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 cannot fly over Afghanistan airspace or into Hamid Karzai International Airport.

With the exception of Defense Department-operated flights, US passenger and air carriers are forbidden from flying over almost all of Afghanistan without prior permission.

“A lack of high altitude air traffic control services,” was cited.

A Pentagon spokesman told reporters that the U.S. military had assumed control of air traffic control at the Kabul airport.

Sunday, United Airlines informed the community they were rerouting some US- India flights to avoid Afghanistan airspace after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul.

Some limited jet routes for transiting flights over Afghanistan are allowed, with a notice urging carriers to minimize time spent below 26,000 feet.

The order does allow for some limited jet routes for some transiting flights over Afghanistan and also urges carriers to minimize time spent below 26,000 feet.

The FAA issued new restrictions on Afghanistan-US air operations in late July, prohibiting flights operating below 26,000 feet over most of Afghanistan.

FMI: www.defense.mil