Direct (nonstop) flights from Istanbul to Kabul

1 airline flys nonstop from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Kabul International (KBL). It's 2,209 miles (3,555 km), about 5h in the air. Operated by Kam Air.

SAW
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkiye
KBL
Kabul International
🇦🇫 Kabul, Afghanistan
Flight Time
5h
Distance
2,209 mi
3,555 km
CO₂/pax
373 kg
−35 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Kam Air
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by Kam Air Kam Air

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Kam Air RQ Kam Air
Route
SAW → KBL
Flight Time
5h
Distance
2,209 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Istanbul to Kabul with one stop · direct emits 373 kg CO₂ per passenger

SAW MHD (Mashad) KBL
Leg 1: 3h 45m (1,665 mi) Leg 2: 1h 45m (552 mi) Total: ~5h 30m 🍃 408 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAW → MHD
3h 45m · 1,665 mi
View SAW to MHD flights →
Leg 2
MHD → KBL
1h 45m · 552 mi
View MHD to KBL flights →
SAW IKA (Tehran) KBL
Leg 1: 3h 5m (1,245 mi) Leg 2: 2h 35m (1,025 mi) Total: ~5h 40m 🍃 408 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAW → IKA
3h 5m · 1,245 mi
View SAW to IKA flights →
Leg 2
IKA → KBL
2h 35m · 1,025 mi
View IKA to KBL flights →
SAW ESB (Ankara) KBL
Leg 1: 1h 5m (201 mi) Leg 2: 4h 40m (2,016 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 403 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAW → ESB
1h 5m · 201 mi
View SAW to ESB flights →
Leg 2
ESB → KBL
4h 40m · 2,016 mi
View ESB to KBL flights →
SAW KWI (Kuwait) KBL
Leg 1: 3h 30m (1,324 mi) Leg 2: 3h 15m (1,298 mi) Total: ~6h 45m 🍃 468 kg CO₂ (+25% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAW → KWI
3h 30m · 1,324 mi
View SAW to KWI flights →
Leg 2
KWI → KBL
3h 15m · 1,298 mi
View KWI to KBL flights →
SAW DOH (Doha) KBL
Leg 1: 4h 5m (1,675 mi) Leg 2: 3h (1,232 mi) Total: ~7h 5m 🍃 516 kg CO₂ (+38% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAW → DOH
4h 5m · 1,675 mi
View SAW to DOH flights →
Leg 2
DOH → KBL
3h · 1,232 mi
View DOH to KBL flights →

Looking for the return flight?

KBL → SAW: Flights from Kabul to Istanbul

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Istanbul to Kabul?

A nonstop flight from Istanbul (SAW) to Kabul (KBL) takes approximately 5 hours. The distance is 2,209 miles (3,555 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Istanbul to Kabul?

Just Kam Air.

Is there a nonstop flight from Istanbul to Kabul?

Yes. 1 airline: Kam Air.

How far is Istanbul from Kabul?

The flight distance from Istanbul to Kabul is 2,209 miles (3,555 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What is the time difference between Istanbul and Kabul?

Kabul is 1 hour ahead of Istanbul. (Europe/Istanbul vs Asia/Kabul.)

What type of aircraft flies from Istanbul to Kabul?

At 5h, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Turkiye to Afghanistan?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Afghanistan embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Istanbul to Kabul?

Roughly 373 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,865 km.

Is the return flight from Kabul to Istanbul also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Istanbul to Kabul?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.