SpiceJet has suspended its operations between Delhi and Kabul following security concerns. The airline operates flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

SpiceJet’s decision comes a day after gunmen carried out a pre-dawn attack on Kabul airport which temporarily shutdown the facility and set off a gun battle with security forces.

Following Thursday’s incident, SpiceJet first cancelled its flight on that day and later announced a complete suspension of operations on Friday morning.

Air India, the other Indian carrier to operate to Afghanistan, has put its Saturday flight on ‘standby’ which means a decision will be taken after reviewing the situation, a senior official said.

The security situation in Kabul has been fragile for a while now. As early as July 4, SpiceJet Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapur had tweeted, “Kabul rocket attack near runway today aimed at military target. SpiceJet pax (passengers), crew, aircraft safe. Flight will depart with pax (passengers) for DEL (Delhi) soon.”

Pilots from Indian airlines operating to Kabul said their biggest fear is that any aircraft coming in to land can be attacked by an extremist having access to a shoulder-held rocket launcher, unlike the sophisticated one which is believed to have brought down the Malaysia aircraft on Thursday. Airline officials, however, point out that flights to Kabul are operated only after the local administration gives the all clear for flights to land and take off.

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