Kabul: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has written to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) seeking resumption of flights operated by its airlines Kam Air and Ariana Afghan Airline to and from Delhi.
The letter, addressed to Director General of Civil Aviation Arun Kumar, has been written by Alhaj Hameedullah Akhunzada, acting minister, Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority. It is dated September 7.
After extending his compliments to the DGCA, Akhunzada writes, “As you are well informed recently, the Kabul Airport was damaged and dysfunctional by American troops before their withdrawal. By technical assistance of our Qatar Brother, the airport became operational once again and a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in this regard was issued on 6 September, 2021.”
The minister then requested the resumption of flights between India and Afghanistan.
“The intention of this letter is to keep the smooth passenger movement between two countries based on the signed MoU and our National Carriers (Ariana Afghan Airline & Kam Air) aimed to commence their scheduled flights. Therefore, Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority requests you to facilitate their commercial flights,” the letter said.
“The Civil Aviation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan avails its highest assurance,” Akhunzada further said.
DGCA chief Arun Kumar said the Ministry of Civil Aviation will take a call on the matter as this was a policy issue.
India had stopped all commercial flight operations to Kabul post 15 August after the Taliban took over the reins of Afghanistan.