Afghanistan’s main airport was at a standstill September 29 and 30 as it struggled with a nationwide internet shutdown. The shutdown was not the result of faulty infrastructure but a situation imposed by the Taliban government.
The Taliban did not give an official reason for the decision, which took effect on Monday, September 29 but said it would last until further notice.
Kabul airport was “nearly deserted”, according to reports, with no planes arriving or leaving that could be discerned.
Communication within Afghanistan has also been severely affected, as well as essential services like banking, payments and access to online education.
As of October 1, 2025, Afghanistan’s nationwide internet and cell phone services were restored after the two-day blackout. The Taliban has denied imposing the national ban, but the widespread disruption was linked to a decree combating “immorality.”