Background

Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport: Gateway to Northern Afghanistan

Northern Afghanistan's primary air gateway, connecting Mazar-i-Sharif to the world.

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Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR), officially named Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi International Airport, is the primary air gateway to northern Afghanistan [3]. Located approximately 9 km east of Mazar-i-Sharif, a 15-minute taxi ride connects travelers to the city center [3, 5]. The airport features both a Soviet-era domestic terminal and a newer international terminal [4].

A brief summary to Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport

Local tips

  • Negotiate the taxi fare before starting your journey from the airport to the city center [6, 14].
  • Be aware that traffic rules are not strictly applied in the city [12].
  • Consider that some sources claim that Wi-Fi may not be available [4].
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal [2]. The ride to Mazar-i-Sharif city center is approximately 9 km (5.6 miles) and typically takes around 15 minutes [3, 5]. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey [6, 14]. The average cost is between 400-500 Afghanis [6]. Keep in mind that taxis may not have meters [6]. For travel to Balkh, a taxi will cost approximately $30-$40 [13].

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Discover more about Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport

Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport (MZR), also known as Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi International Airport, serves as the main air hub for northern Afghanistan [3, 5]. Situated about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) east of Mazar-i-Sharif, the airport provides essential connectivity for both domestic and international travelers [3]. A taxi ride to the city center typically takes around 15 minutes [3, 5]. Originally constructed in the 1960s with assistance from the Soviet Union, Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport has played a vital role in the region's history [3, 5]. During the Cold War, it served as a strategic point for extending political ties in the Middle East and South Asia [5]. In recent years, a new international terminal was added in 2013, while the older terminal now handles domestic flights [3, 5]. The airport has one asphalt runway [3]. Today, MZR is equipped to handle up to 1,000 passengers and a variety of aircraft, including large planes like the Boeing 747 [3, 5]. Facilities include a comfortable waiting area, duty-free shops, ATMs, currency exchange services, and food outlets [2]. While some sources suggest that Wi-Fi and other amenities may be limited [4], the airport remains a key transportation hub for northern Afghanistan, facilitating both passenger and cargo traffic [2, 5].

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