Ariana Afghan Airlines is to soon begin flights from Khost province to the United Arab Emirate, an official said.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation, Imamuddin Ahmadi, also stressed that efforts are underway to provide all types of facilities in the airports.

“Efforts are underway to begin flights from Khost airport to Al Ain city of the UAE. These flights will provide the Afghans with further facilities,” he said.

According to the MoTCA, since the Islamic Emirate came to power, several airline companies including Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Kish, Mahan-Taban and Yazd Airways have resumed flights to Afghanistan.

“Tourism facilitates trade and plays an important role in the economic growth of a country,” said Seyar Qureshi, an economist.

“As much as these flights increase and provide the ground for transport of commodities, it will put a positive impact on the Afghan economy,” said Mir Shikib, an economist.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that a surge in international flights will boost Afghan trade with the world.

This comes as an Iranian airline, Yazd Airways, conducted its first flight from Tehran to Mazar-e-Sharif on Saturday.