Kabul, March 26 - An Ariana Afghan Airlines flight skidded off the runway at Kabul International Airport on March 25, 2026, prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew. The Boeing 737-400, operating as flight FG252 (or FG312 in some reports) from Herat to Kabul, veered right during its landing roll on Runway 29 and came to rest on the grass after crossing a taxiway. Initial accounts indicate the incident occurred in rainy conditions, which likely contributed to reduced braking effectiveness on the wet surface. No injuries were reported among those on board, and the aircraft sustained damage primarily to its left wing and lower fuselage.
Aviation safety experts note that runway excursions remain a significant concern at airports like Kabul, where variable weather and operational challenges can test even experienced flight crews. In the Ariana Afghan Airlines runway incident, passengers exited via emergency slides shortly after the plane stopped, demonstrating the effectiveness of standard evacuation procedures. The state-owned carrier, Afghanistan’s primary airline, quickly confirmed that all occupants were safely transferred to the terminal. Airport authorities temporarily halted flight operations to secure the site and facilitate recovery efforts for the aircraft, which is a 1993-built Boeing 737-400 registered as YA-PIC.
Investigators from Afghanistan’s civil aviation authorities have launched a full probe into the Ariana Afghan Airlines flight skid, examining factors such as weather conditions, aircraft performance, and possible technical issues during the landing phase. Early indications point to the combination of rain-soaked runway and touchdown dynamics as key elements, though no official cause has been determined. Such runway excursion events at Kabul International Airport highlight the importance of robust safety protocols in challenging environments, especially for carriers like Ariana Afghan Airlines serving domestic and regional routes.
This latest incident involving an Ariana Afghan Airlines Boeing 737 underscores ongoing discussions around aviation infrastructure and training in Afghanistan. While the safe outcome prevented any loss of life, it serves as a reminder for continuous improvements in runway maintenance, pilot procedures for adverse weather landings, and emergency response readiness at major hubs. Passengers planning travel with Ariana Afghan Airlines are advised to monitor official updates from the airline and airport authorities regarding schedule adjustments following the event. As the investigation progresses, further details on preventive measures may emerge to enhance safety for future flights into Kabul.
