Afghanistan: Civil aviation authority officials report Kabul airport's closure, handover of airspace control to military Aug. 16 /update 6

Event

Civil aviation authority officials have issued notices informing the closure of the civilian side of Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in Kabul as of Aug. 16 and the transfer of nationwide airspace control to the military. Local accounts indicate a continual influx of civilians at KBL despite the suspension of all commercial flights. Emirates (EK), FlyDubai (FZ), and Pakistan International Airlines (PK) have announced flight suspensions to Kabul until further notice, while Air India (AI) has reportedly canceled a flight to Kabul. Multiple airlines have also diverted flight routes out of Afghan airspace as a precaution.

Incoming reports indicate intermittent gunfire at KBL. The nature of the shooting remains unclear. Emerging reports also indicate that at least five people have been killed and several others injured as of the morning of Aug. 16. It is not clear how the casualties occurred. Accounts suggest that people have attempted to access the airport operating area and board aircraft leaving Afghanistan.

Several countries, including the UK and the US, have deployed thousands of soldiers to Kabul to assist in the evacuation efforts. The US and French embassies have relocated their operations to KBL to facilitate the evacuation of their diplomats, citizens, and entitled local nationals. Multiple embassies, including those of Canada, Germany, South Korea, and the UK, are closed. However, reports indicate that the embassies of China, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey in Kabul remain operational.

Security
Former President Ashraf Ghani has resigned and left the country, though his location is unclear. The remaining officials and the Taliban agreed to form a Taliban-led interim government Aug. 15. Currently, the Taliban controls Kabul and all provinces and provincial capitals in northern, western, and southern areas; they have also captured Jalalabad in eastern Nangarhar Province.

The Taliban will likely maintain a pervasive presence in major cities, especially Kabul, to maintain order and limit the number of potential security disturbances. Nevertheless, further sporadic armed clashes cannot be ruled out in the coming days. Moreover, extortion and kidnapping by Taliban fighters and opportunistic criminal groups are possible, especially along highways.

Transport and Commercial Impacts
The Taliban have captured most international land border crossings. Ground transport and shipping disruptions are likely via captured crossings. Taliban fighters often erect blockades and illegal vehicle checkpoints, where the collection of illicit taxes and kidnapping of vehicle occupants may occur.

Disruptions to business operations, public transportation, aid agencies' functioning, and consulate services for foreign nationals, as well as shortages of some goods due to business closures, shipping delays, or looting, could occur throughout the country. Prices of essential commodities have risen amid shortages, especially in Kabul.

Advice

Consider deferring all travel to Afghanistan and exiting the country immediately. Follow official directives. Exercise caution and avoid any protests. Defer travel to sites with ongoing security operations; if operating in such an area, remain sheltered in a secure indoor location, away from windows. Confirm business appointments, transport reservations, road status, and deliveries in advance. Ensure contingency plans account for business, transport, and utility disruptions if operating in an affected area. Consider alternative shipping routes and power supply if businesses are heavily reliant on state-provided electricity. Abide by traffic, security, and evacuation advisories. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.

Resources

Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority NOTAM
Ministry of Interior Affairs
Ministry of Defence