US carriers can operate Kabul evacuation flights with DOD approval: FAA

Washington - The FAA cited 'a lack of high altitude air traffic control services'.

By Reuters

Published: Thu 19 Aug 2021, 6:40 AM

Last updated: Thu 19 Aug 2021, 7:21 AM

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said late Wednesday that domestic air carriers and civilian pilots can fly into Kabul to conduct evacuation or relief flights with prior US Defense Department approval.

In a statement, the FAA said that without prior approval, US carriers cannot fly over Afghanistan airspace or fly into Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. The FAA cited "a lack of high altitude air traffic control services."

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All relief flights into Kabul "must have permission" from the Defense Department.

Without prior approval, US passenger and air carriers are prohibited from flying over Afghanistan, the FAA said, adding it does not apply to Defense Department operated flights.

The FAA issued a new "Notice to Airmen" late Wednesday that imposed the new restrictions barring flights over Afghanistan without prior approval, citing risks "posed by extremist activity, limited risk mitigation capabilities and disruptions to air traffic services."

A Pentagon spokesman told reporters Monday that the US military had assumed control of air traffic control at the Kabul airport.

There is no indication yet the Defense Department will seek to use US carriers as part of the massive planned evacuation effort of thousands of people.

A White House official told reporters late Wednesday the US mlilitary in the last day evacuated approximately 1,800 individuals on 10 C-17s. Since August 14, the United States have evacuated nearly 6,000 people.

United Airlines said late Sunday it was rerouting some US to India flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul.

In late July, the FAA issued new restrictions on Afghanistan US air operations, saying flights operating below 26,000 feet were prohibited over nearly all of Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Kabul, citing the risk "posed by extremist/militant activity."