Kabul International Airport
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Kabul International Airport (Template:Airport codes) is located in the northern part of Kabul, Afghanistan. It is one of the country's main international airports, capable of housing over a hundred military and civilian aircraft. It is currently operated by UAE-based GAAC Holding and Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.<ref name="GAAC">Template:Cite news</ref>
The airport was originally named as Khwaja Rawash Airport because it was built in the area named Khwaja Rawash. It was given the name Kabul Airport in 1960 after the Soviet Union built a terminal and a concrete runway. From 2014 to 2021, it was named Hamid Karzai International Airport<ref name="Cab" /><ref name=":2"/> in honor of former president Hamid Karzai. After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the name was changed back to Kabul International Airport.<ref name=":2" />
Sitting at an altitude of approximately Template:Cvt above sea level, the airport is surrounded by parts of the Hindu Kush mountains.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It serves as a hub for Ariana Airlines and Kam Air. International companies such as Air Arabia, Flydubai and Turkish Airlines also provide passenger services.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The airport has two separate terminals, one for international passengers and the other for domestic flights. It also has a number of empty military bases, which were previously used by the United States Armed Forces and NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and later the Resolute Support Mission (RS). The Afghan Air Force also had a base at the airport,<ref name="dialogo-americas.com">Template:Cite web</ref> with the Afghan National Security Forces providing security inside the passenger terminals.
Prior to the withdrawal of US-led forces in 2021, the airport provided scheduled flights to and from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and the Persian Gulf region. The most frequently serviced destination from the airport has been Dubai in the UAE, with no fewer than four passenger airlines flying the route, and some with multiple daily flights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other nearby major airports to Kabul are Bagram Air Base in neighboring Parwan Province to the north, Jalalabad Airport in Nangarhar Province to the east, Khost International Airport in Khost Province to the southeast, and Bamyan Airport in Bamyan Province to the northwest.
History
Kabul Airport was established during the Kingdom of Amanullah Khan in the 1920s, which housed aircraft of the Afghan Air Force and Afghan Post. Its original location was a short distance to the south of the current location, in and around Chaman-e-Hozori. The first international flight occurred in 1927 between Kabul and Tashkent, Soviet Union. It was modernized in 1960 by Soviet engineers.<ref name="handbook">Template:Cite book</ref> The airport was called Khwaja Rawash Airport because it was built in the area called Khwaja Rawash.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Foreign tourists began visiting Afghanistan via Kabul Airport. This era ended after the 1978 Saur Revolution, especially after the 1979 Soviet invasion.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The airport was used by the Soviet Army during the Soviet–Afghan War from 1979 to 1989, and by the military forces of the former President of Afghanistan, Mohammad Najibullah. Control of the airport switched between different sides during the civil war after 1992. By November 1996, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan governed by Mullah Muhammad Omar was in possession of the airport, until late 2001 when they fled the city after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Due to international sanctions during the Taliban government, the airport was closed in the late 1990s, with very limited international flights.Template:Citation needed
Following the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks, Kabul Airport was bombed by United States and coalition forces. After the ISAF took over control, the airport began to be developed slowly over the years. A new radar system was installed in 2005, which was upgraded by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2010.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
A new $35 million terminal for international flights was inaugurated in November 2008, built with aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This terminal has two jetbridges.The then-Afghan President Hamid Karzai attended the inauguration ceremony.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The new terminal was officially opened to international flights in June 2009. The existing terminal has been refurbished and used for domestic flights.
Passenger movements reached 100,000 per year by 2010, or 300 per day.Template:Citation needed In early 2012, the radar system was upgraded to cover Afghanistan's entire air space.
In October 2014, the National Assembly of Afghanistan proposed naming the airport after former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, a month after his tenure ended, in recognition of his services and contributions to the country's rebuilding. This decision was approved by the Cabinet of the new President Ashraf Ghani, which renamed the structure as Hamid Karzai International Airport.<ref name="Cab">Template:Cite news</ref>
The North Side Cantonment – Kabul Airport facility was completed and turned over to the United States Armed Forces in October 2008. It houses the command facilities for the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and includes housing, administrative, operations, maintenance and recreation facilities. The project included two new hangar complexes, a new taxiway and ramps. It is the headquarters and main base (1st or 201st Wing) of the Afghan Air Force. The first hangar facility was turned over to the AAF in January 2008. The second hangar was completed later that year.Template:Citation needed
2021 NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan
In July 2021, the Taliban took over many areas in Afghanistan, including those near Kabul Airport. Turkey announced that it would provide security at the airport.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> U.S. and NATO forces were still deployed at the airport as well.<ref name=natoairport>Template:Cite news</ref> A few weeks later, Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban, prompting thousands of people to flee to the airport in an attempt to leave the country. Seven people were alleged to have died at the airport after the crowds consisting of thousands of people tried to forcibly enter planes leaving the airport. US forces fired in the air to prevent the crowds running onto the tarmac and runways.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 16 August 2021, the US Deputy Security Advisor announced the deployment of more forces to secure the airport.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> The Pentagon confirmed the head of U.S. Central Command, General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., met Taliban leaders in Qatar. The Taliban officials agreed to terms set by McKenzie for refugees to flee using the Kabul International Airport.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Following the fall of Kabul, the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police abandoned their posts. U.S. and allied forces subsequently took over the posts. On 16 August 2021, all commercial flights from Kabul Airport were cancelled indefinitely.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 26 August 2021, more than 100 people were killed in an explosion outside Kabul Airport. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility.<ref name=jpost.isil>Template:Cite web</ref> The last American forces departed from the airport around midnight on 30 August, ending U.S. involvement in the 20-year war. The Taliban subsequently took control of the airport.<ref name="dw.com">Template:Cite web</ref> Rough estimates by the Taliban calculated the damage to the airport at around $350 million.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite news</ref> Abdul Hadi Hamadan, the Taliban head of the airport, later stated that the damage to the airport's terminal alone due to the evacuation was $1 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Several novels have been published following the dramatic US evacuation from the country. Those titles include: "Life and Death at Abbey Gate", "Saving Aziz", "Always Faithful", and "Kabul".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Operation under Taliban rule
Following the Taliban takeover, the airport was closed. Much of its infrastructure had been degraded or destroyed during the evacuation. According to Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar was to send technical assistance to Afghanistan to help reopen the airport as soon as possible.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, stated that the Taliban and other countries had requested Turkey for help in resuming operations at the airport. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Sigrid Kaag, stated that her government was willing to support Turkey and Qatar in reopening the airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Meanwhile, the security of the airport was handed over to the Al-Fatah Brigade of the special forces of the group on 3 September.<ref name=":4"/>
The airport reopened for Ariana Afghan Airlines' domestic flights between Kabul and the cities of Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar, as well as for receiving aid from other countries, on 4 September, following work carried out by a technical team from Qatar, which repaired the airport's runway.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid stated on 6 September that Turkey and Qatar were trying to restart all flights from the airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 8 September 2021, a NOTAM was issued by the airport's NOTAM office, indicating that the airport is operating between 03:30 and 13:30 Coordinated Universal Time. Additional NOTAMs issued that day indicate that the airports instrument landing system is operative and that the airport's tower is operating again.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
A Qatar Airways flight evacuating 113 nationals of other countries from Afghanistan was allowed to land at and depart from the airport on 9 September due to cooperation between the United States and the Taliban, marking the first such flight since the Taliban had completely taken over the facility.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Meanwhile, the Taliban renamed the airport to Kabul International Airport, eliminating the reference to former Afghan President Hamid Karzai.<ref name=":2"/>
A Pakistan International Airlines flight landed at the airport on 13 September, marking the first international commercial flight to land since the Taliban takeover.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mahan Air resumed flights to the airport on 15 September, marking resumption of commercial flights between Iran and Afghanistan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 26 September announced that the problems at the airport had been resolved and asked international airlines to resume their flights, promising full cooperation.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite news</ref>
Facilities
The airport has two terminals: the original that opened in 1960 and a newer building that opened in 2008. The terminal that opened in 2008 is used for international flights; the original 1960 Soviet-constructed terminal is used for domestic flights. Several hangars along the runway are for military aircraft. There are no hangars for civilian (or transient) aircraft. The airport has seven helicopter pads which are used mostly for military traffic.Template:Citation needed Fire fighting equipment is present. The firefighting equipment has a present capacity of up to Template:Convert of water and has the ability to reach Template:Convert in height to manage fire outbreaks.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Airlines and destinations
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Transportation
Buses, taxi and private cars provide transportation to and from the airport. A four-lane highway connects the airport to Kabul.<ref>Kabul International Airport, Kabul airport-technology.com. Retrieved 28 August 2021.</ref>
Accidents and incidents
Civilian
- On 2 January 1962, Iran Air Flight 123, a Douglas DC-3 on a cargo flight, crashed while attempting to take-off from Kabul. During the take-off roll the captain noticed a malfunction in the number 1 engine followed by the aircraft veering to the left of the runway. To avoid a crash, the captain pulled the aircraft up into the air, but while attempting to turn the aircraft away from the airport, a wing struck the ground followed by a crash. Both crew members survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 15 January 1969, Douglas DC-3 YA-AAB of Ariana Afghan Airlines was damaged beyond economic repair in a ground collision with Douglas DC-6 YA-DAN, also of Ariana.<ref name=ASN150169>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 21 September 1984, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 of Ariana Afghan Airlines was hit by explosive bullets while on approach to Kabul Airport. All passengers and crew survived the incident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 12 June 1990, an Ilyushin Il-76 of Aeroflot was struck by a missile while flying at Template:Convert causing two engines to shut down. The aircraft made a forced landing in Kabul with no flaps on an unpaved runway. All 10 crew survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 29 May 1992, an Ariana Afghan Airlines Tupolev Tu-154 was struck by a missile while landing at Kabul. The nose of the aircraft was damaged but it landed safely. All passengers and crew survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 19 March 1998, a Boeing 727-200 of Ariana Afghan Airlines crashed into the Template:Convert Sharki Baratayi mountain while descending into Kabul. All 10 crew and 35 passengers on board died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 3 February 2005, Kam Air Flight 904, a Boeing 737-200 operated by Phoenix Aviation, vanished from radar screens on approach to Kabul in poor weather, sparking a massive Afghan National Army search operation for the 96 passengers and eight crew. The wreckage of the aircraft was found two days later in the mountains east of Kabul, all 105 people on board were killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 17 May 2010, all contact with Pamir Airways Flight 112, an Antonov An-24 operated by Pamir Airways, was lost ten minutes after departure from Kunduz Airport. After search efforts lasting four days, wreckage from the flight was located Template:Convert from Kabul. All 39 passengers and five crew on board the flight died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 12 October 2010, Transafrik International Flight 662, a Lockheed L-100 Hercules crashed into a mountain on approach to the airport. All 8 crew members were killed.
- On 8 May 2014, Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 312, a Boeing 737-400, ran off the runway after landing at the airport. Flight 312 originated in Delhi, India and operated on a scheduled passenger service to Kabul. On landing the aircraft overshot runway 29, coming to rest on uneven terrain. The aircraft was heavily damaged and six passengers were slightly injured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Military
- On 11 March 1985, an Antonov An-30 of the Soviet Air Force was on an aerial photography flight in the Kabul area south of the Panjshir Valley. Upon returning to the airport, the aircraft was struck by a Strela missile. The captain tried to make an emergency landing at Bagram Airbase but was too high. A fire ignited by the missile strike then reached the aileron controls causing the pilots to lose control; three of the five crew members evacuated the aircraft safely, but the other two crew members died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 29 November 1986, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-26 was hit by a Stinger missile while climbing out of Kabul. The aircraft was carrying several tons of S-24 rockets and 400 kg of explosives to Jalalabad in Afghanistan. All seven crew members perished.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 21 October 1987, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-12BK collided with a Mil Mi-24 helicopter while taking off in poor visibility. The aircraft was heading for the capital city of then Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Tashkent; 18 of the 19 passengers and crew died.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 21 December 1987, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-26 was hit by a Stinger missile while circling to a safe altitude shortly after take-off. The number one engine was hit, puncturing the fuel tank. Smoke entered the cabin. All six crew members parachuted out; the captain jumped too close to the ground to open his parachute and died upon impact.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 24 June 1988, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-26 was hit by bullets fired from Mujahideen rebels. The aircraft crashed in Kabul, killing one of the six crew members on board.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 28 August 1992, a Soviet Air Force Ilyushin Il-76MD was hit by a renegade Mujahideen rocket while boarding Russian embassy staff.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 5 August 2008, a Lockheed C-130H Hercules of the United Arab Emirates Air Force overran the runway upon landing in Kabul, causing a fire in the forward section of the aircraft. The aircraft was carrying aid to Afghanistan. All crew members survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 16 August 2021, as a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the United States Air Force was taking off, crowds of people trying to escape the 2021 Taliban offensive were seen running alongside and clinging onto the aircraft. The aircraft lifted up into the air with people still holding on, with at least two dying after falling from the aircraft and an unknown number possibly crushed and killed by the landing gear retracting; human remains were found in the wheel well.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The incident was widely reported in U.S. and international media.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Non-aircraft related
- On 31 August 1984, Afghan guerillas exploded a bomb at the airport where several Aeroflot planes were picking up passengers, killing 28 people and wounding 350 others.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- On 8 September 2009, at around 8:22 AM local time, a suicide bombing took place near the entrance of the airport's military base.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite news Template:Dead link</ref>
- On 3 July 2014, Taliban fighters fired two rockets into the airport, destroying four helicopters. One of the four helicopters belonged to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 29 January 2015, three American defense contractors and one Afghan national were killed by a gunman outside the airport in late evening local time.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 17 May 2015, a suicide bombing by the Taliban near the entrance of the airport occurred, killing three and injuring eighteen.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 26 August 2021, more than 185 people were killed, including at least 13 U.S. service members and 90 Afghans, at the Kabul airport when two ISIS-K<ref name=jpost.isil/> suicide bombers ripped through crowds trying to enter the American-controlled facility, disrupting the final push of the U.S.-led evacuation effort. The bombs were set off near a crowd of families at the airport gates who were desperately hoping to make one of the last evacuation flights out. Gunfire was reported in the aftermath of the explosions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- On 29 August 2021, smoke was seen rising from two explosions which occurred near the airport, one of which killed a child.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Explosions occurred hours after U.S. President Joe Biden warned of another terrorist attack in Kabul.
- On 30 August 2021, thermite bombs were used to disable several counter rocket, artillery and mortar systems used to protect the airfield from incoming ISIS-K fired rockets.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
References
External links
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