Kabul International Airport (KBL)

Kabul, AF 🇦🇫 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

OAKB

IATA

KBL

Elevation

5877 ft

Region

AF-KAB

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: OAKB

Local Code: Not available

Location: 34.565899° N, 69.212303° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Hamid Karzai International Airport Khwaja Rawash Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler experiences at Kabul International Airport (OAKB (KBL)) present a mixed but generally improving picture. While the airport maintains a focus on security, many recent visitors have expressed pleasant surprise at the enhancements in facilities and the helpfulness of the staff. Overall sentiment leans towards cautious optimism regarding the airport's functionality and recent upgrades, especially considering the region's context.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Travelers report relatively quick processing times for security checkpoint (estimated 11 minutes) and passport control (estimated 9 minutes), a notable improvement from past experiences.
  • Friendly and Helpful Staff: Several recent visitors have highlighted the airport staff as incredibly helpful, friendly, and willing to assist with documents and luggage, contributing to a surprisingly positive arrival experience.
  • Improved Cleanliness and Upgraded Facilities: Recent observations suggest the international terminal is "surprisingly modern" and the airport has become "a lot cleaner" with "upgraded facilities."
  • Free WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the airport, helping passengers pass the time before boarding.
Common Complaints
  • Basic Amenities and Limited Options: Despite improvements, amenities are still considered basic, lacking the extensive luxury lounges, diverse shopping, or wide variety of dining options typically found at major international hubs.
  • Restroom Cleanliness: While overall cleanliness has improved, past and some lingering reports indicate issues with restroom hygiene, with facilities sometimes described as very dirty.
  • Multiple Security Checks and Entry Process: Travelers should expect numerous security checkpoints including multiple body pat-downs and bag scans, from the initial airport entrance to the boarding gate, which can be time-consuming.
  • Need for Pre-arranged Transportation: For international travelers, pre-arranging private transportation to and from the airport is highly advisable due to security concerns and limited reliable public transport options.

In summary, Kabul International Airport has seen notable improvements in efficiency and cleanliness, and staff are often praised for their helpfulness. However, travelers should arrive with realistic expectations regarding amenities, be prepared for thorough security procedures, and ensure secure ground transportation is arranged in advance.

Generated 7 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Kabul International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Kam Air
KMF / RQ
16 298 16 Dec 9, 2025
11 260 11 Dec 9, 2025
FlyDubai
FDB / FZ
1 102 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 57 1 Dec 9, 2025
Air Arabia
ABY / G9
1 28 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 3 1 Dec 9, 2025
Mahan Air
IRM / W5
1 2 1 Dec 9, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
11/29 11483 ft 164 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP/DEP 131.6 MHz
GND GND 120.3 MHz
TWR TWR 129.4 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
KBL Kabul VOR-DME 112000 kHz
KIA Kabul TACAN 133800 kHz
OKB Kabul TACAN 133800 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are the most common form of transport from the airport. These are typically unofficial, private vehicles. It is essential to negotiate the fare in the local currency (Afghani) with the driver before beginning your journey, as there are no meters. For safety and reliability, it is highly recommended to pre-arrange a pickup through your hotel or a trusted local contact.

Rental Cars

Major international car rental companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis) do not operate in Kabul. Self-drive car rental is not a viable or recommended option for visitors. The standard practice is to hire a car with a private, local driver. This service must be arranged in advance, typically through hotels, security firms, or local logistics companies.

Public Transportation

There are no formal public transportation options such as dedicated airport buses, shuttles, or a train system connecting Kabul International Airport to the city center. Relying on the city's general public bus network is not advisable for visitors due to security risks and the lack of predictable schedules or routes.

Nearby Airports

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Parachinar Airport
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UNOCA Heliport
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Camp Warehouse Heliport
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Camp Qargha South Heliport
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Camp Qargha North Heliport
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~13 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.