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Herat - Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport International Hub illustrationInternational Hub
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HEAlarge airport

Herat - Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport

Guzara, Afghanistan
Explore Guzara city guide Navigate to this airport
6
Routes out
4
Destinations
OAHR
ICAO
3206 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

Western Afghanistan's primary international gateway serving Herat.

Location
Herat, Afghanistan
Herat - Khwaja Abdullah Ansari International Airport (IATA: HEA, ICAO: OAHR) is the main commercial airport serving Herat, the third-largest city in Afghanistan, located in the western part of the country. The airport serves as a critical regional hub for both passenger and cargo traffic connecting western Afghanistan to domestic and international destinations. Named after the 11th-century Sufi poet and scholar Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, the airport has historically handled flights to destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and other Afghan cities. Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, international commercial operations were significantly disrupted, though some limited air service has resumed over subsequent years. The airport is situated near the city of Herat in Guzara district and has seen periods of both military and civilian use, particularly during the period of foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
Terminals
The airport has a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Herat city center is primarily by taxi and private vehicle, with no formal public transit system.
Airlines here
Prior to 2021, airlines including Ariana Afghan Airlines, Kam Air, and regional carriers such as flydubai and Turkish Airlines operated services through HEA.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after the 11th-century Sufi poet and scholar Khwaja Abdullah Ansari.
  • ›Serves Herat, one of Afghanistan's oldest and most historically significant cities.
  • ›International commercial flights were largely suspended following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
  • ›The airport has been used for both civilian and military operations at various points in its history.
  • ›Located in the Guzara district, approximately 10 km from Herat city center.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (4 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

HEA → DEL4Q · 320
HEA → ISB4Q · 319
HEA → KBL4Q · 319 320
HEA → KBLFG · 734
HEA → MHDEP · 100
HEA → KBLHN · CR2
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City & Place Guide

A quiet Afghan district where rural life meets ancient landscapes.

Guzara is a district in Herat Province, located in western Afghanistan near the provincial capital of Herat city. It is predominantly an agricultural and rural area, with many residents engaged in farming, herding, and small-scale trade. The district sits in a region historically shaped by Persian, Timurid, and Central Asian influences.

While Guzara itself has limited formal tourist infrastructure, its proximity to Herat makes it a practical base or side trip for travelers exploring the greater Herat region. The surrounding landscape features flat plains, seasonal rivers, and views toward the distant mountains that define western Afghanistan's terrain.

Travel to Afghanistan, including Guzara, carries significant safety risks due to ongoing instability. Visitors should consult their government's travel advisories and exercise extreme caution. Independent tourism is essentially nonexistent, and any travel typically requires experienced local guides and security arrangements.

  • •Herat Citadel (nearby) — a massive ancient fortress with centuries of layered history.
  • •Musalla Complex ruins (Herat) — remnants of a stunning Timurid-era architectural ensemble.
  • •Friday Mosque of Herat — one of Afghanistan's most celebrated examples of Islamic tilework.
  • •Rural agricultural villages — authentic glimpses of traditional Afghan farming life.
  • •Hari River valley — scenic seasonal river landscapes cutting through the region.
  • •Local bazaars — small markets offering spices, dried fruits, and handmade goods.

Getting around: There is no rail service in the area. Shared taxis and minibuses are the primary means of travel between Guzara and Herat city, operating informally along main roads. Motorcycle taxis are common for short distances within the district. No rideshare apps operate here, and road conditions can be poor, especially outside main routes.

Best time: Spring (March to May) offers the most pleasant temperatures and green landscapes before the intense summer heat sets in.

Local food: Try qabuli pulao (rice with lamb, raisins, and carrots), bolani flatbreads stuffed with vegetables, and fresh pomegranates for which the Herat region is widely celebrated.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via HEA? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Afghanistan from official government sources.

Afghanistan visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification