All transit aircraft were asked to reroute by the Authority and cautioned that any transit through Kabul airspace would be uncontrolled
The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority, on Monday morning, issued two NOTAMs or notices to airmen – official notices containing essential information on flight operations – that said the civilian side of Hamid Karzai International Airport or Kabul airport was “closed until further notice” and that Kabul’s airspace “has been released to the military”.
All “transit aircraft were asked to reroute” by the Authority and cautioned that “any transit through Kabul airspace will be uncontrolled”.
Meanwhile, an Air India spokesperson said the airspace over Afghanistan had been declared closed.
The sudden closure of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport threw schedules for the few remaining airlines operating flights to Afghanistan into disarray and no commercial aircraft could operate there.
Kabul airport is currently the only way to leave the country. The Taliban have taken over all the important land border crossings with neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
US troops, firing in the air, took over Kabul airport for the evacuation of American diplomats.
Afghans seeking to flee the country walked onto the tarmac. There were reports of three people being killed by gunfire at the passenger terminal of Kabul airport.
Kabul airport is currently the only way to leave the country. The Taliban have taken over all the important land border crossings with neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Air India, Emirates, FlyDubai, Pakistan International Airlines and Turkish Airlines are among the few airlines currently operating flights to Kabul.
The Indian side has already put military and civilian aircraft on standby for special flights to evacuate all Indian nationals from Afghanistan.