Background

Kabul International Airport: Afghanistan's Aerial Gateway

Afghanistan's primary international airport, connecting Kabul to the world with modern facilities and ongoing development.

4.1

Kabul International Airport (KBL) is the primary airport in Afghanistan, located a short distance from the city center. It has served as a vital link connecting Afghanistan to the world since its establishment in the 1960s, witnessing periods of modernization, conflict, and reconstruction.

A brief summary to Kabul International Airport

Local tips

  • Be sure to check visa requirements well in advance of your trip, as they are strictly enforced.
  • Consider booking flights with airlines that have a strong presence at KBL, such as Ariana Afghan Airlines or Kam Air, for potentially smoother travel.
  • Given the limited public transportation options, arrange for a taxi or private car in advance to ensure reliable transport to and from the airport.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Kabul city center to Kabul International Airport [2, 11]. The ride typically takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions [10, 14]. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A typical fare from the city center to the airport is between 200-350 AFN [14, 15]. Be aware that taxis may not have meters [14].

  • Public Transport

    While public buses are a common mode of transport in Kabul, there is no direct public transport service from Kabul city center to Kabul International Airport [11, 14]. If you plan to take a bus, you may need to use a language guide, as the routes and numbers are written in the local language [11].

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Discover more about Kabul International Airport

Kabul International Airport (KBL), situated in the northern part of Kabul, stands as Afghanistan's most significant air transportation hub [2, 5]. Since its establishment in the 1960s with Soviet assistance, the airport has played a crucial role in connecting Afghanistan to the world [2, 4, 5]. Throughout its history, KBL has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the country's turbulent past and aspirations for the future [4, 10]. Originally named Khwaja Rawash Airport, the airport aimed to modernize Afghanistan and attract tourists [2, 3, 4, 5]. However, the Soviet invasion in 1979 disrupted these plans, leading to the airport's use by the Soviet Army and subsequent control by various factions during the civil war [2, 3, 4, 5]. In the wake of the U.S. invasion in 2001, the airport faced bombing and later underwent extensive development with international assistance, including a new terminal for international flights inaugurated in 2008 [2, 3, 4]. From 2014 to 2021, it was named Hamid Karzai International Airport, honoring the former president [2, 3]. Today, Kabul International Airport features separate terminals for international and domestic flights, facilitating connections to various destinations [2, 6]. Airlines such as Ariana Afghan Airlines, Kam Air, Air Arabia, Flydubai, and Turkish Airlines operate here, linking Kabul to major cities in the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond [2, 23]. Despite past challenges, KBL remains a vital gateway for passengers and cargo, equipped with essential facilities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services [6, 7, 10].

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