Pakistan Airlines suspends Kabul flights over Taliban interference

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended flights to Kabul on Thursday citing “unprofessional” attitude of Taliban authorities.

“Our flights frequently faced undue delays because of the unprofessional attitude of the Kabul aviation authorities,” Abdullah Hafeez Khan, the PIA spokesman told AFP.

The flight operations will remain suspended until “the situation becomes conducive,” he added.

PIA was the only international airline operating from Kabul after Taliban seized control of the country by mid-August. The airline helped many Afghans flee the country while reportedly charging over $2,600 per passenger. It is still unclear how much they are charging or charged international passengers evacuating the country in August.

Previously, the Taliban authorities had warned PIA and Afghan Kam Air to reduce ticket prices to as they were before the Taliban takeover, or else face suspended routes.

The statement was issued by Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid and asked the passengers to contact the ministry in case the ticket prices were not reduced.