Afghanistan's main airport is at a standstill as the country grapples with the fallout of a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by the Taliban government. The Taliban has yet to give an official reason for the decision, which took effect on Monday, but it claimed it would last until further notice. The UN stated the shutdown could inflict significant harm. Communication within Afghanistan—and to the wider world—has been significantly affected, including essential services like banking and payments, not to mention access to online education, vital for many women and girls.
Kabul airport was described as 'nearly deserted,' with reports of canceled flights. A few flights that remained were marked as 'unknown,' with one passenger learning that flights to Kabul would not resume until Thursday at the earliest. People in Kabul reported an absence of communication, despite everything else seeming 'normal.'
In addition to grounding flights, the shutdown has disrupted daily life, leaving many feeling 'blind without phones and internet.' Businesses are struggling, and essential banking services are limited. For women and girls, this internet blackout has closed the door on education opportunities, exacerbating an already dire situation.
The UN mission in Afghanistan calls for immediate restoration of telecommunications access, fearing the consequences of such a blackout on economic stability and humanitarian efforts. On social media, Netblocks also reported a 'total internet blackout,' indicating the severity of the situation. This event hits hard for those reliant on digital connectivity for work, education, and communication—a stark reminder of the challenges facing Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Kabul airport was described as 'nearly deserted,' with reports of canceled flights. A few flights that remained were marked as 'unknown,' with one passenger learning that flights to Kabul would not resume until Thursday at the earliest. People in Kabul reported an absence of communication, despite everything else seeming 'normal.'
In addition to grounding flights, the shutdown has disrupted daily life, leaving many feeling 'blind without phones and internet.' Businesses are struggling, and essential banking services are limited. For women and girls, this internet blackout has closed the door on education opportunities, exacerbating an already dire situation.
The UN mission in Afghanistan calls for immediate restoration of telecommunications access, fearing the consequences of such a blackout on economic stability and humanitarian efforts. On social media, Netblocks also reported a 'total internet blackout,' indicating the severity of the situation. This event hits hard for those reliant on digital connectivity for work, education, and communication—a stark reminder of the challenges facing Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
