The project to provide technical assistance in the restoration of the Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport in Afghanistan, which Uzbekistan launched a year ago, has been completed, Uzbek media reported.
The airport’s runway, turnaround lanes and parking markings have been completely renovated. The work was carried out with the participation of Uzbek specialists.
The electrical and lighting supply of the airport territory was brought up to the level of modern requirements by the National Electric Networks of Uzbekistan. As a result, the airport was able to receive flights at night and in adverse weather conditions.
“At the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the activity of the completely disabled Mazar-i-Sharif International Airport was revived. The runways have been overhauled. A remote control system was put into operation. The external power supply to the airport has dramatically improved,” Deputy Foreign Minister of the Interim Government of Afghanistan Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said at a ceremony marking the completion of the project on October 25.
Currently, Mazar-i-Sharif Airport serves four domestic and one international flights per week.
The issue of the reconstruction of the airport and the resumption of air communication between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan were discussed at the beginning of October last year at a meeting in Kabul. In November, the Uzbek side announced its intention to send a group of 30 technical specialists to participate in the repair of damaged equipment at the airport and the restoration of the air hub. In addition, 83 technical staff of the Afghan airport were sent to Uzbekistan for training.
Mazar-i-Sharif is the largest city in the north of Afghanistan and the administrative center of the Balkh province, bordering Uzbekistan.
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Nov. 2, 2022