Biden admin may compel civilian airlines to carry Afghan evacuees: officials

Civilian aircraft would not fly into Afghanistan, but instead ferry evacuees from air bases in various locations


Reuters August 22, 2021
US President Joe Biden leaves Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, U.S., August 21, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON:

President Joe Biden's administration has told US airlines they could be ordered to help ferry people who have been evacuated from Afghanistan, two officials told Reuters on Saturday.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a "warning order" was issued to carriers on Friday telling the companies they could be used, but no decision had been made. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Read 'Nation building' never a US goal in Afghanistan, says Biden

The official said the civilian aircraft would not fly into Afghanistan, but would instead ferry evacuees from air bases in locations including the Middle East and Germany.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ