resumption of international services signifies a significant economic milestone for the Taliban regime in the Middle
East. However, the choice of specific carriers resuming flights underscores that it is leisure travel, rather than business travel, that
is currently steering interest in serving Afghanistan.

Noteworthy is the absence of plans for service resumptions by legacy carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Air India, all
of which have previously operated flights to Kabul. This suggests that despite the easing of political relations between other Middle
Eastern nations and the new Afghan regime, the full restoration of economic relationships is yet to materialize.

Businesses, even within the Arab world, remain cautious about re-engaging with Afghan companies, likely influenced by sanctions
imposed by the United States and European Union. Business travel, a cornerstone for legacy airlines, has yet to make a comeback
to Afghanistan, with Ariana Afghan Airlines remaining the sole international legacy carrier operating flights to Kabul.

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