Passengers Protest Kabul Airport Transport Monopoly After Fare Surge

DID Press: Travelers at Kabul International Airport are protesting what they describe as an unprecedented increase in transport fares by the state-linked “Afghan Tour” company, accusing it of operating an unchecked monopoly around the airport.

According to passengers and local drivers, transport fares from Kabul airport to the city’s District 6 have risen to nearly 1,200 Afghanis — several times higher than standard taxi rates in the capital.

Passengers allege that Afghan Tour, which reportedly controls much of the airport transport sector, uses government-issued license plates and operates without effective oversight from Taliban authorities. They claim private drivers are effectively barred from freely picking up airport passengers.

Local drivers also say their activities near the airport have become “almost impossible,” alleging that security forces prevent independent taxi operators from competing with the company.

Despite growing criticism from travelers and widespread complaints on social media, Taliban authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations regarding fare hikes or transport monopolization.

Some local sources argue that granting transport privileges to companies linked to Taliban-affiliated networks, combined with the absence of fare regulation and oversight, has enabled the current situation.

Passengers warn that the continued rise in transport costs is making travel through Kabul airport increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens and are calling for immediate intervention to regulate fares and end the alleged monopoly.