Ariana Airlines’ new cargo tariffs open fresh gateway for Afghan exports

Ariana Afghan Airlines has officially implemented a new set of reduced cargo tariffs, a move expected to stimulate Afghanistan’s trade sector at a critical moment for the country’s exporters.

The changes, introduced on Sunday under a directive from the Economic Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office, apply to both export and import air freight.

Bakhturrahman Sharafat, President of Ariana Afghan Airlines, said the revised pricing structure will make it significantly easier and more affordable for Afghan traders to ship their products abroad. Key export items — including fresh and dried fruits, saffron, carpets, gemstones and other high-value goods — are expected to benefit from faster processing and reduced transportation costs.

Under the new policy, Ariana will transport export goods at a fixed rate of $1 per kilogram, while the rate for imported goods is set at $0.80 per kilogram. Sharafat said the simplified and lowered tariffs would “strengthen Afghanistan’s economy and expand opportunities for Afghan producers in competitive global markets.”

The announcement comes at a time when Afghan exporters continue to face challenges stemming from regional transit restrictions, fluctuating overland shipping costs and limited access to international banking services. Air freight has increasingly become a vital alternative for perishable goods and high-value products, allowing traders to maintain quality and meet market deadlines.

By cutting air cargo rates, Ariana Afghan Airlines aims to reduce logistical pressures on Afghan businesses and improve the reliability of export channels. Trade experts say the measure could help Afghanistan regain market share in key destinations such as India, the Gulf states and parts of Europe, where demand for Afghan agricultural products and textiles remains strong.

The reduced tariffs also underscore Ariana’s broader role in supporting national economic objectives. As one of the few carriers with the capacity to connect Afghanistan to regional hubs, the airline’s pricing reforms position it as a central player in the country’s push to expand export volumes and attract new trading partners.

For Afghan traders, the new rates represent not just a financial relief but a potential turning point — opening a more stable and accessible gateway to international markets at a time when the country’s economic recovery depends heavily on revitalized exports.