DUBAI - Emirates, today started daily flight service to Kabul the capital of Afghanistan, flight EK 640 arrived at Kabul International Khwaja Rawash Airport at 13.15 hours.

On board the flight, Dr Najibullah Mojadidi, Afghanistan ambassador in UAE; Atiqullah Atifmal, Afghan consul general in Dubai, and Yousif Ali, UAE ambassador to Afghanistan; Abdullah Suwaidan - deputy director, Inward Missions – Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Adel al Redha, Executive vice president and chief operations officer, Emirates Airline; and Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president commercial operations - center, Emirates.  

The flight was received on arrival in Kabul by a delegation from Afghanistan including; Dr Daoud Ali Najafi, minister of transport Afghanistan; Captain Hamid Zaher Ustaz, Technical and operations deputy minister; Ghulam Nabi Farahi, deputy minister of information and culture and tourism; Malik Quraishi, chief of staff, ministry of foreign affairs and Allahnoor Sailab - area manager Afghanistan, Emirates.

Kabul is the 138th destination on the Emirates route network, and Afghanistan is the 78th country it serves.  

Adel Al Redha, executive vice president and chief operations officer, Emirates, said: “Emirates is always striving to connect people.

“This new route launch today presents a new opportunity for the population of Afghanistan to access new travel opportunities and destinations thanks to our extensive global network across six continents. It will also provide an opportunity for the many Afghans living overseas to visit home again whilst experiencing Emirates renowned service and product.”  

Dauod Ali Najafi, Minister of Transport, added: “Today we welcome Emirates to Kabul.

“Having an airline of the quality of Emirates commence flights to Afghanistan shows the airline’s commitment to supporting the Afghan economy, building trade and travel links with the world and helping Afghans and expats living here to connect with friends, family and colleagues globally.”  

The route is operated by an Airbus A340-500 configured in a 3 cabin configuration, offering 12 first class, 42 business class and 204 economy class seats.

EK 640 will depart Dubai daily at 09.55 hours and arrive in Kabul at 13.15. The return flight, EK 641 will leave Kabul at 15.30 hours and arrive back in Dubai at 18.00.