Flydubai resumes flights to Afghanistan after two years

UAE-based carrier Flydubai resumed flights to Afghanistan on Wednesday, two years after the international airline stopped flying to the country.

“The initiation of Flydubai flights to Kabul is indicative of the restoration of Afghanistan’s airspace to a secure and conventional state, accommodating various types of flights,” said a statement from the office of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

“It shows that all airports in Afghanistan are now equipped to deliver requisite facilities and adhere to standard services,” it added.

“This reestablishment of air connectivity with Flydubai signifies a milestone in revitalizing healthy competition among airlines, contributing to the equitable determination of airfare prices,” it said.

Officials of the Ministry of Transport say that other airlines such as Air Arabia, Jazeera Airways and Turkish Airlines are also expected to resume their flights to Afghanistan in the near future.

“Capacity has been created for international flights at all airports in the country, and with the arrival of Flydubai, other foreign companies will also start their flights to the country,” Abdul Sattar Gharwal, General Director of Airports, said.

“Flydubai has made its flight, and other companies will also start their flights to Afghanistan,” said Imamuddin Ahmadi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Transport.

The Association of Afghan Businessmen in the United Arab Emirates says that Flydubai flights will expand the economic relations between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. According to members, next month the number of flights of this company will increase to four flights a day.

“Initially, there will be two flights a day, then three flights, and next month, four flights a day, and with that, the country’s fresh fruit will be exported to the United Arab Emirates,” Obaidullah Sadrakhel, head of the Association of Afghan Businessmen in the United Arab Emirates, said.

Passengers say that the price of a one-way ticket between Dubai and Afghanistan has decreased by fifty percent.

“We are very happy that Flydubai returned. Compared to domestic companies, the tickets are 50 percent cheaper,” Azizullah, one passenger said.

According to officials of the Ministry of Transport, Ariana Airlines, Kam Air, PIA, Mahan Airlines, Taban Airlines, Kish Air and Qatar Airways are currently flying to Afghanistan.