Afghan private sector companies said they are suffering major financial losses due to the halt in major international airline flights to Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said.

“We used to export thousands of tons of dry fruit and herbal medicine, particularly to India, and earn millions of dollars of revenue through this but the current situation has severely affect everyone,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the ACCI.

According to the ACCI, there have been no international flights carrying commodities within the past eight months.

The Islamic Emirate has been negotiating to hand over the operation of the five major airports to Qatari and Turkish companies, but the negotiations are not finalized.

However, the Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation said that the contract for the Afghanistan airports with the foreign companies is delayed due to national interest.

“The negotiations are underway. If they reach a final decision, we will share this with the people,” said Imamuddin Ahmadi, a spokesman for the ministry.

Economists urged the current government to take necessary steps to reach an agreement over the contract of the airport.

“The delay oer the past eight months caused a lack of flights for the past eight months. It stopped the export of commodities,” said Sayed Masoud, an economist.

According to available figures of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, there are at least 20-25 flights conducted from Kabul airport each day.