Airspace transit fees generate revenue for Afghanistan as flight routes shift

Airlines are increasingly flying over Afghanistan, generating significant transit fee revenue for the country amid changing global flight patterns.

According to industry estimates, nearly 2,000 flights now pass through Afghan airspace each week—around five times more than a year ago. With a reported overflight fee of about $700 per aircraft, this amounts to roughly $1.4 million in weekly revenue, or more than $70 million annually.

The increase follows adjustments to international flight routes due to ongoing conflicts in other regions.

Airspace restrictions linked to the war in Ukraine in the north and instability in parts of the Middle East have narrowed traditional corridors between Europe and Asia. As a result, airlines have turned more frequently to routes over Afghanistan and other countries such as Saudi Arabia.

Charging for the use of national airspace is standard international practice. These fees—often referred to as route charges—are typically calculated based on factors such as distance flown and aircraft weight.

In Europe, for example, they are coordinated through organisations like Eurocontrol and distributed to national air navigation service providers, including Switzerland’s Skyguide, to support air traffic management and infrastructure.

Afghanistan’s current system applies a flat fee per aircraft, a structure that has been in place since 2017.

By comparison, countries such as Saudi Arabia calculate overflight charges based on distance and aircraft weight, with average fees reported at around $800 per flight.

Aviation experts note that while overflight arrangements continue, operational procedures in Afghan airspace differ from those in more developed systems. Airlines are required to submit flight plans in advance and coordinate closely while transiting the area.

Meanwhile, broader regional tensions have also affected airline operations beyond routing. Some carriers have suspended or reduced services to destinations in parts of the Middle East. Switzerland’s national carrier, Swiss International Air Lines, confirmed ongoing cancellations to destinations such as Dubai and Tel Aviv.

Travel company TUI Suisse has also temporarily scaled back offerings to several countries in the region, citing shifting demand and operational considerations.

Industry observers say passenger demand is now trending toward alternative destinations, including parts of Europe and the Caribbean, as travel patterns adjust to the evolving situation.