Qatari official says Kabul airport 90% operational, expects gradual reopening

FILE PHOTO: A model of an Ariana Afghan Airlines airplane is seen in front of the international airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, September 5, 2021. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

DUBAI (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Kabul Airport is about 90% ready for operations but its re-opening is planned gradually, a Qatari official said, speaking on the tarmac on Thursday.

Reopening the airport, a vital lifeline with both the outside world and across Afghanistan's mountainous territory has been a high priority for the Taliban as they seek to restore order after their lightning seizure of Kabul on Aug. 15.