Afghanistan Seeks to Expand Air Corridors Amid Trade Disruptions
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation says Afghanistan is currently connected to three countries—China, India, and the United Arab Emirates—through air corridors, with cargo transportation continuing along these routes.
The ministry also says efforts are underway to expand Afghanistan’s air corridors with additional countries.
Hekmatullah Asifi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, said: “At present, regular flights operate from all of the country’s international airports to 30 countries around the world, transporting passengers, cargo, and commercial goods. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is committed to providing greater facilities for air transport alongside land transportation.”
Economic analysts also describe the expansion of air corridors as vital for boosting Afghanistan’s exports, stressing that both the government and the private sector should increase investment in this area.
Azarakhsh Hafizi, former head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Given the current restrictions at border crossings, Afghanistan should strengthen its air cargo capacity. Private companies should be encouraged. For example, Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airlines can invest more in this sector alongside the government.”
Abdul Zohour Modaber, an economic analyst, said: “If trade by land and sea faces difficulties, air corridors become the third option. Under the current circumstances, we have no choice but to pay greater attention to this sector. Greater investment in air corridors can help facilitate the movement of goods.”
Efforts to expand Afghanistan’s air corridors come as trade with Pakistan remains suspended, while commerce through Iran’s Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports has also been disrupted due to ongoing regional tensions.
