DOT Order Authorizing Service to/from Afghanistan

August 26, 2021

On August 20, 2021, DOT issued an order granting operators of foreign civil aircraft a blanket foreign aircraft permit under 14 C.F.R. Part 375, to the extent necessary and subject to certain conditions, in order to permit these carriers to conduct certain commercial air operations to the U.S. in support of the evacuation efforts currently being undertaken in Afghanistan.

The order allows foreign airlines that do not currently have authority to fly to the U.S. the authority and ability to operate U.S. Government-sponsored flights transporting evacuees from Afghanistan. It is important to note, this does not allow for transport between U.S. points (i.e., cabotage traffic) and, the blanket authority granted by this order is subject to compliance with:

(1) All applicable requirements of 14 C.F.R. Part 375;
(2) All applicable requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and all orders of the FAA;
(3) All applicable ICAO standards outlined in the following Annexes:

  • Annex 1, Personnel Licensing;
  • Annex 6, part 1, Operations of Aircraft; and
  • Annex 8, Airworthiness of Aircraft.

(4) All applicable requirements concerning security as determined by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) and any other requirements of other U.S. Government agencies.

Foreign airlines that would like to participate will have authority under the blanket permit to operate evacuation flights to the U.S. through September 30, 2021.

If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Andy Orr (aorr@eckertsemans.com or 202-659-6625).

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