Kandahar International Airport, International airport and military base in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport is an aerodrome in Kandahar with capacity for approximately 250 aircraft, located roughly 9 nautical miles southeast of the city. The facility operates for both military and civilian aviation traffic serving the region.
The airport was built in 1962 by Morrison-Knudsen with USAID support, originally serving as a refueling stop on routes between Europe and Southeast Asia. The infrastructure has served various purposes over decades and continues to shape regional connectivity.
The name Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport honors Ahmad Shah Durrani, a major historical ruler from this region. This 2019 naming connects the facility's purpose to local heritage and identity.
The terminal operates regularly during daylight hours when flight services are active. Travelers should check current flight availability and allow time for arrival before departure.
The facility gained international attention following the Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijacking in December 1999, when passengers and crew were held for several days at the airport. This event brought global focus to the location and remains part of its international history.
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