A company from the United Arab Emirates has signed a contract with Afghanistan to control air traffic across the country as Taliban authorities seek to expand international flights.

Although some flights are operating out of Kabul airport, major foreign airlines need significant additional support to resume full service, AFP reported.

The full functioning of the capital's airport, which was destroyed last August during the mass evacuation of civilians after the Taliban came to power, is seen as crucial to reviving Afghanistan's devastated economy.

Abu Dhabi-based GAAC signed an agreement Thursday that is expected to help bring back major international airlines. GAAC intends to invest more than $300 million in Afghanistan over 10 years to develop the country's aviation sector.

The deal allows GAAC to operate airspace to provide passage for international carriers, Ibrahim Moarafi, the company's regional head, told reporters at a news conference.

He said it will allow GAAC to restore the navigational services needed to bring major international airlines back to Afghanistan's airports. This includes air traffic control, communications and surveillance systems, and meteorological services.

This is the third agreement GAAC has signed with the Afghan Ministry of Civil Aviation and Transportation this year.

GAAC, which operated in Afghanistan before the Taliban returned to power, had already been awarded separate contracts for ground handling and passenger screening at airports in Kabul and elsewhere.

A team of Afghans trained by specialists from Uzbekistan and Qatar is now managing air traffic at the Kabul airport.