Ghazni Airport

Ghazni Airport (Dari: فرودگاه غزنی; IATA: GZI, ICAO: OAGN) is located in Ghazni, Afghanistan, next to the main Ghazni-Kandahar Highway. It serves the population of Ghazni and other nearby Afghan provinces. The airport is mainly used for civilian flights and is still being developed as of late 2013. History Ghazni Airport was originally a military airfield. The Afghan government began converting it into a civilian international airport in the early 2010s. At the time, it had a single runway designated 15/33, measuring approximately 1,000 feet (305 m) in length. The government announced plans to add two additional runways, with overall development targeted for completion in 2014. The first phase of the project was inaugurated in December 2013, marked by the landing of a small private aircraft. Infrastructure upgrades Runway and safety improvements The existing runway, 15/33, was initially about 305 meters long and suitable only for light aircraft. In 2013, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation allocated approximately US$2 million for extending and paving the runway, improving taxiways, and installing fencing and lighting systems. New terminal A new terminal was constructed, incorporating basic passenger services, a control tower, and air traffic control equipment. This was part of a redevelopment project reportedly costing US$7 million and funded by the Afghan government. Facilities The airport includes a passenger terminal, an air traffic control tower with trained personnel, and updated communication and security systems. These upgrades were part of a national initiative aimed at aligning regional airports with civil aviation standards. District-level airfield strategy In 2012, the Afghan government proposed building smaller airstrips in remote districts such as Jaghori and Nawur to enhance transportation access and facilitate emergency relief. While separate from Ghazni Airport, these efforts were aligned with regional development goals. Government investment and funding A 2024 report by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation stated that 58 transportation infrastructure projects had been initiated nationwide, including the Ghazni airport terminal. The report also mentioned the allocation of Afs 44 million to construct a land transport office complex at the airport site. Recent scheduled operations In January 2025, East Horizon Airlines began regular passenger flights to Ghazni Airport. The service included a twice-weekly route to Kabul operated with Antonov An‑24 aircraft, marking the start of scheduled civilian air services at the airport. Future prospects Officials have stated that upon completion of runway upgrades—expected by late 2025—the airport will be able to accommodate larger turboprop and regional jet aircraft. Plans are under consideration to expand domestic routes and introduce charter services to other provinces. See also List of airports in Afghanistan Ghazni Province References This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency External links Accident history for GZI at Aviation Safety Network Airport record for Ghazni Airport Archived 22 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine at Landings.com