After nearly three years of suspended services due to political instability following the U.S. withdrawal, Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Türkiye, has announced the resumption of flights to Afghanistan. On Tuesday, the first Turkish Airlines flight landed at Kabul International Airport, greeted by officials from various Turkish institutions and representatives of Afghanistan’s interim government.
International airlines ceased operations in Kabul after the Taliban’s takeover in mid-August 2021, which left the airport heavily damaged during the evacuation of civilians. Turkish Airlines will now operate four weekly flights between Istanbul and Kabul on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
“We are thrilled and proud to welcome the first Turkish Airlines passenger plane at Kabul International Airport after nearly three years,” stated Cenk Ünal, charge d’affaires of the Turkish Embassy in Kabul. “The resumption of Turkish Airlines flights symbolizes the mutual trust and cooperation that continue to strengthen our friendly relations. This new beginning marks an important step for both our countries.”
Flydubai, an airline from the United Arab Emirates, was the first international carrier to restart flights to Afghanistan in November 2023. The entire operation of Kabul’s airport is seen as crucial for revitalizing Afghanistan’s economy. In addition to Flydubai, Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines also operate flights from Kabul to destinations such as Dubai, Moscow, Islamabad, and Istanbul.
Mahmut Yayla, Turkish Airlines’ sales and marketing president for the Second Region, highlighted the airline’s commitment to enhancing trade relations between Türkiye and Afghanistan. “We are happy to reconnect Türkiye and Afghanistan with our flights. Afghan people can travel to the world’s biggest network with Turkish Airlines, reaching Europe, America, and more. Our low fares and suitable connection times will create new opportunities for the Afghan people,” Yayla commented. “Our modern fleet of 454 aircraft is growing rapidly, and we will link Kabul to the world by flying to 348 destinations in 130 countries on six continents.”
The Taliban government’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, “The start of Turkish Airlines flights will not only provide travel convenience for Afghan passengers to Türkiye but also expand air transport and commercial relations between the two countries.”
Afghans have expressed their happiness about Turkish Airlines’ return and called for easier visa issuance processes. Sharifa, a resident of Kabul with family in Türkiye, told Afghan Insight, “I was happy to hear that Turkish Airlines has resumed its flights, but the difficult part is that visas are very expensive, and many people cannot easily obtain one.”
Tourism industry officials are also optimistic about the impact of Turkish Airlines’ return. Elias Mahdoom, the head of Jahaan Travel Agency in Kabul, stated, “For travelers who want to go to Türkiye, Europe, or America, this will provide much convenience for transit. It is also a very positive step for our business, and it’s a good move. Hopefully, there will be more such flights.”
Although the Taliban government has yet to be officially recognized by any country, leading to reduced international engagement, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation reported on May 21 that there are currently 20 to 30 international flights from Afghanistan’s airports every 24 hours.