GAAC agreement confirms UAE’s commitment to improving infrastructure and aviation services in Afghanistan
Following the example of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE has always supported the Afghan people and stood by them in their various crises and challenges over the past years. It has supported development projects that are a priority for the Afghan government, especially those related to the development of the infrastructure sector.
In this context, and in order to affirm its role in restoring stability and recovery in Afghanistan, the UAE General Authority of Civil Aviation signed an agreement to provide ground assistance services at the three main Afghan airports, in support of the Afghan aviation sector, and in pursuit of recent efforts to resume international transport.
Through GAAC Holding, the UAE provides integrated support to the Afghan aviation sector, which in recent years has faced a number of challenges, in addition to severe damage to the country’s airports and the suspension of flights to and from Afghanistan by many international airlines.
The signed support includes the provision of security, advanced technology systems and ground handling services to all international airports in Afghanistan to assist in the start-up of aviation operations in all airports across the country, with $641,000 in urgent investments in equipment, facilities management, food for airport staff, ground support equipment and technology.
The company provided ground handling, premium services and aviation security services at three international airports in Afghanistan (Kabul, Kandahar and Herat), including Mazar-e-Sharif, and was awarded a contract to develop, operate and manage air navigation services in Afghanistan in 2022.
UAE author and researcher Abdullah al-Shaiba said the UAE’s efforts are part of its commitment to strengthening infrastructure and capabilities and improving air services in Afghanistan, which has suffered greatly from conflicts and wars that have negatively impacted various aspects of life in the country. He pointed out that the UAE is one of the most prominent countries providing constructive assistance to Afghanistan in the field of airport development, adding that one of the major projects led by the UAE in this regard is the development of Kabul International Airport, which is the main gate of the country and one of the most important airports in the region.
Al-Shaiba said UAE efforts help facilitate air travel and trade, which would strengthen the Afghan economy and create job opportunities for local residents. He explained that improving the air infrastructure in Afghanistan aims to provide improved air transport services to passengers and air cargo, and that the UAE’s efforts in developing Afghanistan’s airports reflect its firm commitment to supporting development and stability in developing countries.
