Evacuations from military flights have resumed at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) as of August 17, 2021. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) early August 17, 2021, stating that KBL is open to both military and civilian flights. Civil aviation authorities had closed the civilian side of the airport, and evacuation flights were disrupted on August 16, 2021, due to encroachments on the tarmac and runway. The status of commercial flights is unclear. Additional flight disruptions are possible in the coming days, especially if violence or unrest occurs at the airport. Evacuation flights are likely to continue in the coming days. Multiple airlines have also diverted flight routes out of Afghan airspace as a precaution.
Several countries, including the UK and the US, have deployed thousands of soldiers to Kabul to assist in the evacuation efforts. The US and French embassies have relocated their operations to KBL to facilitate the evacuation of their diplomats, citizens, and entitled local nationals. Multiple embassies are closed or have reduced operations. Some remain open, including those of China, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey.
Disruptions to business operations, public transportation, aid agencies’ functioning, and consulate services for foreign nationals, as well as shortages of some goods due to business closures, shipping delays, or looting, are likely throughout the country. Prices of essential commodities have risen amid shortages, especially in Kabul. Shortages could result in panic buying that could lead to further shortages of goods.
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Riskovery doesn’t wait until an incident occurs to look for a solution. Our Travel Risk Management Application proactively collects data through its proprietary application to ensure when an incident occurs, employees have the greatest chance of receiving the support they need to get home. As soon as an alert is received, Riskovery immediately begins to reestablish communication. Simultaneously, while communication is being re-established, the team analyzes data to determine where your team members are if they are safe and alternate methods for re-contacting. Team Riskovery takes proactive steps to provide essential support to stranded team members