Taliban 'govt' writes to DGCA, requests to resume commercial flights to Afghanistan

 New Delhi, September 29: In its first official communication to India, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan has written to India's DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) seeking resumption of commercial flights between India and Kabul.

 

The letter, dated September 7, has been written by Afghanistan's acting aviation minister Alhaj Hameedullah Akhunzada and is addressed to the aviation body's chief Arun Kumar.

 

"As you are well aware that recently the Kabul upon was damaged and dysfunctional by American troops before their withdrawal. By technical assistance of our Qatar Brother, the Airport became operational trice again and a NOTAM in this regard issued on 6 September 2021(sic)," the text addressed to DGCA on the letterhead "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" read.

 

"The intention of this letter is to keep the smooth passenger movement between two countries signed MoU and our National Carriers (Ariana Afghan Airline & Kam Air) aimed to commence their scheduled flights. Therefore, Afghanistan Civil Authority requests you to facilitate their commercial flights (sic)," it added.

 

 

India is yet to respond to the missive as the letter is under review by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). It should be noted that India had stopped all commercial flight operations to Kabul after the Taliban had taken over the capital on August 15.

 

Before writing to India, the Taliban had appealed to international countries to resume flights promising full cooperation with airlines and saying that problems at Kabul airport had been resolved.

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