Afghanistan: Taliban disrupts flights at Mazar-e-Sharif International Airport (MZR) as of late Sept. 5

Event

The Taliban is reportedly withholding takeoff clearance from several flights seeking to depart from Afghanistan's Mazar-e-Sharif International Airport (MZR) as of late Sept. 5. The exact reason for the disruptions remains unconfirmed; however, reports indicate that the Taliban is preventing charter flights from departing the airport on the grounds that the group first needs to check the documents of those who are onboard. Several charter flights have been flying US citizens and at-risk Afghan nationals from MZR in recent days.

Further flight disruptions remain likely at MZR and at other airports in Afghanistan over the coming days.

Advice

Confirm flights to and from MZR through at least Sept. 6. Heed all official security and transport advisories. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Allow additional time to reach the airport and for check-in procedures.