Afghanistan announces return of Turkish Airlines flights to Kabul

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Kabul's international airport, marking the first time in nearly three years since the carrier suspended services following the Taliban takeover.

The Taliban-led Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation announced the return of Turkish Airlines, with the inaugural flight landing on May 21 and welcomed by government officials. The airline will now offer four round-trip flights per week between Istanbul and Kabul, operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

International flights to Afghanistan were halted in August 2021 when the Taliban assumed control of the country as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of conflict.

Air Arabia resumed flights to Kabul in January, and in November 2023, FlyDubai became the first international airline to reinstate services to Afghanistan.

Afghan carriers Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines have continued to operate, offering flights from Kabul to cities such as Dubai, Moscow, Islamabad, and Istanbul.