Internet Blackout Disrupts Air Travel and Daily Life in Afghanistan

A nationwide internet shutdown in Afghanistan has led to significant disruptions in air travel, banking, and communication services, leaving many citizens stranded and isolated. On Wednesday, at least 14 scheduled flights were cancelled at Kabul airport, with the status of numerous other flights remaining unclear, according to data from a flight tracking service.
The disruption follows an order issued on Monday by the current administration to suspend internet and mobile phone services across the country. This move has severely impacted essential operations, including humanitarian aid, financial services, and personal communications. The administration has not provided an official explanation for the connectivity blackout.
International organisations have urged Afghan authorities to restore access to communication services, emphasising the widespread impact on civilian life and critical infrastructure.
In recent weeks, the authorities had already taken steps to restrict access to certain online services, citing concerns related to morality. Fibre-optic connections in several provinces had been cut prior to the nationwide shutdown.
Of the 34 flights scheduled for departure and arrival at Kabul airport on Wednesday, four outbound and ten inbound flights were cancelled. The status of the remaining flights remained unconfirmed. A similar pattern was observed on Tuesday, with ten out of 31 scheduled flights cancelled, and the rest listed as “unknown.” Flights from regional airports such as Herat and Kandahar were also marked with an uncertain status for both days.
A representative of Kam Air, a major Afghan airline, stated in an interview with local media that only one flight had operated since the blackout began. He explained that flight operations rely on the ability to transmit information digitally to destination airports, a process now hindered by the loss of connectivity.
He expressed hope that services would resume promptly, noting the urgency for passengers with connecting international flights and those attempting to return home.