Afghanistan now without civilian air traffic services: IATA

NEW DELHI: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Monday said strife-torn Afghanistan is “now without provision of a civilian air traffic service” and that airlines are avoiding the airspace.

Afghanistan airspace serves major traffic flows between Europe and Asia.

“Traffic through Afghan airspace is lower than usual because of reduced demand due to Covid-19. (Countries) near Afghanistan have indicated they can accommodate additional traffic. The use of alternative routes through these states will support safe and secure operations, but will have time, operational and fuel impacts upon airlines,” IATA said in a statement.