Internet Shutdown Disrupts Afghanistan Airports, Strands Passengers Abroad

DID Press: Afghanistan’s nationwide internet and telecommunications blackout has disrupted airport operations across the country, causing widespread flight delays and leaving Afghan travelers stranded at international airports, including in Dubai.

On Tuesday, Afghan passengers at Dubai International Airport reported that dozens of travelers bound for Kabul and other Afghan cities had been left waiting overnight in poor conditions, as alternative flights were unavailable. Images shared on social media showed chaotic scenes and exhausted passengers in departure lounges.

The disruption is the latest fallout from the Taliban government’s decision to shut down internet services across Afghanistan — a move that has also affected humanitarian operations, education, media, and now air travel.

Some signs, however, indicate that internet access may not be completely severed. Social media accounts belonging to several Taliban-run ministries were updated on Tuesday, suggesting that partial or selective connectivity remains in place. Despite this, media reports confirm that for over 16 hours, most citizens have faced severely limited access to internet and mobile networks.

Experts warn that prolonged disruptions to communications infrastructure could have serious economic and social consequences, particularly in sectors dependent on digital coordination, such as aviation and trade.

Transportation analysts say that the disruption of air travel not only affects passengers but may also hinder logistics, cargo shipments, and broader regional connectivity — already fragile due to Afghanistan’s ongoing isolation.

Commentators have called for smart management and the development of backup infrastructure to mitigate the risks of future blackouts and ensure essential services remain operational.