US airlines assist with Afghanistan evacuations

United, American, Delta, Hawaiian and Atlas Air are continuing to support US evacuation efforts out of Afghanistan, following Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s activation of stage one of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet. The carriers’ commercial jets will transport evacuees from secondary points, including German and Qatar, to safe locations. Southwest Airlines is also operating charter flights for the Defense Department, transporting evacuees to their destinations in the US. According to Airlines for America, carriers “remain in frequent communication with US government agencies and officials to determine flight support needs.”