Airport, Baltic States – CIS, Lithuania, Transport

Photo: Lithuanian National Defence Ministry.

The construction works of the airport that were funded by the Asian Development Bank started in 2010. Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Project and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have also contributed to the construction works. The entire budget amounted to more than USD 20 million.

Fyaz local company which carried out the construction works paved the runaway and airport ramp, built an airport control tower, fire rescue station and other administration buildings. What is more, during the construction works, the airport area was fenced, drainage ditches built, etc.

Despite the fact that the airport cannot operate at full capacity due to the lack of qualified staff and necessary equipment, and air control is being held by Air force representatives of a Lithuanian-led PRT, airplanes will be able to land in Chaghcharan at any time of a year. The soldiers of PRT along with the Afghan National Security Forces will ensure security at the airport.

"This successful international donors' project is a great support for the local people of Ghor province. Airplanes will be able to land at any time of a year, even in winter, therefore, it will be easier to arrive in Ghor. These changes will be very useful for local business development. Pilots will be able to land safely as well," told PRT Commander Col Nerijus Stankevicius during the solemn ceremony.

The new airport of Chaghcharan will certainly facilitate communication between the province of Ghor and Kabul as well as other provinces. Infrastructure development is among top priorities of PRT.

The Lithuanian-led PRT of Ghor is a joint military-civilian mission operating under the NATO's International Security Assistance Force. Lithuania took responsibility for the PRT of Ghor province on summer 2005. The main objective of the PRT mission is to assist the Government of Afghanistan in extending its authority throughout the province, to ensure security and to help build an environment favorable for provincial reconstruction.

Representatives of Denmark, Georgia, Japan, USA, Poland, Finland, Bulgaria, and Ukraine serve together with Lithuanian military and civilian personnel in Ghor PRT camp.