Herat International Airport HEA

Herat International Airport, officially named Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, lies about 10 km southeast of the city in western Afghanistan. Built in the 1960s, it is the country’s fourth-largest commercial airport, after Kabul, Kandahar and Mazar-i-Sharif.

Terminals

There is a single passenger terminal, with arrivals and departures in the same building. The current international terminal was built with Italian investment and is named after Captain Massimo Ranzani, an Italian officer who died in Afghanistan.

Airlines and destinations

Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air operate here, mainly with flights to Kabul. Ariana adds seasonal flights to Jeddah. International service is limited and changes often, so check your route with the airline.

Services

Facilities are basic. Do not expect lounges or a large shopping area; bring cash and whatever you need for the wait.

Tips

Many governments advise against travel to Afghanistan, so check your own government’s advice and visa requirements before booking. Arrive well ahead of time for security and document checks, and arrange your transport into the city before you set off.