KLM planes instructed to avoid Afghan airspace

KLM is currently avoiding the airspace of Afghanistan following the recent developments surrounding the takeover of the Taliban in the Asian country. Airlines such as United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also report flights around the area.

This means that KLM flights to destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore will not reach Afghanistan on Sunday at least. Passengers should take into account a slightly longer flight time.

KLM confirmed its commitment to the safety of passengers and employees. Now it has been decided not to allow the flights of 15 August to fly through Afghan airspace pending further developments, a spokesperson says. KLM monitors and assesses the situation on a daily basis.

Several airlines, including Emirates and Air India, have announced that they will not be flying to the Afghan capital Kabul for the time being. KLM already did not fly to destinations in Afghanistan.

The US aviation authority FAA had already imposed flight restrictions over Afghanistan since July, banning flights under 26,000 feet (nearly 8 km), with the exception of flights to the Afghan capital Kabul. Other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and France, had advised to maintain a height of at least 25,000 feet. Korean Air Lines only flies some cargo flights over Afghanistan, but claims to pass the country at higher altitudes.

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