New Restrictions Released This Week

A new “Notice to Airmen” was issued by the FAA Wednesday that imposed new restrictions barring flights over Afghanistan without prior approval, citing risks “posed by extremist/militant activity, limited risk mitigation capabilities and disruptions to air traffic services.” The FAA said that domestic air carriers and civilian pilots can fly into Kabul with prior US Defense Department approval for purposes of conducting evacuation or relief flights. Since August 14th, the US has evacuated close over 6,000 people. In their statement, the FAA said that all relief flights into Kabul “must have permission” from the Defense Department and that without prior approval, US carriers can