US Bans Flights Operating Below 26,000 Feet Over Afghanistan - Aviation Agency

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 27th July, 2021) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has placed new restrictions banning US civilian flights from flying below 26,000 feet over most of Afghanistan due to the changing security situation in the country, the agency said in a statement to Sputnik.

"The FAA put flight restrictions in place over Afghanistan for US airlines and other US operators, including those holding US pilot certificates... Flights operating below 26,000 feet are prohibited in the Kabul Flight Information Region, which largely covers the country of Afghanistan, unless operating in and out of Hamid Karzai International Airport," the agency said on Monday.

The FAA said the restrictions do not apply to US military flights. A copy of the FAA's notice specifically states that the new restrictions are due to the risk posed by extremist and militant activity in the country.