KABUL - Mazar-e-Sharif residents welcomed the introduction of twice weekly flights to the Indian city, especially as so many travel to Delhi for medical treatment.
Afghanistan - India direct flights launched from Mazar-e-Sharif
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Kam Air on Monday launched its new twice weekly flight from Maulana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi International Airport in Mazar-e-Sharif to New Delhi, in India.
Mohammad Asif, the head of Mazar airport, said efforts are also underway to start up a cargo route from the airport to foreign destinations.
“Soon we will start exporting agricultural produce,” Asif added.
Meanwhile Manjish Grover, India’s Consul General in Mazar-e Sharif welcomed the move and said this was yet another sign of Afghanistan-India friendship.
“This is probably an answer to the call of all these people who wanted a direct flight from here and I think the most who would benefit from this direct flight will be the people from this region; especially those who go to India for medical treatment; I hope this direct connection will also eventually increase trade and commercial activity between the north of Afghanistan and India and that we see more and more business people using this opportunity to travel to India for business,” Grover said.
Meanwhile passengers booked on the inaugural flight to Delhi also welcomed the move.
“I am flying from Mazar-e-Sharif directly to New Delhi and I am very glad,” said Najibullah a passenger.
“In the past we did not have direct flights and we had to go through Kabul, but now direct flights have started and we are very happy,” said Khalid another passenger.
These flights are considered economically beneficial for Afghans living in the north – especially those in need of specialized medical treatment.