The companies have been given November 5 as a deadline for the end of their contracts. Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) says the contracts for two companies providing ground handling and security service in the country’s airports will soon end due to lack of capacity in their service. This happens as new companies have not been assigned for the task.   

The National Aviation Services (NAS) and Olive Group have been providing ground handing and security service for the country’s airports, including Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, for many years, according to officials. 

The decision to end the contracts of the two companies is aimed at preventing “smuggling” that the authority says would happen due to lack of ability of the companies. 

“Any shortcoming in the delivery of the service, even if it is unintentional, paves the way for smugglers. This is a violation of the contract,” said Mohammad Qasim Wafaeezada, head of the ACAA. 

The companies have been given November 5 as a deadline for the end of their contracts, according to ACAA. 

The National Procurement Authority (NPA) meanwhile said that it is assessing work of new companies that will be assigned to take over ground handing and security service in the country’s airports. 

“(The contract) for Airport ground handing project and security service is under procurement process. It will be referred to the National Procurement Authority for further decisions once the process is finalized,” said Ahmad Ramin Ayaz, a spokesman for the NPA. 

Analysts said there is a need for the Afghan government to address problems faced by contractors. 

“It should be clarified that what violations have been carried out by the present companies that they intend to handover the process of delivering services to new companies,” said legal expert Arash Shahrivar. 

Officials from the incumbent companies weren’t available to respond to the allegations. 

ACAA has said that with the arrival of new company, the government will be able to prevent illegal transfer of money and gold smuggling through airports.