@ hval - thanks for that in post 394.
@hval (#397) thought about uplift of fuel, not sure with only the distance to UAE would have been much to worry about. Also, the price of fuel saved, would surely have been lost on the trip to up to Bagram.
@ clear prop. Never mentioned anything about diplomatic cargo. There is enough in theatre hercs to move that sort of stuff up to Bagram and also enough aircraft leaving Bagram for stateside not to worry a freighter down at Bastian.
Just seems for the sake for a few gallons of fuel a plane ran the gauntlet of landing and departing an airfield that may not have been necessary.