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Kabul International Airport (KBL) is one of three airports in Kabul, Afghanistan, the others being Bamiyan and Jalalabad. In 2021, a suicide bombing attack at the airport killed 13 US service members and 170 Afghan civilians. The airport has improved since then, with new eateries and a lounge, but it still receives mixed reviews. Travellers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours before departure for long-haul flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in Kabul | 3 |
| Names of the airports | Kabul Khwaja Rawash, Bamiyan, Jalalabad |
| Busiest day of the week | Tuesday |
| Average number of flights on Tuesdays | 1 |
| Check-in time for shorthaul flights | 2 hours before departure |
| Check-in time for long-haul flights | 3 hours before departure |
| Facilities | New lounge, eateries |
| Cleanliness | Improved |
| Security personnel | Professional |
| Security area | Small and crowded |
| Immigration officials | Slow, looking for bribes |
| Waiting areas | Crowded, disorganized |
| Porters | Aggressive |
| Bathrooms | Dirty, terrible |
| Attack | 2021 suicide bombing |
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What You'll Learn
- A 2021 suicide bombing attack killed US service members and Afghan civilians
- Facilities have improved, including a new lounge and eateries
- Immigration officials seek bribes, with aggressive porters and long lines
- Check-in times vary by airline, but arrive 2-3 hours before departure
- Kabul has three airports: Khwaja Rawash, Bamiyan, and Jalalabad
A 2021 suicide bombing attack killed US service members and Afghan civilians
On 26 August 2021, a suicide bombing attack outside Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 US service members and roughly 170 Afghan civilians. Two suicide bombers and gunmen targeted crowds of Afghans flocking to the airport to escape the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The attack occurred during a massive airlift that had drawn thousands of people.
The bombing took place at Abbey Gate, one of the airport's entrances. After the explosion, gunfire erupted, and all gates to the airport were closed. US officials stated that ISIS–K gunmen opened fire into the crowd, and US troops returned fire. Eyewitnesses attributed at least some of the gunfire and consequent deaths after the explosion to panic by US troops.
In the days leading up to the attack, security threats had increased following the escape of hundreds of members of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province from jails at Bagram and Pul-e-Charkhi. US diplomats and officials, including the United Kingdom Armed Forces Minister, had warned of a highly credible threat of attack at the airport by ISIS militants. Embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia had also warned about high-security threats involving the airport.
The attack was met with widespread condemnation from many nations, the European Commission, and the United Nations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel cancelled a planned trip to Israel to monitor the evacuation of German troops, and US President Joe Biden rescheduled a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
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Facilities have improved, including a new lounge and eateries
The facilities at Kabul International Airport have seen significant improvements, with a focus on enhancing the overall experience for travellers. One notable addition is the new lounge, which offers a more comfortable and relaxing environment for passengers. This lounge can be accessed by purchasing entry, providing a quiet and exclusive space away from the bustling airport crowds. The old business class lounge, in contrast, has been described as a waste, indicating that the new lounge is a welcome upgrade.
In addition to the lounge, several new eateries have been introduced at the airport, offering a variety of dining options for travellers. This development addresses the need for fresh and diverse food choices, ensuring that passengers have access to convenient and appealing dining experiences while waiting for their flights.
The improvements in facilities also extend to the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the airport. While there are still some challenges, such as crowded waiting areas and long lines, the airport has made noticeable strides in creating a more pleasant and efficient environment for travellers.
The security personnel at Kabul International Airport have also been recognised for their professionalism. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of passengers and staff, contributing to a more organised and controlled atmosphere within the airport.
While there are areas that still require attention and improvement, the upgrades in facilities, including the new lounge and eateries, represent a positive step towards enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers passing through Kabul International Airport. These improvements can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and can make a trip through the airport more enjoyable and less stressful.
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Immigration officials seek bribes, with aggressive porters and long lines
Travellers passing through Kabul International Airport face a multitude of challenges, including long lines, aggressive porters, and immigration officials seeking bribes. The airport has a reputation for disorganisation, with crowded waiting areas and a lack of clear guidance for passengers. The check-in process is often lengthy, with passengers reporting slow immigration officials and lengthy lines to board aircraft.
The security area is small and crowded, and travellers are subjected to pushing and shoving as they attempt to board their flights. The bathrooms have been described as terrible and dirty, with dirty sinks and wet floors. The overall experience at the airport has been characterised as negative, with reports of too many hustlers creating a chaotic and unpleasant environment.
Aggressive porters have been identified as a particular issue, adding to the sense of disorder within the airport. The long lines and slow immigration processes provide ample opportunity for these individuals to prey on unsuspecting travellers. In addition to the aggressive behaviour of porters, immigration officials have been accused of seeking bribes, further exacerbating the challenges faced by passengers.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure to navigate these challenges. The general recommendation is to arrive at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight. However, with the multitude of issues faced by travellers at Kabul International Airport, even arriving well in advance does not guarantee a smooth journey.
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Check-in times vary by airline, but arrive 2-3 hours before departure
Check-in times can vary depending on the airline you are flying with, so it is always best to check the specific requirements of your airline before travelling to Kabul International Airport. The general guidance is to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for short-haul flights and 3 hours before departure for long-haul flights. This is to account for the often long lines to check in and slow immigration officials.
The airport has undergone several changes in name. It was originally named Khwaja Rawash Airport, then renamed Kabul Airport in 1960 after the Soviet Union built a terminal and runway. From 2014 to 2021, it was named Hamid Karzai International Airport in honour of the former president. After the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the name was changed back to Kabul International Airport, eliminating the reference to the former president.
The airport has two separate terminals, one for international passengers and the other for domestic flights. It has seen improvements in cleanliness and upgraded facilities, including a new lounge and eateries. However, issues such as aggressive porters, dirty bathrooms, and crowded waiting areas have been reported.
Kabul International Airport serves as a hub for Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, with other international companies like Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, and Flydubai also providing passenger services. The most frequently serviced destination is Dubai, with multiple airlines offering daily flights.
In recent times, the airport has undergone disruptions due to the Taliban's takeover of the facility. However, with cooperation between various countries, efforts have been made to resume operations. As of September 2021, the airport has reopened for domestic flights and is working towards restarting all flights.
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Kabul has three airports: Khwaja Rawash, Bamiyan, and Jalalabad
Kabul, Afghanistan, has one main international airport, capable of housing over a hundred military and civilian aircraft. This airport has had several name changes over the years. It was originally named Khwaja Rawash Airport as it is located in the area of Kabul called Khwaja Rawash. In 1960, after the Soviet Union built a terminal and a runway, it was renamed Kabul Airport. From 2014 to 2021, it was named Hamid Karzai International Airport in honour of former President Hamid Karzai. After the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the name was changed back to Kabul International Airport.
There are also two smaller airports in the wider Kabul province: Bamiyan and Jalalabad.
Kabul International Airport has seen dramatic events in recent years. In 2021, the Taliban took over many areas near the airport, and hundreds of people fled to the airport in an attempt to leave Afghanistan. Seven people were alleged to have died at the airport after crowds tried to forcibly enter planes. On 16 August 2021, all commercial flights were cancelled indefinitely. More than 100 people were killed in an explosion outside the airport on 26 August 2021, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility. The last American forces departed from the airport on 30 August 2021, ending the United States' 20-year involvement in the war. The Taliban then took control of the airport, and the damage to the airport was estimated by the Taliban to be around $350 million.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport has improved over time, with new eateries and a new lounge. However, there are reports of unclean bathrooms, slow immigration officials, and aggressive porters.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.
You can use a flight tracker such as FlightRadar24, AirNav Radar, or KAYAK to check the status of your flight.
Yes, there was a suicide bombing attack in 2021 that killed 13 US service members and around 170 Afghan civilians.
