Afghanistan: First evacuation flight from Kabul since US exit lands in Doha
- The Qatar Airways Boeing 777 had ‘around 113’ passengers including Americans, Canadians, Germans and Ukrainians
- All passengers will be received at a compound for Afghan refugees in Doha
Around 100 passengers including Americans arrived in Doha after flying from Kabul airport on Thursday, the first flight ferrying out foreigners since a US-led evacuation ended.
Doha, a major transit point for Afghan refugees, has said it worked with Turkey to swiftly resume operations at Kabul’s airport to allow the flow of people and aid.
The arrival at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport was the first successful flight of its type since the chaotic airlift of more than 120,000 people concluded last month.
“I didn’t even fall asleep and we landed,” said one Canadian passenger who gave her name only as Elaha. “The situation in Kabul was unpredictable and very uncomfortable,” she added after disembarking an airport bus.
The Qatar Airways Boeing 777 had “around 113” passengers including Americans, Canadians, Germans and Ukrainians, with all passengers due to be received at a compound for Afghan refugees in Doha, a source with knowledge of the operation told AFP.
