Faizabad Airport

Faizabad Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is a true aerial gateway to the heart of Badakhshan, one of the most impressive high-altitude regions in Asia. Situated amidst the majestic ranges of the Hindu Kush, it offers travellers breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and green valleys even during the descent. For many guests, landing on this runway marks the beginning of their acquaintance with the rugged beauty and unique atmosphere of the "Roof of the World".

Airport Features and Advantages:

The airport possesses several characteristics that make it an important facility for tourists and local residents:

• Scenic approach to landing. The flight to Faizabad is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the region. The aircraft manoeuvres between mountain slopes, revealing unique views of the Kokcha River valley and the surrounding landscapes to passengers.
• Modern runway. Unlike many small mountain airfields, this airport features a high-quality asphalt runway nearly 3 kilometres long (built to replace the old metal plate surface), ensuring a smooth and safe landing even for fairly large aircraft.
• Critical accessibility. The airport is the only fast alternative to ground transport. A car journey from other major cities can take several days along difficult mountain serpentines, whereas a flight takes only about an hour.

Faizabad Airport (FBD) is a small airport of regional significance, so finding direct contact details can be difficult. For most questions related to flights, it is recommended to contact the airline you are flying with directly.

• Address: The airport is located in the city of Faizabad, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan.
• Official Website and Social Media: Currently, Faizabad Airport does not have an official website or verified pages on social media.
• Phone and E-mail: There are no publicly available help desk phone numbers or airport email addresses. For information regarding flight status, ticket purchases, and carriage regulations, please contact your airline directly.
• Lost Luggage Information: All enquiries regarding lost or damaged luggage should be directed to the baggage tracing service of the airline that operated your flight.

There are several ways to get to Faizabad Airport (FBD), which serves the city of Faizabad and its surroundings in Afghanistan. The choice of transport depends on your budget, comfort requirements, and amount of luggage.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and reliable way to reach the airport. You can hail a taxi on the city streets or ask hotel staff to arrange a car for you. The latter option is often safer and more convenient, albeit slightly more expensive. Key recommendation: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before getting into the vehicle, to avoid misunderstandings. The journey from the city centre usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Public Transport in the conventional sense (regular scheduled buses) is poorly developed in the city. However, you can use local shared taxis or collective minibuses. This is the most budget-friendly option, but it may not be very convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Such transport does not have a strict schedule and departs as it fills up, which should be considered when planning your time.

Car Rental and Parking. Renting a car for self-driving is not a common service for tourists in this region. A more practical solution would be to rent a car with a local driver. This ensures your comfort and safety while moving around. If you do arrive at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, a simple open car park is available. Long-term vehicle storage may not be provided here.

Main Tips for Travellers:

• Plan your departure to the airport with plenty of time to spare, especially if using public transport.
• Carry a sufficient amount of cash in the local currency (Afghani) to pay for the fare, as card payments are practically impossible.
• Do not hesitate to haggle with taxi drivers — this is part of the local culture.

Faizabad Airport (FBD) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. All its infrastructure is concentrated in one passenger terminal. Do not expect the scale of a major international hub here; it is a compact and functional building designed to handle a small flow of passengers.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. All main zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting hall, and the baggage claim area — are within walking distance of each other. Due to the compact size, navigating the terminal is intuitive, and it is practically impossible to get lost. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are carried out within a single building.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated but located very close together. After checking in for a flight, passengers undergo standard security screening procedures and enter a small waiting hall before boarding. Check-in and screening procedures usually take significantly less time than in major airports, however, it is always recommended to arrive in advance — at least 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid unforeseen delays.

The main recommendation for passengers is to follow standard signs and not worry about complex navigation. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest the direction. Given the modest size of the terminal, all necessary procedures can be completed quickly and without unnecessary fuss, making travel through Faizabad Airport convenient for transit into this region.

The history of Faizabad Airport (FBD), located in the city of Faizabad, is closely linked to its strategic position in the high-altitude province of Badakhshan. The airport was built in the 1960s with the participation of Soviet specialists and has played an important role in the transport system of Afghanistan from the very beginning, providing a connection to one of the most inaccessible regions of the country.

In the 1980s, the airport was actively used as a significant transport hub, which underscored its importance. However, its original runway presented a serious engineering challenge. It was assembled from perforated steel plates and had a significant slope, making take-offs and landings, especially for large aircraft, an extremely difficult task. This fact remains one of the most well-known pages in the airport's history.

A key stage in the modern history of the airport was its large-scale reconstruction, completed in 2013. With financial support from Germany, a new runway with a modern asphalt surface was built. The length of the new runway is nearly 2,900 metres, which allowed the airport to accept larger transport aircraft, such as the C-130 Hercules. This modernisation radically improved flight safety and the operational capabilities of the air harbour.

Today, Faizabad Airport is not just a runway in the mountains, but a vital infrastructure facility. It continues to serve as the main aerial gateway to Badakhshan, facilitating passenger transport and the delivery of humanitarian and commercial cargo, making an invaluable contribution to the development of the entire region.

Faizabad Airport (FBD) is a small regional airport with a basic set of services. Passengers departing from or arriving at this airport are advised to prepare for their journey in advance, as its infrastructure is quite modest and does not offer the wide range of amenities typical of major international hubs.

Dining and Shopping: Opportunities for dining and shopping at the airport are extremely limited or may be non-existent. There are no restaurants, large cafes, or Duty-Free shops here. It is recommended to carry your own snacks and drinking water.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi: The airport has a general waiting hall for passengers. Specialised VIP or business lounges are absent. Access to public Wi-Fi is generally not provided. Charging stations for electronic devices may also be unavailable, so it is worth bringing a fully charged power bank.

Financial Services: There are no bank branches, ATMs, or official currency exchange points in the terminal. All financial transactions should be completed in the city beforehand. Ensure you have a sufficient amount of local currency in cash to cover unforeseen expenses.

Medical Assistance: There is no specialised medical centre at the airport. In emergencies, basic first aid may be provided, however, travellers are advised to carry a personal first aid kit with all necessary medications.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is not equipped with modern amenities for passengers with children (such as play areas or mother and child rooms) or for people with disabilities. If you require special assistance, you must contact your airline in advance to arrange accompaniment.

Hotels and Business Services: There are no hotels within the airport territory or in its immediate vicinity. Accommodation options should be sought in Faizabad itself. Conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport.

When planning a departure from Faizabad Airport (FBD), it is important to understand that this is a small regional airport, and dining options here are very limited. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, or international fast-food chains typical of major aviation hubs.

Generally, all available options are limited to one or a few small kiosks or buffets located in the general terminal hall. The assortment at such points usually includes basic items: bottled water, carbonated drinks, tea, as well as packaged snacks such as biscuits, crisps, or nuts. Sometimes simple pastries or sandwiches can be found, but this is not guaranteed.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans) or food allergies are strongly advised to bring food with them, as finding suitable dishes at the airport is practically impossible. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to eat in advance in the city before travelling to the airport.

The opening hours of retail points depend directly on the flight schedule — they are open during departure and arrival periods. For payment, it is recommended to have cash in local currency, as cashless payment options may not be available.

To ensure your journey through Faizabad Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. A thoughtful approach to each stage will help save time and nerves.

When to arrive at the airport? Faizabad Airport mainly serves domestic flights. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, even taking possible queues into account.

Check-in and security control. Have your passport and ticket ready (in electronic or printed form). Screening procedures can be quite thorough, so be prepared for this and follow the instructions of security staff. This will help speed up the process for you and other passengers.

Seat selection on the plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer beautiful views of the mountain landscapes during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you need to get up during the flight.

What to take in hand luggage? Standard rules usually prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons. All liquids must be packed in a transparent bag. Be sure to check the rules of the specific airline, as they may differ.

If you have a transfer. Faizabad Airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a connecting flight planned, check the transfer procedure with the airline in advance: will you need to collect luggage and check in again? Your carrier should have all the necessary information.

Customs control. Upon entry or exit, be ready to present documents to customs officers. If you are carrying valuable items or large sums of money that are subject to declaration, familiarise yourself with customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

How to save time and money? Buy tickets in advance to get the best price. If the airline offers online check-in, make use of it. Travelling with hand luggage only will also save your time, as you won't have to wait for luggage upon arrival.

What to do in case of flight delay? In the event of a delay or cancellation, stay calm. Contact your airline representative at the airport or monitor the information on the departure boards. Staff will provide current information and explain your next steps.