19 hours ago
The number of international flights passing through Afghanistan’s airspace has seen an unprecedented rise since last week. Currently, more than 350 flights are crossing Afghan airspace every day. This surge comes amid worsening security conditions in the Middle East, especially following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, which have led many airlines to avoid Iranian airspace and instead choose Afghanistan’s air route.
This shift presents a significant opportunity for Afghanistan to generate revenue, as approximately $700 is collected in fees from each overflight. Major international airlines such as British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air, and Finnair have also started using Afghan airspace for their routes.
If Afghanistan's airspace becomes even more secure and meets international standards, the number of flights could increase further, bringing substantial benefits to the Afghan economy. Overflights through Afghan skies not only help reduce travel time and operational costs for airlines but also offer a safer alternative route for global air traffic.
Given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, international carriers now see Afghanistan’s airspace as a suitable and strategic option. This change could prove both economically beneficial and critical for Afghanistan’s future development.