Kabul International Airport
Kabul, Afghanistan
Kabul International Airport
Afghanistan's principal international gateway at high altitude.
- ›The airport was officially renamed Hamid Karzai International Airport in 2014 but reverted in common usage after the 2021 Taliban takeover.
- ›At approximately 1,791 m (5,876 ft) elevation, it ranks among the highest major airports in the world.
- ›The airport served as a critical NATO military hub during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.
- ›In August 2021, over 123,000 people were evacuated through the airport in a two-week period.
- ›Qatar has played a significant role in post-2021 airport rehabilitation and management negotiations.
Kabul International Airport, also known as Hamid Karzai International Airport, sits at an elevation of roughly 1,791 metres above sea level in the Afghan capital. Originally developed during the mid-20th century, the airport served as a critical hub for international aid, military logistics, and civilian travel for decades. Following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, international commercial operations were severely disrupted, though limited flights have gradually resumed under new administrative arrangements.
- Main Civil Terminal — The primary passenger terminal handling limited scheduled domestic and international commercial flights.
- Military/Cargo Area — Separate facility used historically for military operations and cargo handling, including humanitarian aid shipments.
- Private taxi arranged through airport or trusted operators
- Pre-arranged hotel or guesthouse shuttle
- Private vehicle hire with local driver
- Serena Hotel Kabul
- Safi Landmark Hotel
- Hotel Inter-Continental Kabul
Food options inside the terminal are extremely limited, reflecting the airport's reduced operational capacity. Travellers are advised to carry their own provisions for longer waits. Outside the airport, local Afghan restaurants in Kabul city offer traditional cuisine including kabuli pulao and bolani, though security conditions should always be assessed before venturing out.
- Check your government's travel advisory before any trip to Kabul — most Western governments currently advise against all travel to Afghanistan.
- Carry US dollars in cash as ATM access and card payment facilities are highly unreliable.
- Arrive well ahead of your flight as security screening processes can be lengthy and unpredictable.
- Confirm your flight status directly with your airline before departing for the airport, as schedules change frequently.
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Kabul International Airport, formerly known as Hamid Karzai International Airport, is an international airport located in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is one of the country's main international airports, capable of housing over a hundred military and civilian aircraft. It is currently operated by UAE-based GAAC Holding and Afghanistan's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
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