KBL: Kabul International Airport
Owing to the global military withdrawal out of Afghanistan sparked by the US, many Afghans stormed the Kabul International Airport in an effort to board flights organized by various countries to help them leave the country and seek refugee. This along with the scattered attacks by the Taliban has led to the airport being heavily damaged. This airport is the only paved civilian airstrip in all of Afghanistan and is a vital lifeline for the war-torn country in terms of accessing supplies and foreign aid; especially so since the United States froze all of Afghanistan's assets held overseas.
What is left behind?
Kabul International Airport is separated into two distinct sections; one for military use and one for civilian use. The plan was to leave the civilian section as operational as possible for the smooth running of commercial flights and to dismantle aircraft that foreign armed forces did not bring home so that the Taliban would not have access to their vehicles. This meant hangers upon hangers of dismantled aircrafts were sitting there when the Taliban came and explored. This was seen as an unfortunate but necessary fate for these magnificent flying machines.
Is it safe?
“Due to both the lack of air traffic services and a functional civil aviation authority in Afghanistan, as well as ongoing security concerns, US civil operators, pilots, and US registered civil aircrafts are prohibited from operating at any altitude over much of Afghanistan." - FAA Statement
Well, that is the US’s stance. However, many other countries are impartial to resuming services with more clarity with regards to the governance of Afghanistan.
What has the world done to help?
Turkey and Qatar have since offered their help in rebuilding the airport. They have a team of engineers that are currently working on restoring the technical functionality of the airport. Moreover, Turkey had offered to provide security for the airport. However, their offer has been politely declined by the Taliban who are uninterested in foreign forces setting foot back in their country.
Commercial Service to Kabul?
On the 9th of September, a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 became the first commercial plane to land in Kabul since the Taliban gained control. It departed with some 200 foreign nationals on board.
Moreover, on the 11th of September, the first PIA Pakistan International Airlines aircraft touched down in Kabul marking the start of scheduled commercial air service to Kabul. This means you can now buy a ticket and travel there via PIA. PIA has also issued a warning about the disclarity of the immigration situation in Kabul.
Sources
Writer: Shen Tan
Editor: Bernice Lau
Artists: Irish Felix & Ran Zhao
Comentários