The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has received a EUR 4 million (US$4.6 million) contribution from the European Union to support the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). This funding will ensure UNHAS continues its operations, providing a critical link for the safe transport of aid workers and delivery of essential relief supplies to Afghanistan’s most remote and hard-to-reach communities.
François Goemans, Head of the EU Humanitarian Aid Office in Afghanistan, highlighted that UNHAS is vital for transporting humanitarian personnel from UN agencies, NGOs, and partners, as well as for delivering life-saving cargo. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting the country’s most vulnerable populations. UNHAS effectively bridges vast distances, connecting humanitarian actors with communities in urgent need and ensuring no area is left inaccessible.
John Aylieff, WFP Country Director in Afghanistan, noted that every UNHAS flight represents a story of hope, linking aid workers to the people they serve and enabling the delivery of crucial support. The service currently caters to over 100 registered users, including humanitarian NGOs, UN agencies, and diplomatic missions. Since the start of the year, UNHAS has conducted more than 1,600 flights to 20 destinations—18 within Afghanistan, including 14 regular and 4 on-demand routes, and 2 international destinations.
The WFP, as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, continues to save lives in emergencies while using food assistance as a foundation for peace, stability, and long-term recovery for communities affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change.
