⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Kabul International Airport

Kabul, Kabul Province (Afghanistan)
IATA: KBL ICAO: OAKB
Longest Active Runway
11,483 ft
3,500 meters
Field Elevation
5,877 ft
1,791 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
34.5659°, 69.2123°
LARGE AIRPORT
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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#275 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#447 of 7558
Top 6.4% percentile worldwide
National Standing (Afghanistan)
#1 in AF
#2 of 13 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+14.8%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Kabul International Airport's longest active runway measures 11,483 ft (3,500 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #275. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #447 worldwide (Top 6.4%) and #1 nationally in Afghanistan.

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

High-Altitude Aerodrome (Hot & High)

At an elevation of 5,877 ft (1,791 m MSL), this aerodrome operates under severe 'hot and high' atmospheric density penalties. Standard atmospheric air density decreases significantly at this altitude, reducing aerodynamic lift over the wing surfaces and engine thrust output. As a direct operational result, departing commercial airliners require substantially extended ground takeoff rolls and experience reduced initial climb gradients compared to sea-level operations, frequently imposing Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) payload restrictions on ultra-long-haul transcontinental stages.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

With no qualifying commercial facilities with paved runways ≥5,000 ft within a 100 NM radius, Kabul International Airport functions as an isolated regional aviation hub. Scheduled air services and transiting aircraft must calculate extended diversion reserves to alternate airfields outside the immediate 100 NM quadrant.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 11,483 ft (3,500 m)

With its longest runway exceeding 10,500 ft (3,500 m) and paved surface engineering, Kabul International Airport meets the operational runway criteria for unrestricted long-haul operations by Code 4E and 4F heavy widebody aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-8, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 777-300ER at high operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
11/29 11,483 ft (3500m) 164 ft (50m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/kbl.json ↗