Afghanistan: Evacuation flights resume at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul as of Aug. 17 /update 7

Event

Military flights providing evacuations have resumed at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) as of Aug. 17. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) early Aug. 17 stating that KBL is open to both military and civilian flights. Civil aviation authorities had closed the civilian side of the airport, and evacuation flights were disrupted Aug. 16 due to encroachments on the tarmac and runway. The status of commercial flights is unclear. Additional flight disruptions are possible in the coming days, especially if violence or unrest occurs at the airport. Evacuation flights are likely to continue in the coming days. Multiple airlines have also diverted flight routes out of Afghan airspace as a precaution.

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 are closed or have reduced operations. Some remain open, including those of China, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey.

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. Pakistan authorities have reopened the Torkam border crossing; border officials may reopen other crossings in the coming days, though ground transport disruptions may persist as the security situation remains fluid. 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, are likely throughout the country. Prices of essential commodities have risen amid shortages, especially in Kabul. Shortages could result in panic buying that could lead to further shortages of goods.

Advice

Consider deferring all travel to Afghanistan and exiting the country. Maintain close contact with your diplomatic representation. Do not depart for the airport until flight service is confirmed. Check the status of routes and airport before departure. Maintain a low public profile and dress conservatively.

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. Consider alternative shipping routes and power supply if businesses are heavily reliant on state-provided electricity.

Resources

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