Mazar-I-Sharif Airport, with the IATA code MZR and ICAO code OAMS, serves as a crucial aviation facility in northern Afghanistan. Situated near the city of Mazar-I-Sharif, the capital of Balkh Province, this airport plays a significant role in connecting the region with domestic and international destinations.
Mazar -I-Sharif International Airport is one of the four most important commercial airports in Afghanistan. There are regular flight connections between Mazar-I-Sharif and the airports of Herat, Kandahar, Kabul and Tehran, among others .
- Airport Code: Mazar-I-Sharif (MZR)
- Time zone: GMT 4.5
- Service telephone: +93 (0) 7550-13099
- Address: Mazar-I-Sharif – Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi International Airport, Mazar-I-Sharif, Balkh Province, Afghanistan
- Operator: Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
- Parking: Yes, there are enough parking spaces available.
- Nearby cities: Mazar-e Sharif (9 km), Balkh (29 km), Termez (58 km)
- Transport connections: The airport is approx. 9 kilometers east of the town center on the outskirts of the city.
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (3.85%), Tuesday (13.46%), Wednesday (32.69%), Thursday (3.85%), Friday (21.15%), Saturday (3.85%), Sunday (21.15%)
- other spellings: Mazar-e Sharif, Məzari-Şərif, Mazár-e Šaríf, Mazar-e Sharif, Mazar-e Zarif, Mazâr-e Charîf, Mazari Sharif, Mezar-ı Şerif, Mazar-ı Şerif, Mazar-i Szarif, Mezar-i Serif, Mazari Sharifas, Mazar-i-Xarif, Мазарі-Шаріф, Мазарі-Шариф, Мазары-Шарыф, Мазари-Шариф, Μαζάρ-ι -Σαρίφ, Μαζάρι Σαρίφ, مزار شريف, مزار شریف, ضلع مزار شریف, মাজরে শরীফ, मज़ार-ए-शरीफ़, मझार-ए-शरीफ, मजार शरीफ, 마자르이 샤리프, マザーリシャリーフ, 马扎里沙里夫, 馬扎里沙裡夫謝里夫
Most popular flight destinations from Mazar-I-Sharif (flights per week)
- Kabul(4, 28.57%)
- Mashhad(4, 28.57%)
- Istanbul Airport(3, 21.43%)
- Tehran – Imam Khomeini(2, 14.29%)
- other (7.14%)
Location
Mazar-I-Sharif Airport is located approximately 9 kilometers southeast of the city center of Mazar-I-Sharif, the capital city of Balkh Province. Positioned in northern Afghanistan, the airport occupies a strategic location, serving as a vital transportation hub for the province and surrounding areas.
History
The history of Mazar-I-Sharif Airport reflects the broader developments in Afghanistan’s aviation sector. Originally established to meet the growing demand for air transportation in Balkh Province, the airport has undergone various phases of development over the years.
During the early 2000s, amidst the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, Mazar-I-Sharif Airport received attention for upgrades funded by international organizations and the Afghan government. These initiatives aimed to modernize airport facilities, expand runway capacity, and improve security measures.
Today, Mazar-I-Sharif Airport continues to serve as an essential gateway for domestic and international air travel, providing vital links for passengers and cargo transportation within Afghanistan and beyond.
Ground Transport Connections
Ground transport connections from Mazar-I-Sharif Airport to the city center and neighboring areas primarily consist of:
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport for travelers requiring transportation to various destinations in Mazar-I-Sharif and beyond. They offer a convenient and flexible option for reaching specific locations within the province.
- Private Cars: Many passengers opt to arrange private car services for transportation to their desired destinations. This option provides personalized travel experiences and allows for flexibility in scheduling.
- Rental Vehicles: Several rental car agencies operate at Mazar-I-Sharif Airport, offering a range of vehicles for hire. Renting a car provides travelers with the freedom to explore Balkh Province at their own pace.
While public transportation options such as buses may be limited, taxis, private cars, and rental vehicles adequately fulfill the transportation needs of passengers arriving at and departing from Mazar-I-Sharif Airport.
Weather by Month
Here’s a table showcasing the average highest and lowest temperatures at Mazar-I-Sharif Airport by month:
| Month | Highest Temperature (°C) | Lowest Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | -2 |
| February | 13 | 0 |
| March | 18 | 4 |
| April | 24 | 9 |
| May | 30 | 14 |
| June | 36 | 19 |
| July | 38 | 21 |
| August | 37 | 20 |
| September | 33 | 15 |
| October | 26 | 8 |
| November | 18 | 3 |
| December | 12 | -1 |
The weather at Mazar-I-Sharif Airport experiences seasonal variations, with temperatures peaking in the summer months and dropping significantly in the winter months. Travelers should plan their trips accordingly, considering the weather conditions during their visit.
Nearby Cities
1. Mazar-I-Sharif
Mazar-I-Sharif, the namesake of the airport, is the fourth-largest city in Afghanistan and the capital of the Balkh province. It holds immense historical and cultural significance, with landmarks like the Blue Mosque and the Shrine of Hazrat Ali attracting tourists and pilgrims from around the globe.
2. Kunduz
Kunduz, located approximately 200 kilometers east of Mazar-I-Sharif, is a major city in northern Afghanistan. It serves as a center for trade and agriculture, with its fertile lands contributing significantly to the region’s economy. However, Kunduz has also faced challenges due to conflict and instability in recent years.
3. Sheberghan
Situated around 120 kilometers west of Mazar-I-Sharif, Sheberghan is the capital of the Jawzjan province. This city is known for its natural gas reserves, making it an important industrial and economic center in northern Afghanistan. Additionally, Sheberghan serves as a transit point for trade between Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
4. Pul-e-Khumri
Pul-e-Khumri, located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Mazar-I-Sharif, is the capital of the Baghlan province. It is a strategic city situated along major transportation routes, linking northern Afghanistan to the central and eastern regions. Pul-e-Khumri’s economy relies on agriculture, trade, and small-scale industries.
5. Balkh
Balkh, often referred to as the “Mother of Cities,” is an ancient city situated just a short distance from Mazar-I-Sharif. It holds a rich history dating back thousands of years, with archaeological sites such as the Balkh Citadel and the Khwaja Parsa Shrine attesting to its significance. Today, Balkh serves as a cultural and educational center in northern Afghanistan.
6. Taloqan
Taloqan, located approximately 300 kilometers east of Mazar-I-Sharif, is the capital of the Takhar province. It is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by mountains and lush green valleys. Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Taloqan, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruits being cultivated in the region.
7. Fayzabad
Fayzabad, situated around 400 kilometers northeast of Mazar-I-Sharif, is the capital of the Badakhshan province. It is located in a remote and mountainous region, making transportation challenging, especially during harsh winters. Despite its isolation, Fayzabad is known for its vibrant culture and traditional crafts.
8. Andkhoy
Andkhoy, located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Mazar-I-Sharif, is a town in the Faryab province. It is primarily an agricultural area, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and cotton in the surrounding fields. Andkhoy also has historical significance, with archaeological sites dating back to ancient times.
9. Khanabad
Khanabad, situated around 20 kilometers south of Mazar-I-Sharif, is a town in the Kunduz province. It is known for its strategic location along major transportation routes, facilitating trade and commerce in the region. Agriculture and small-scale industries are the main sources of livelihood for the residents of Khanabad.
10. Baghlan
Baghlan, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Mazar-I-Sharif, is the capital of the Baghlan province. It is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and cultures, reflecting Afghanistan’s rich heritage. Baghlan’s economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and trade, with products such as coal, natural gas, and fruits being exported from the region.