International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamid Karzai International Airport | Kabul | KBL | OAKB |
| Herat International Airport | Herat | HEA | OAHR |
| Kandahar International Airport | Kandahar | KDH | OAKN |
| Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport | Mazar-i-Sharif | MZR | OAMS |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bamyan Airport | Bamyan | BIN | OABN |
| Faizabad Airport | Faizabad | FBD | OAFZ |
| Ghazni Airport | Ghazni | GZI | OAGN |
| Kunduz Airport | Kunduz | UND | OAUZ |
| Maymana Airport | Maymana | MMZ | OAMN |
| Taluqan Airport | Taluqan | TQN | OATQ |
| Zaranj Airport | Zaranj | ZAJ | OAZJ |
Afghanistan Airports: Modernization and Security Upgrades Underway
Afghanistan, a country with diverse landscapes and rich history, relies on its airports to connect with the world. These vital hubs serve as gateways for travellers, aid workers, and business people entering and leaving the nation.
Afghanistan has four international airports that handle most of its air traffic. These include Kabul International Airport, Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport, Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in Kandahar, and Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport in Herat. Each airport serves a different region of the country, making air travel more accessible to Afghanistan’s population.
Beyond the main international hubs, Afghanistan also has several domestic airports. These smaller facilities play a key role in linking remote areas to major cities. As the country works to improve its infrastructure, the importance of its airports continues to grow. They not only facilitate travel but also support economic growth and development across Afghanistan.
Major Airports in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has several international airports that serve as important hubs for travel and commerce. These airports connect the country to regional and global destinations, playing a vital role in Afghanistan’s transportation infrastructure.
Kabul International Airport
Kabul International Airport is Afghanistan’s largest and busiest airport. Located in the capital city, it serves as the main gateway to the country. The airport’s IATA code is KBL, and its ICAO code is OAKB.
Kabul International Airport handles both domestic and international flights. It connects Afghanistan to major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport has a single runway that is 3,500 meters long and can accommodate large aircraft.
Several airlines operate from Kabul International Airport, including Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air. The airport has modern facilities, including passenger terminals, cargo handling areas, and customs services.
Mazar-I-Sharif International Airport
Mazar-I-Sharif International Airport is located in northern Afghanistan. It serves the city of Mazar-i-Sharif and the surrounding region. The airport’s IATA code is MZR.
This airport handles both domestic and international flights. It connects northern Afghanistan to other parts of the country and to neighbouring nations. The runway is 3,100 meters long and can accommodate various types of aircraft.
Mazar-I-Sharif International Airport has seen significant improvements in recent years. It now offers better passenger facilities and increased flight options for travellers.
Herat International Airport
Herat International Airport serves the western city of Herat. Its IATA code is HEA, and its ICAO code is OAHR. The airport is an important hub for western Afghanistan.
The airport has a 3,000-meter runway capable of handling large aircraft. It offers domestic flights to other Afghan cities and international connections to neighbouring countries.
Herat International Airport has undergone renovations to improve its facilities. These upgrades have enhanced passenger comfort and increased the airport’s capacity to handle more flights.
Kandahar International Airport
Kandahar International Airport is located in southern Afghanistan. It serves the city of Kandahar and the surrounding region. The airport’s IATA code is KDH.
This airport has both civilian and military sections. The civilian part handles domestic and international flights. The runway is 3,200 meters long, allowing it to accommodate various aircraft types.
Kandahar International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting southern Afghanistan to other parts of the country and the world. It offers flights to major Afghan cities and some international destinations.
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport, also known as Kandahar International Airport, serves the city of Kandahar. It shares the same facilities as Kandahar International Airport mentioned above.
The airport is named after Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan. It handles both civilian and military traffic, serving as an important transportation hub for southern Afghanistan.
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport has seen improvements in its infrastructure and services in recent years. These upgrades have enhanced its ability to handle increased passenger and cargo traffic.
Military and Domestic Airfields
Afghanistan has several key military and domestic airfields that play important roles in the country’s aviation infrastructure. These airports serve various purposes, from military operations to civilian transportation.
Bagram Airfield
Bagram Airfield is one of Afghanistan’s largest and most important military bases. It’s located about 50 km north of Kabul. The airfield has a 3,000-meter runway capable of handling large military aircraft.
Bagram served as a major hub for U.S. and NATO forces during their presence in Afghanistan. It has extensive facilities, including hangars, barracks, and maintenance areas.
The base has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when it was first built. Over the years, it has been used by Soviet forces and later by the U.S. military.
Shindand Air Base
Shindand Air Base is about 100 km from the Iranian border in western Afghanistan. It has two runways, with the longest being 2,700 meters.
The base was originally built in the 1960s with Soviet assistance. It served as a key facility for the Afghan Air Force during the Soviet-Afghan War.
In recent years, Shindand has been used for pilot training. It houses facilities for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft training programs.
Bost Airport
Bost Airport is located in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province. It has a single runway that’s 2,000 meters long.
The airport serves both military and civilian purposes. It’s an important hub for domestic flights in southern Afghanistan.
Bost Airport has played a crucial role in supporting military operations in Helmand Province, which has seen significant conflict.
Khost Airport
Khost Airport is situated in eastern Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan. It has a single runway that’s about 1,800 meters long.
The airport primarily serves domestic flights. It’s an important link for the remote Khost Province to the rest of Afghanistan.
Khost Airport has also been used for military purposes, particularly during operations along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Camp Bastion Airfield
Camp Bastion Airfield, also known as Bastion Airfield, was a major British military base in Helmand Province. It had two runways, with the main one being 3,500 meters long.
The airfield was capable of handling large transport aircraft and fighter jets. It served as a key logistics hub for NATO operations in southern Afghanistan.
Camp Bastion was handed over to Afghan control in 2014. It has since been used by the Afghan military and for some civilian flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan’s airports serve as vital transportation hubs. These facilities connect the country to the world and provide essential domestic travel links.
What is the international airport code for Kabul?
The international airport code for Kabul is KBL. This code refers to Hamid Karzai International Airport, the main airport serving Afghanistan’s capital city.
How many airports are there in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has 26 airports. These include international, domestic, regional, military, and private airports spread across the country.
Can you provide a list of major airports in Afghanistan?
The major airports in Afghanistan include:
- Hamid Karzai International Airport (Kabul)
- Kandahar International Airport
- Herat International Airport
- Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport
- Khost Airport
Where can I find a map of the airport locations in Afghanistan?
Maps of Afghanistan’s airport locations can be found on aviation websites and government resources. These maps show the geographic spread of airports across the country’s provinces.
How many international airports are there in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has four international airports. These are the main gateways for international travel to and from the country.
Where can I find photos of airports in Afghanistan?
Photos of Afghanistan’s airports can be found on travel websites, aviation forums, and official airport websites. These images show various Afghan airports’ facilities, runways, and terminals.
