Swiss outlet SWI swissinfo.ch reported that due to the war involving Iran, the number of aircraft transiting Afghan airspace has increased significantly, with an estimated nearly 2,000 flights passing through each week—about a fivefold rise compared to 2025.
According to the report, the Taliban charge $700 per aircraft, generating roughly $1.4 million in weekly revenue.
The report added that this could amount to more than $70 million annually, despite providing “virtually no flight safety services.”
The Taliban’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation had previously confirmed an increase in overflights due to the Iran war.
SWI swissinfo.ch wrote that airlines have little alternative and are largely routing flights over Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.
Countries typically charge airlines for the use of their airspace based on distance and aircraft weight, in exchange for providing air navigation and safety services.
According to the report, however, the Taliban charge a flat fee unlike in Europe and offer almost no services in return. Pilots flying over Afghanistan must rely on themselves and communicate directly with one another regarding altitude, position, and speed.
