View source for Kabul International Airport

{{Short description|International airport near Kabul, Afghanistan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2025}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Kabul International Airport
| image2 = Logo Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Afghanistan).png
| caption2 = This is the logo of Ministry of Transport for this airport.
| nativename-a        = {{Small|{{langx|ps|د کابل نړیوال هوايي ډګر}}}}
| nativename-r        = {{Small|{{langx|prs|میدان هوائی بین المللی کابل}}}}
| image               = Flightline at Kabul International Airport.jpeg
| caption             = The airport's flightline in January 2012
| IATA                = KBL
| ICAO                = OAKB
| type                = Public
| owner               = [[Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation]]
| built               = {{start date and age|df=y|1960|p=y}}<ref name="Smith, Harvey Henry-1969"/>
| operator            = GAAC Holding<ref name="Mohammad Yunus Yawar-2022" />
| city-served         = [[Kabul]]
| website             = {{URL|https://kia.gov.af/}}
| location            = Kabul, [[Afghanistan]]
| hub                 = 
* [[Ariana Afghan Airlines|Ariana Airlines]]
* [[Kam Air]]
| metric-elev         = Yes
| elevation-f         = 5877
| coordinates         = {{Coord|34|33|57|N|069|12|47|E|region:AF|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map         = Afghanistan #South Asia#West Asia#Asia
| pushpin_relief      = 
| pushpin_mapsize     = 270
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of the airport in [[Afghanistan]]
| pushpin_label       = '''KBL/OAKB'''
| pushpin_label_position = 
| image_map = Kabul-Airport-Diagram.png
| image_mapsize = 270
| image_map_caption = A 2015 [[United States Air Force]] diagram of the airport
| metric-rwy          = Yes
| r1-number           = 11/29
| r1-length-m         = 3511
| r1-surface          = Paved
| footnotes           = Source: AIP Afghanistan<ref>{{cite web |url=http://acaa.gov.af/en/page/civil-aviation-authority/atm/aip---important-information |work=AIP Afghanistan |title=Important Information |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617030052/http://acaa.gov.af/en/page/civil-aviation-authority/atm/aip---important-information|archive-date=17 June 2016}}</ref>
}}

'''Kabul International Airport''' ({{airport codes|KBL|OAKB|p=n}}), also and formerly known as '''Hamid Karzai International Airport''', is an international airport located in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]]. It is one of the country's main [[list of airports in Afghanistan|international airports]], capable of housing over a hundred military and civilian aircraft. It is currently operated by [[UAE]]-based GAAC Holding and Afghanistan's [[Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation]].<ref name="Mohammad Yunus Yawar-2022">{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-sign-contract-with-uaes-gaac-holding-over-airspace-control-afghan-2022-09-08/ |title=Taliban to sign contract with UAE's GAAC Holding over airspace control at Afghan airports |author1=Mohammad Yunus Yawar |publisher=Reuters |date=8 September 2022 |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref>

The airport was originally named as '''Khwaja Rawash Airport''' because it was built in the area named Khwaja Rawash. It was given the name '''Kabul Airport''' in 1960 after the [[Soviet Union]] built a terminal and a concrete runway. From 2014 to 2021, it was named '''Hamid Karzai International Airport'''<ref name="Cabinet names Kabul Airport after Karzai-2014" /><ref name="Gannon-2021"/> in honor of former [[President of Afghanistan|president]] [[Hamid Karzai]]. After the [[Taliban]] returned to power in 2021, the name was changed back to Kabul International Airport.<ref name="Gannon-2021" />

Sitting at an altitude of approximately {{cvt|1791|m}} [[above sea level]], the airport is surrounded by parts of the [[Hindu Kush]] mountains.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/south-central-asia_pilots-kabul-evacuations-flight-no-other/6210008.html |title=For Pilots, Kabul Evacuations a Flight Like No Other |publisher=Voice of America |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=31 August 2021}}</ref> It serves as a hub for [[Ariana Afghan Airlines|Ariana Airlines]] and [[Kam Air]]. International companies such as [[Air Arabia]], [[Flydubai]] and [[Turkish Airlines]] also provide passenger services.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-05-21/turkish-airlines-resumes-flights-to-afghanistan-nearly-3-years-after-the-taliban-captured-kabul |title=Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights to Afghanistan Nearly 3 Years After the Taliban Captured Kabul |agency=Associated Press |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |date=21 May 2024 |access-date=21 May 2024}}</ref>

The airport has two separate terminals, one for international passengers and the other for domestic flights. It also has a number of empty military bases, which were previously used by the [[United States Armed Forces]] and [[NATO]]'s [[International Security Assistance Force]] (ISAF) and later the [[Resolute Support Mission]] (RS). The [[Afghan Air Force]] also had a base at the airport,<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Tucano in Service in U.S. Air Force|url=https://dialogo-americas.com/en/articles/super-tucano-service-us-air-force|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902052239/https://dialogo-americas.com/en/articles/super-tucano-service-us-air-force|archive-date=2 September 2018|access-date=16 January 2018|website=dialogo-americas.com}}</ref> with the [[Afghan National Security Forces]] providing security inside the passenger terminals.

Prior to the withdrawal of US-led forces in 2021, the airport provided scheduled flights to and from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|the Persian Gulf region]]. The most frequently serviced destination from the airport has been [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai]] in the [[UAE]], with no fewer than four passenger airlines flying the route, and some with multiple daily flights.<ref>{{cite web|title=OAKB - Hamid Karzai International Air Airport {{!}} SkyVector|url=https://skyvector.com/airport/OAKB/Hamid-Karzai-International-Air-Airport|access-date=7 August 2020|website=skyvector.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=OAKB/Hamid Karzai International Kabul General Airport Information|url=https://acukwik.com/Airport-Info/OAKB|access-date=7 August 2020|website=acukwik.com}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Afghan Avro 504K.jpg|left|thumb|An [[Avro 504]] was one of the first aircraft to be used by the [[Afghan Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artiklar.z-bok.se/Afghanistan-1.html |title=The First 30 Years of Aviation in Afghanistan|publisher=artiklar.z-bok.se|date=|access-date=12 May 2021}}</ref>]]
[[File:Stamp of Afghanistan - 1968 - Colnect 675363 - Kabul International Airport.jpeg|left|thumb|A 1968 [[Afghan Post|Afghan]] [[postage stamp]] depicting the airport]]

Kabul Airport was established during the Kingdom of [[Amanullah Khan]] in the 1920s, which housed aircraft of the [[Afghan Air Force]] and [[Afghan Post]]. Its original location was a short distance to the south of the current location, in and around [[Chaman-e-Hozori]]. The first international flight occurred in 1927 between Kabul and [[Tashkent]], [[Soviet Union]]. It was modernized in 1960 by Soviet engineers.<ref name="Smith, Harvey Henry-1969">{{Cite book|author=Smith, Harvey Henry|year=1969|title=Area Handbook for Afghanistan|edition=fourth|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ZUmiM1hZ7esC&pg=PA35 35]|quote=The Kabul airport, completed in 1960.... The airport and the terminal building were constructed and financed by the Soviet Union.}}</ref> The airport was called Khwaja Rawash Airport because it was built in the area called Khwaja Rawash.<ref>{{Cite book|year=1979|title=Central Asia|publisher=University of Peshawar|page=17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wF6N6YJiRyUC&pg=PA13|year=1962|title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts: Issues 160-161|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|page=22}}</ref> Foreign tourists began visiting Afghanistan via Kabul Airport. This era ended after the 1978 [[Saur Revolution]], especially after the 1979 [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet invasion]].<ref>{{Cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KgIpEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|year=2021|title=Tourism Planning and Development in South Asia|chapter=Tourism in Afghaniatan|author=Abdul Wassay Najimi|publisher=[[Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International]]|editor1=Boopen Seetanah|editor2=Dimitrios Stylidis|page=65|isbn=9781789246698}}</ref>

Following the [[United States invasion of Afghanistan|U.S. invasion of Afghanistan]] after the [[September 11 attacks]], Kabul Airport was bombed by United States and coalition forces. After the ISAF took over control, the airport began to be developed slowly over the years. A new [[radar system]] was installed in 2005, which was upgraded by the U.S. [[Federal Aviation Administration]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kabul.usembassy.gov/pre_020310.html|title=Press Releases 2010 - Embassy of the United States Kabul, Afghanistan|access-date=1 June 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019120014/http://kabul.usembassy.gov/pre_020310.html|archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Kabul International Airport in 2008.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]-built domestic terminal in 2008]]
A new $35 million terminal for international flights was inaugurated in November 2008, built with aid from the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]. This terminal has two [[jetbridges]].The then-Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]] attended the inauguration ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7713796.stm |work=BBC News |title=Karzai opens Kabul air terminal |date=6 November 2008}}</ref> The new terminal was officially opened to international flights in June 2009. The existing terminal has been refurbished and used for domestic flights.{{cn|date=December 2025}}

In October 2014, the [[National Assembly of Afghanistan]] proposed naming the airport after former Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]], a month after his tenure ended, in recognition of his services and contributions to the country's rebuilding. This decision was approved by the Cabinet of the new President [[Ashraf Ghani]], which renamed the structure as ''Hamid Karzai International Airport''.<ref name="Cabinet names Kabul Airport after Karzai-2014">{{cite news|url=https://pajhwok.com/2014/10/03/cabinet-names-kabul-airport-after-karzai/|title=Cabinet names Kabul Airport after Karzai|publisher=Pajhwok Afghan News|date=3 October 2014|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>

=== 2021 NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan ===
{{Further|Fall of Kabul (2021)|Operation Allies Refuge|Operation Pitting}}
[[File:Operation Allies Refuge, Image 7 of 7.jpg|thumb|Afghan evacuees boarding a [[Polish Air Force|Polish]] [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] during [[Operation Allies Refuge]] on 17 August 2021]]
[[File:Afghanistan Evacuation 210821-A-AB999-0019.jpg|thumb|Afghan evacuees boarding American aircraft during Operation Allies Refuge on 21 August 2021]]
In July 2021, the [[Taliban]] took over many areas in Afghanistan, including those near Kabul Airport. [[Turkey]] announced that it would provide security at the airport.<ref>{{Cite news|date=11 August 2021|title=Turkey still keen to run Kabul airport despite Taliban advance -officials|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/turkey-still-keen-run-kabul-airport-despite-taliban-advances-officials-say-2021-08-11/|access-date=15 August 2021|work=Reuters}}</ref> U.S. and NATO forces were still deployed at the airport as well.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nato-maintains-diplomatic-presence-kabul-despite-taliban-advances-2021-08-15/ |title=NATO says it is helping keep Kabul airport open for evacuations |publisher=Reuters |date=15 August 2021 |accessdate=15 August 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815160948/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nato-maintains-diplomatic-presence-kabul-despite-taliban-advances-2021-08-15/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A few weeks later, Kabul [[Fall of Kabul (2021)|fell into the hands of the Taliban]], prompting thousands of people to flee to the airport in an attempt to leave the country. Seven people were alleged to have died at the airport after the crowds consisting of thousands of people tried to forcibly enter planes leaving the airport. US forces fired in the air to prevent the crowds running onto the tarmac and runways.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/taliban-says-afghanistan-war-over-as-president-diplomats-flee|title=Kabul airport becomes 'crisis point' as Afghans try to flee|first=Zaheena Rasheed, Tamila Varshalomidze, Mersiha|last=Gadzo|website=www.aljazeera.com|date=16 August 2021}}</ref> On 16 August 2021, the US Deputy Security Advisor announced the deployment of more forces to secure the airport.<ref name="aljazeera.com-2021">{{Cite web|title=Biden defends Afghanistan pullout amid airport chaos|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/16/taliban-says-afghanistan-war-over-as-president-diplomats-flee|website=aljazeera.com|date=16 August 2021}}</ref> The Pentagon confirmed the head of [[United States Central Command|U.S. Central Command]], General [[Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.]], met [[Taliban in Qatar|Taliban leaders]] in [[Qatar]]. The Taliban officials agreed to terms set by McKenzie for refugees to flee using the Kabul International Airport.<ref>{{cite news |title=US reaches deal with Taliban over evacuations from Kabul airport, report says |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/kabul-taliban-us-evacuations-airport-b1903493.html |work=The Independent |date=16 August 2021}}</ref>

Following the fall of Kabul, the [[Afghan National Army]] and the [[Afghan National Police]] abandoned their posts. U.S. and allied forces subsequently took over the posts. On 16 August 2021, all commercial flights from Kabul Airport were cancelled indefinitely.<ref name="aljazeera.com-2021" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=16 August 2021|title=All commercial flights from Kabul airport cancelled|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/commercial-flights-kabul-airport-cancelled-1502995255.html|access-date=16 August 2021|website=The Statesman}}</ref>

On 26 August 2021, more than 100 people were [[2021 Kabul airport attacks|killed in an explosion]] outside Kabul Airport. The [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan]] (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility.<ref name="ISIS claims responsibility for suicide bombings in Kabul killing 12 US troops-2021">{{Cite web |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/large-explosion-at-abbey-gate-at-the-kabul-airport-report-677790 |title=ISIS claims responsibility for suicide bombings in Kabul killing 12 US troops, over 70 civilians |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=26 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826134530/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/large-explosion-at-abbey-gate-at-the-kabul-airport-report-677790 |url-status=live}}</ref> The last American forces departed from the airport around midnight on 30 August, ending U.S. involvement in the 20-year war. The Taliban subsequently took control of the airport.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Taliban seize control of Kabul airport after US withdrawal|url=https://www.dw.com/en/taliban-seize-control-of-kabul-airport-after-us-withdrawal-live-updates/a-59035836|access-date=31 August 2021|website=Deutsche Welle}}</ref> Rough estimates by the Taliban calculated the damage to the airport at around $350 million.<ref name="Yousafzai-2021">{{cite news|last=Yousafzai|first=Shahbullah|title=US caused $350m worth of damage to Kabul airport: Taliban official|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2318603/us-caused-350m-worth-of-damage-to-kabul-airport-taliban-official|date=4 September 2021|access-date=28 September 2021|work=[[The Express Tribune]]}}</ref> Abdul Hadi Hamadan, the Taliban head of the airport, later stated that the damage to the airport's terminal alone due to the evacuation was $1 million.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Khodaiberdi Sadat|first1=Sayed|last2=Guler|first2=Bilal|last3=Aliyev|first3=Jehun|title=Kabul airport suffered damages worth millions of dollars during US withdrawal|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kabul-airport-suffered-damages-worth-millions-of-dollars-during-us-withdrawal/2365543|date=15 September 2021|access-date=16 September 2021|work=[[Anadolu Agency]]}}</ref>

Several novels have been published following the dramatic US evacuation from the country. Those titles include: "Life and Death at Abbey Gate", "Saving Aziz", "Always Faithful", and "Kabul".<ref>{{cite book | isbn=978-1636243962 | title=Life and Death at Abbey Gate: The Fall of Afghanistan and the Operation to Save Our Allies | last1=Cook | first1=Mikael | date=15 February 2024 | publisher=Casemate Publishers & Book Distributors, LLC}}</ref>

===Operation under Taliban rule===
Following the Taliban takeover, the airport was closed. Much of its infrastructure had been degraded or destroyed during the evacuation. According to Qatari [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Qatar)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] [[Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani]], [[Qatar]] was to send technical assistance to Afghanistan to help reopen the airport as soon as possible.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 September 2021|title='As soon as possible': Qatar working with Taliban to reopen Kabul airport|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/as-soon-as-possible-qatar-working-with-taliban-to-reopen-kabul-airport-101630579497779.html|access-date=2 September 2021|website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> [[Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu]], the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey]], stated that the Taliban and other countries had requested Turkey for help in resuming operations at the airport. The [[Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands]], [[Sigrid Kaag]], stated that her government was willing to support Turkey and Qatar in reopening the airport.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 September 2021|title=Turkey, Qatar lead efforts to resume Kabul airport operations|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkey-qatar-lead-efforts-to-resume-kabul-airport-operations|access-date=5 September 2021|work=Daily Sabah}}</ref> Meanwhile, the security of the airport was handed over to the Al-Fatah Brigade of the special forces of the group on 3 September.<ref name="Yousafzai-2021"/>

The airport reopened for [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]]' domestic flights between Kabul and the cities of [[Herat]], [[Mazar-i-Sharif]] and [[Kandahar]], as well as for receiving aid from other countries, on 4 September, following work carried out by a technical team from Qatar, which repaired the airport's runway.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Yousef|last=Saba|editor-last1=Potter|editor-first1=Mark|editor-last2=Maclean|editor-first2=William|editor-last3=Stonestreet|editor-first3=John|date=4 September 2021|title=Kabul airport reopens to receive aid, domestic flights restart|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kabul-airport-reopens-receive-aid-civilian-flights-operate-soon-qatari-2021-09-04/|access-date=5 September 2021|work=Reuters|url-access=registration}}</ref> Taliban spokesman [[Zabiullah Mujahid]] stated on 6 September that Turkey and Qatar were trying to restart all flights from the airport.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2021|title=Turkey, Qatar work to get Kabul airport operational: Taliban|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/turkey-qatar-work-to-get-kabul-airport-operational-taliban|access-date=7 September 2021|work=Daily Sabah}}</ref> On 8 September 2021, a [[NOTAM]] was issued by the airport's NOTAM office, indicating that the airport is operating between 03:30 and 13:30 [[Coordinated Universal Time]]. Additional NOTAMs issued that day indicate that the airports [[instrument landing system]] is operative and that the airport's tower is operating again.<ref>{{Cite web|title=OAKB|url=https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/queryRetrievalMapAction.do?retrieveLocId=oakb&actionType=notamRetrievalbyICAOs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908175511/https://www.notams.faa.gov/dinsQueryWeb/queryRetrievalMapAction.do?retrieveLocId=oakb&actionType=notamRetrievalbyICAOs|archive-date=8 September 2021|access-date=8 September 2021|website=Defense Internet NOTAM Service}}</ref>

A [[Qatar Airways]] flight evacuating 113 nationals of other countries from Afghanistan was allowed to land at and depart from the airport on 9 September due to cooperation between the United States and the Taliban, marking the first such flight since the Taliban had completely taken over the facility.<ref name="Gannon-2021">{{Cite web|date=10 September 2021|first1=Kathy|last1=Gannon|first2=Ellen|last2=Knickmeyer|first3=Julie|last3=Watson|first4=Bernard|last4=Condon|title=Flight takes about 200, including Americans, out of Kabul|url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-afghanistan-qatar-kabul-taliban-171fa64b4ed5514b44834257b4d5d457|access-date=10 September 2021|work=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 September 2021|title=First civilian flight from Kabul since US exit lands in Doha|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/9/qatari-official-says-kabul-airport-nearly-fully-operational|access-date=11 September 2021|work=Al-Jazeera}}</ref> Meanwhile, the Taliban renamed the airport to ''Kabul International Airport'', eliminating the reference to former Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]].<ref name="Gannon-2021"/>

A [[Pakistan International Airlines]] flight landed at the airport on 13 September, marking the first international commercial flight to land since the Taliban takeover.<ref>{{cite news|date=13 September 2021|title=Pakistani plane lands in Kabul in first commercial flight since Taliban takeover|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210913-pakistani-plane-lands-in-kabul-in-first-commercial-flight-since-taliban-takeover|access-date=14 September 2021|work=France 24, Agence France-Presse, Associated Press|publisher=France 24}}</ref> [[Mahan Air]] resumed flights to the airport on 15 September, marking resumption of commercial flights between [[Iran]] and Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-iran-afghanistan-tehran-kabul-f9bdf95e51f3a8f07e399a4695f6d53b|title=Iran resumes commercial flights to Afghanistan|website=[[Associated Press]] |date=15 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210915-iran-restarts-commercial-flights-to-afghanistan|title = Iran restarts commercial flights to Afghanistan|date = 15 September 2021}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] on 26 September announced that the problems at the airport had been resolved and asked international airlines to resume their flights, promising full cooperation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-ask-airlines-resume-international-flights-afghanistan-2021-09-26/|title= Taliban ask airlines to resume international flights to Afghanistan|work=Reuters|first=James|last=Mackenzie|editor-first=Frances|editor-last=Kerry|date=26 September 2021|access-date=26 September 2021|url-access=registration}}</ref>

==Facilities==
[[File:Ariana aircraft at Kabul Airport.jpg|thumb|Various [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]] aircraft at the airport in 2007]]
[[File:Kam Air at Kabul Airport in 2010.jpg|thumb|The airport's control tower and a [[Kam Air]] aircraft in 2010]]
The airport has two terminals: the original that opened in 1960 and a newer building that opened in 2008.  The terminal that opened in 2008 is used for international flights; the original 1960 Soviet-constructed terminal is used for domestic flights. Several hangars along the runway are for military aircraft. There are no hangars for civilian (or transient) aircraft. The airport has seven helicopter pads which are used mostly for military traffic.{{citation needed|date=March 2015}} Fire fighting equipment is present. The firefighting equipment has a present capacity of up to {{convert|12,000|L}} of water and has the ability to reach {{convert|90|m}} in height to manage fire outbreaks.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.khaama.com/kabul-international-airport-to-be-provided-with-modern-equipments|title=Kabul Airport to be provided with modern equipments|newspaper=The Khaama Press News Agency|date=6 September 2011|access-date=1 June 2015|last1=Zada|first1=Ahmad Shah Ghani}}</ref>

==Airlines and destinations==
<!-- Please use only independent sources. The airport and airline itself are not independent sources. -->
{{Airport destination list
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| {{nowrap|[[Ariana Afghan Airlines]]}} | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref>, [[Herat International Airport|Herat]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Islamabad International Airport|Islamabad]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Kandahar International Airport|Kandahar]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport|Mazar-i-Sharif]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref>  [[Sheremetyevo International Airport|Moscow–Sheremetyevo]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Indira Gandhi International Airport|Delhi]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amu.tv/13660/|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines resumes Kabul-Delhi flights|agency=Amu TV|date=4 August 2022|access-date=28 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport|Ürümqi]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3222085/afghanistan-reopens-direct-flight-china-kabul-urumqi-service/|title=Afghanistan reopens direct flight to China with Kabul-Urumqi service|agency=South China Morning Post|date=28 May 2023 |access-date=23 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-ariana-fg|title=Ariana Afghan Airlines Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Etihad Airways]] | [[Zayed International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-196093 |title=Etihad Airways to Resume Direct Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Kabul |agency=TOLOnews |date=11 October 2025 |access-date=11 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/etihad-airways-to-launch-direct-flights-to-kabul/ |title=Etihad Airways to launch direct flights to Kabul |agency=Ariana News |date=11 October 2025 |access-date=11 October 2025}}</ref>
| [[flydubai]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/flydubai-flights-kabul-dubai-afghanistan-taliban-c048a8460c425a2a4e33f4759e418cf5|title=FlyDubai resumes flights to Afghanistan after halting them 2 years ago as Taliban captured Kabul|agency=apnews.com|date=15 November 2023}}</ref>
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| [[Iran Air]] | [[Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport|Mashhad]]<ref name="Mashhad_Kabul_Dec2025">{{cite web|url=https://www.flightsfrom.com/MHD-KBL|title=Airlines with direct flights between Mashhad and Kabul|access-date=16 December 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Iran Airtour]] | [[Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport|Mashhad]],<ref name="Mashhad_Kabul_Dec2025"/> [[Imam Khomeini International Airport|Tehran–Imam Khomeini]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://af.irna.ir/news/85642299/%D8%B4%D8%B1%DA%A9%D8%AA-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%87%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%87-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%B1%D8%A7-%D8%A2%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D8%AF|title=Iran Airtour begins flights to Kabul|date=7 November 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Kam Air]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.khaama.com/kam-air-to-launch-weekly-kabul-doha-flights-starting-december-17/ |title=Kam Air to launch weekly Kabul-Doha flights starting December 17 |agency=Khaama Press |date=1 December 2024 |access-date=10 November 2025}}</ref> [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Herat International Airport|Herat]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Islamabad International Airport|Islamabad]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Sabiha Gökçen International Airport|Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref>[[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Khost International Airport|Khost]],{{cn|date=December 2025}}[[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref> [[Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport|Tashkent]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightconnections.com/route-map-kam-air-rq |title=Kam Air Flights and Destinations |agency=FlightConnections |date=December 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Mahan Air]] | [[Imam Khomeini International Airport|Tehran–Imam Khomeini]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mahanair.co.ir/en/international-route|title=Mahan Air International Destinations|access-date=21 November 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Meraj Airlines]] | [[Imam Khomeini International Airport|Tehran–Imam Khomeini]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.afintl.com/en/202511089263 |title=US-Sanctioned Iranian Airline Launches Flights To Afghanistan |agency=Afghanistan International |date=8 November 2025 |access-date=10 November 2025}}</ref>
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| [[Turkish Airlines]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ariananews.af/turkish-airlines-resumes-flights-to-afghanistan-after-three-year-hiatus/ |title=Turkish Airlines resumes flights to Afghanistan after three year hiatus |agency=Ariana News |date=21 May 2024 |access-date=21 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://tolonews.com/business-188895 |title=Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights to Kabul After Nearly Three Years |agency=TOLOnews |date=21 May 2024 |access-date=21 May 2024}}</ref>
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| [[Varesh Airlines]] | [[Imam Khomeini International Airport|Tehran–Imam Khomeini]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bna.af/en/Varesh-Airlines-to-Resume-Flights-from-Tehran-to-Kabul|title=Varesh Airlines to Resume Flights from Tehran to Kabul|date=15 December 2025}}</ref>
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}}

==Transportation==
Buses, taxi and private cars provide transportation to and from the airport. A four-lane highway connects the airport to Kabul.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/kabul-international-airport-kabul/ |title=Kabul International Airport, Kabul |website=airport-technology.com |access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==

===Civilian===
* On 2 January 1962, [[Iran Air]] Flight 123, a [[Douglas DC-3]] on a cargo flight, crashed while attempting to take-off from Kabul. During the take-off roll the captain noticed a malfunction in the number 1 engine followed by the aircraft veering to the left of the runway. To avoid a crash, the captain pulled the aircraft up into the air, but while attempting to turn the aircraft away from the airport, a wing struck the ground followed by a crash. Both crew members survived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19620102-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Douglas C-47-DL (DC-3) EP-ABB Kabul-Khwaja Rawash Airport (KBL) |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]] |publisher=[[Flight Safety Foundation]] |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 15 January 1969, Douglas DC-3 YA-AAB of [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]] was damaged beyond economic repair in a ground collision with [[Douglas DC-6]] YA-DAN, also of Ariana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19690115-0 |title=YA-AAB Accident Description |publisher=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=23 January 2011}}</ref>
* On 21 September 1984, a [[McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30]] of [[Ariana Afghan Airlines]] was hit by explosive bullets while on approach to Kabul Airport. All passengers and crew survived the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19840921-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 YA-LAS Kabul |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 12 June 1990, an [[Ilyushin Il-76]] of [[Aeroflot]] was struck by a missile while flying at {{convert|22500|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} causing two engines to shut down. The aircraft made a forced landing in Kabul with no flaps on an unpaved runway. All 10 crew survived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19900612-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Ilyushin 76MD CCCP-86905 Kabul |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 29 May 1992, an Ariana Afghan Airlines [[Tupolev Tu-154]] was struck by a missile while landing at Kabul. The nose of the aircraft was damaged but it landed safely. All passengers and crew survived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19920529-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Tupolev 154M YA-TAP Kabul |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 19 March 1998, a [[Boeing 727|Boeing 727-200]] of Ariana Afghan Airlines [[1998 Ariana Afghan Airlines Boeing 727 crash|crashed]] into the {{convert|3000|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} Sharki Baratayi mountain while descending into Kabul. All 10 crew and 35 passengers on board died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19980319-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 727-228 YA-FAZ Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 3 February 2005, [[Kam Air Flight 904]], a [[Boeing 737|Boeing 737-200]] operated by [[Phoenix Aviation]], vanished from radar screens on approach to Kabul in poor weather, sparking a massive Afghan National Army search operation for the 96 passengers and eight crew. The wreckage of the aircraft was found two days later in the mountains east of Kabul, all 105 people on board were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20050203-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-242 EX-037 Kabul |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
*On 17 May 2010, all contact with [[Pamir Airways Flight 112]], an [[Antonov An-24]] operated by [[Pamir Airways]], was lost ten minutes after departure from [[Kunduz Airport]]. After search efforts lasting four days, wreckage from the flight was located {{convert|12|mi|km|order=flip}} from Kabul. All 39 passengers and five crew on board the flight died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20100517-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 24B YA-PIS Salang Pass |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
*On 12 October 2010, [[Transafrik International Flight 662]], a [[Lockheed L-100 Hercules]] crashed into a mountain on approach to the airport. All 8 crew members were killed.{{cn|date=December 2025}}
*On 8 May 2014, Ariana Afghan Airlines Flight 312, a [[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-400]], ran off the runway after landing at the airport. Flight 312 originated in Delhi, India and operated on a scheduled passenger service to Kabul. On landing the aircraft overshot runway 29, coming to rest on uneven terrain. The aircraft was heavily damaged and six passengers were slightly injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140508-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-4Y0 YA-PIB Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>

===Military===
* On 11 March 1985, an [[Antonov An-30]] of the [[Soviet Air Force]] was on an aerial photography flight in the Kabul area south of the Panjshir Valley. Upon returning to the airport, the aircraft was struck by a Strela missile. The captain tried to make an emergency landing at [[Bagram Airbase]] but was too high. A fire ignited by the missile strike then reached the [[aileron]] controls causing the pilots to lose control; three of the five crew members evacuated the aircraft safely, but the other two crew members died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850311-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 30 05 red Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 29 November 1986, a Soviet Air Force [[Antonov An-26]] was hit by a [[Stinger missile]] while climbing out of Kabul. The aircraft was carrying several tons of [[S-24 rocket]]s and 400&nbsp;kg of explosives to [[Jalalabad]] in Afghanistan. All seven crew members perished.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19861129-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 12 registration unknown Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 21 October 1987, a Soviet Air Force [[Antonov An-12]]BK collided with a [[Mil Mi-24]] helicopter while taking off in poor visibility. The aircraft was heading for the capital city of then [[Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic]], [[Tashkent]]; 18 of the 19 passengers and crew died.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19871021-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 12BK registration unknown Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 21 December 1987, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-26 was hit by a Stinger missile while circling to a safe altitude shortly after take-off. The number one engine was hit, puncturing the fuel tank. Smoke entered the cabin. All six crew members parachuted out; the captain jumped too close to the ground to open his parachute and died upon impact.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19871221-2|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 26 registration unknown Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 24 June 1988, a Soviet Air Force Antonov An-26 was hit by bullets fired from [[Mujahideen]] rebels. The aircraft crashed in Kabul, killing one of the six crew members on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19880624-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Antonov 26 29 Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 28 August 1992, a Soviet Air Force Ilyushin Il-76MD was hit by a renegade Mujahideen rocket while boarding Russian embassy staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19920828-4|title=ASN Aircraft accident Ilyushin 76MD CCCP-78780 Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 5 August 2008, a [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|Lockheed C-130H Hercules]] of the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] overran the runway upon landing in Kabul, causing a fire in the forward section of the aircraft. The aircraft was carrying aid to Afghanistan. All crew members survived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20080805-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Lockheed C-130H Hercules 1212 Kabul Airport (KBL) |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation |access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 16 August 2021, as a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]] of the [[United States Air Force]] was taking off, crowds of people trying to escape the [[2021 Taliban offensive]] were seen running alongside and clinging onto the aircraft. The aircraft lifted up into the air with people still holding on, with at least two dying after falling from the aircraft and an unknown number possibly crushed and killed by the landing gear retracting; human remains were found in the wheel well.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 August 2021|title=Kabul airport: footage appears to show Afghans falling from plane after takeoff|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/16/kabul-airport-chaos-and-panic-as-afghans-and-foreigners-attempt-to-flee-the-capital|access-date=16 August 2021|website=the Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|date=17 August 2021|title=Body Parts Found in Landing Gear of Flight From Kabul, Officials Say|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/us/politics/afghans-deaths-us-plane.html|access-date=18 August 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The incident was widely reported in U.S. and international media.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brook|first=Tom Vanden|title=Human remains, other deaths investigated in C-17 swarmed at Kabul airport|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/17/human-remains-found-c-17-wheel-well-after-takeoff-kabul/8170724002/|access-date=18 August 2021|website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Andrew|date=17 August 2021|title=Human remains discovered in wheel well of C-17 that departed Kabul with Afghans clinging to it|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/human-remains-were-discovered-in-the-wheel-well-of-the-c-17-after-it-landed|access-date=18 August 2021|website=Fox News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 August 2021|title=Human remains found in landing gear of military flight from Kabul, says U.S. Air Force|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/human-remains-found-landing-gear-military-flight-kabul-says-us-air-force-2021-08-17/|access-date=18 August 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref>

===Non-aircraft related===
* On 31 August 1984, Afghan [[Afghan mujahideen|guerillas]] exploded a bomb at the airport where several [[Aeroflot]] planes were picking up passengers, killing 28 people and wounding 350 others.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 September 1984|title=Around the World; Afghan Rebels Say They're Bombing Hotels|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/05/world/around-the-world-afghan-rebels-say-they-re-bombing-hotels.html|access-date=31 August 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan in 1984: The Fifth Year of the Russo-Afghan War|author=Lee O. Coldren|page=173|publisher=University of California Press|series=Asian Survey|year=1985|volume=25|issue=2|doi=10.2307/2644300|jstor=2644300|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2644300}}</ref>
* On 8 September 2009, at around 8:22 AM local time, a suicide bombing took place near the entrance of the airport's military base.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvWEqwq3CrRvaQCmt21MfoYhjZJQD9AITLU00|title=Explosion shakes Afghan capital |publisher=AFP|access-date=8 September 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6607366.html|title=Car bomb explodes near military airport in Kabul |publisher=Chron|access-date=8 September 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
*On 3 July 2014, Taliban fighters fired two rockets into the airport, destroying four helicopters. One of the four helicopters belonged to Afghan President Hamid Karzai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/taliban-fires-rockets-kabul-airport-burning-down-afghan-president-hamid-karzais-chopper-1619522|title=Taliban Fires Rockets At Kabul Airport Burning Down Afghan President Hamid Karzai's Chopper|author=Sneha Shankar|date=4 July 2014|work=International Business Times|access-date=1 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 29 January 2015, three American defense contractors and one Afghan national were killed by a gunman outside the airport in late evening local time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gunman kills 3 American Contractors|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/29/3-american-contractors-killed-by-gunman-in-afghanistan/|website=[[Fox News]]|agency=Associated Press|access-date=29 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129235155/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/29/3-american-contractors-killed-by-gunman-in-afghanistan/|archive-date=29 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* On 17 May 2015, a suicide bombing by the Taliban near the entrance of the airport occurred, killing three and injuring eighteen.<ref>{{cite news|title=Suicide bomber kills three and injures eighteen|work=BBC News|date=17 May 2015|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-32771099|access-date=17 May 2015}}</ref>
* On 26 August 2021, more than 185 people were [[2021 Kabul airport attacks|killed]], including at least 13 U.S. service members and 90 Afghans, at the Kabul airport when two [[ISIS-K]]<ref name="ISIS claims responsibility for suicide bombings in Kabul killing 12 US troops-2021"/> suicide bombers ripped through crowds trying to enter the American-controlled facility, disrupting the final push of the U.S.-led evacuation effort. The bombs were set off near a crowd of families at the airport gates who were desperately hoping to make one of the last evacuation flights out. Gunfire was reported in the aftermath of the explosions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Live Updates: Biden vows revenge for Kabul attack that killed 13 U.S. service members|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/afghanistan-kabul-airport-explosion-pentagon-confirms/|access-date=27 August 2021|website=www.cbsnews.com|date=27 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Rasmussen|first=Yaroslav Trofimov, Nancy A. Youssef and Sune Engel|date=26 August 2021|title=Kabul Airport Attack Kills 13 U.S. Service Members, at Least 90 Afghans|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/afghanistan-kabul-airport-explosion-11629976397|access-date=27 August 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|date=26 August 2021|title=Live Afghanistan Updates: 'We Will Not Forgive,' Biden Says, Vowing Retaliation for Kabul Attack|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/08/26/world/afghanistan-taliban-biden-news|access-date=27 August 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
*On 29 August 2021, smoke was seen rising from two explosions which occurred near the airport, one of which killed a child.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2021/aug/29/smoke-visible-across-kabul-after-blast-near-airport-kills-child-video|title=Smoke visible across Kabul after blast near airport – video|work=The Guardian|date=29 August 2021|accessdate=29 August 2021}}</ref> Explosions occurred hours after U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] warned of another terrorist attack in Kabul.
*On 30 August 2021, US troops used thermite bombs to disable several counter rocket, artillery and mortar systems used to protect the airfield from incoming ISIS-K fired rockets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inside the Final Hours at Kabul Airport|url=https://www.govexec.com/defense/2021/08/inside-final-hours-kabul-airport/184979/|access-date=1 September 2021|website=Government Executive|date=31 August 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of airports in Afghanistan]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikinews|Afghan president Hamid Karzai opens new terminal at Kabul International Airport}}
* {{YouTube|iUOWVRj490k| د کابل نړیوال هوايي ډګر په نوې او معياري بڼه.د امید راډیو مستند.... }} (OMID Radio, 4 October 2025)
* {{ASN|KBL}}
* {{SkyVector|OAKB}}
* {{NWS-current|OAKB}}

{{Portalbar|Afghanistan|Aviation}}
{{Airports in Afghanistan}}
{{Afghanistan–United States relations}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1960 establishments in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1960]]
[[Category:Airports in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Kabul|Airport]]
[[Category:Transport in Kabul|Airport]]
[[Category:Military installations of Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Military installations of Turkey]]
[[Category:Military installations of the United States in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Military installations of the Soviet Union in other countries]]
[[Category:Soviet foreign aid]]
[[Category:Afghanistan–Soviet Union relations]]
[[Category:Afghanistan–United States relations]]
[[Category:Afghanistan–Turkey relations]]
[[Category:Hamid Karzai|Airport]]
[[Category:Fall of Kabul (2021)]]