Kandahar Airport, with the IATA code KDH and ICAO code OAKN, stands as a critical aviation hub in southern Afghanistan. Situated in Kandahar City, the capital of Kandahar Province, this airport serves as a significant gateway for both domestic and international air travel, facilitating connectivity within Afghanistan and beyond.
Kandahar International Airport is the second most important commercial airport in the Republic of Afghanistan after Kabul. There are regular scheduled flight connections to, for example, Delhi , Dubai, Kuwait and the capital Kabul .
- Airport Code: Kandahar (KDH)
- Time zone: GMT 4.5
- Service telephone: +93 318-841-1323
- Address: Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan
- Operator: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation / ISAF
- Parking: Yes, there are enough parking spaces available.
- Nearby cities: Kandahar (19 km)
- Transport connections: The airport access is directly on the A75 motorway, approx. 23 kilometers southeast of the city center.
- Flight distribution by weekday: Monday (0.00%), Tuesday (13.33%), Wednesday (0.00%), Thursday (33.33%), Friday (0.00%), Saturday (13.33%), Sunday (40.00%)
- Other spellings: Kandhar, qəndline, Qandahar, кандар, κανταχίρ, кандахар, קנדהאר, कांधार, कांधार, कंदहार, കന്ദഹാർ, கந்தஹார், กันดาฮาร์, 칸다하르, カンダハール, 哈, قندھار, کندهار, قندهار
Location
Kandahar Airport is strategically located approximately 9 kilometers southeast of Kandahar City’s downtown area. Positioned in Kandahar Province, the airport occupies a pivotal location in southern Afghanistan, serving as a vital transportation hub for the region.
History
The history of Kandahar Airport is deeply intertwined with Afghanistan’s turbulent past and its efforts to modernize its aviation infrastructure. Originally established as a military airfield during the Afghan-Soviet War in the 1980s, the airport underwent significant development during subsequent decades to accommodate civilian air traffic.
During the early 2000s, amidst the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban regime, Kandahar Airport received substantial investments from international organizations and the Afghan government. These initiatives aimed to modernize airport facilities, expand runway capacity, and improve security measures.
Today, Kandahar Airport stands as one of Afghanistan’s busiest airports, playing a crucial role in supporting domestic air travel, international humanitarian missions, and military operations.
Ground Transport Connections
Ground transport connections from Kandahar Airport to Kandahar City and surrounding areas primarily consist of:
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport, providing convenient transportation options for passengers arriving or departing from Kandahar Airport. Taxis offer flexibility in reaching specific destinations within Kandahar City and neighboring towns.
- Private Cars: Many passengers opt for private car services, allowing for personalized transportation arrangements to various destinations in Kandahar Province and beyond.
- Rental Vehicles: Several rental car agencies operate at Kandahar Airport, offering a range of vehicles for hire. Renting a car provides travelers with the freedom to explore Kandahar and its surrounding areas at their own pace.
While public transportation options such as buses may be limited, taxis, private cars, and rental vehicles efficiently meet the transportation needs of passengers at Kandahar Airport.
Weather by Month
Here’s a table showcasing the average highest and lowest temperatures at Kandahar Airport by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17 | 1 |
| February | 19 | 3 |
| March | 24 | 6 |
| April | 30 | 11 |
| May | 35 | 16 |
| June | 40 | 20 |
| July | 42 | 22 |
| August | 42 | 21 |
| September | 38 | 17 |
| October | 32 | 11 |
| November | 25 | 6 |
| December | 19 | 3 |
The weather at Kandahar Airport experiences significant seasonal variations, with temperatures peaking in the summer months and dropping notably in the winter months. Travelers should plan their trips accordingly, considering the weather conditions during their visit.
Nearby Cities
While Kandahar International Airport primarily serves Kandahar, there are several nearby cities, towns, and villages within Afghanistan that contribute to the region’s socio-economic landscape. Here are ten key cities and towns near Kandahar International Airport:
Kandahar
Distance from Airport: 0 km
Kandahar, often referred to as the “Heart of Afghanistan,” is the second-largest city in the country and the capital of Kandahar Province. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, Kandahar is a center of Pashtun culture and tradition. The city’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, trade, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Kandahar is known for its historic landmarks, including the Kandahar Citadel and the Shrine of the Cloak of the Prophet Mohammed.
Lashkar Gah
Distance from Airport: Approximately 320 kilometers (199 miles)
Lashkar Gah is the capital city of Helmand Province, located northwest of Kandahar. Situated in the fertile Helmand River valley, Lashkar Gah is known for its agricultural production, particularly opium poppies. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, trade, and government services. Lashkar Gah has faced challenges due to conflict and insurgency but has seen efforts towards reconstruction and development in recent years.
Tarin Kowt
Distance from Airport: Approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles)
Tarin Kowt is the capital city of Uruzgan Province, located northeast of Kandahar. Situated in the central highlands of Afghanistan, Tarin Kowt is known for its rugged terrain and agricultural valleys. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, with crops such as wheat, barley, and opium poppies being cultivated in the surrounding countryside. Tarin Kowt has been affected by conflict but has seen efforts towards stability and development.
Ghazni
Distance from Airport: Approximately 340 kilometers (211 miles)
Ghazni is the capital city of Ghazni Province, located northeast of Kandahar. With a history dating back to ancient times, Ghazni is known for its cultural heritage and historical significance. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, trade, and government services. Ghazni is home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including the Ghazni Minarets and the Mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi.
Herat
Distance from Airport: Approximately 490 kilometers (304 miles)
Herat is the third-largest city in Afghanistan and the capital of Herat Province, located northwest of Kandahar. Situated near the border with Iran, Herat has long been a center of trade and commerce along the Silk Road. The city’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles. Herat is known for its historic landmarks, including the Herat Citadel and the Friday Mosque.
Kabul
Distance from Airport: Approximately 470 kilometers (292 miles)
Kabul, the capital and largest city of Afghanistan, is located northeast of Kandahar. As the political, economic, and cultural center of Afghanistan, Kabul is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and diverse population. The city’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as government services, trade, and construction playing significant roles. Kabul is known for its historic landmarks, including the Kabul Museum and the Babur Gardens.
Kunduz
Distance from Airport: Approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles)
Kunduz is the capital city of Kunduz Province, located northeast of Kandahar. Situated in the fertile Kunduz River valley, Kunduz is known for its agricultural production, particularly wheat and cotton. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, trade, and government services. Kunduz has faced challenges due to conflict and insurgency but has seen efforts towards stability and development in recent years.
Jalalabad
Distance from Airport: Approximately 380 kilometers (236 miles)
Jalalabad is the capital city of Nangarhar Province, located east of Kandahar near the border with Pakistan. Situated in the scenic Surkh Rod (Red River) Valley, Jalalabad is known for its fertile agricultural land, historic sites, and vibrant bazaars. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. Jalalabad serves as a commercial and transportation hub for eastern Afghanistan.
Mazar-i-Sharif
Distance from Airport: Approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles)
Mazar-i-Sharif is the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan and the capital of Balkh Province, located north of Kandahar. Situated in the ancient region of Bactria, Mazar-i-Sharif is known for its cultural heritage and religious significance. The city’s economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, trade, and industry playing significant roles. Mazar-i-Sharif is home to the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, a major pilgrimage site for Muslims.
Bamyan
Distance from Airport: Approximately 400 kilometers (249 miles)
Bamyan is the capital city of Bamyan Province, located northeast of Kandahar. Situated in the central highlands of Afghanistan, Bamyan is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city is famous for the Buddhas of Bamyan, ancient statues carved into the cliffsides of the Bamyan Valley. Bamyan’s economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts.