Latest News

Internet cut-off leaves Afghans stranded after flights are cancelled

Flightradar24 data shows that at least 14 flights were scheduled to depart from Kabul Airport on Wednesday, but the status of others is unclear. This follows an internet shutdown across Afghanistan.

The Taliban's Monday order to cut off internet and cell phone services has caused chaos in banks, businesses, and aid organizations. Afghans are also unable to communicate with their family members and friends. Many people are stranded, as flights have been cancelled.

The Taliban administration did not explain the blackout of connectivity and we were unable to contact them for a comment. The United Nations called for the restoration of services.

The Taliban has expressed concern in the past about online pornography. In recent weeks, authorities have cut fibre-optic connections to some provinces, citing morality.

Four departures, and ten arrivals of the 34 flights scheduled to fly into and out of Kabul Wednesday were cancelled. Ten of the 31 flights scheduled for Tuesday were cancelled.

Flightradar24's website labelled the status of 21 remaining flights as "unknown". The status of many flights that were scheduled to depart from other provincial airports such as Herat or Kandahar on Tuesday and Wednesday was also marked "unknown".

Mohammad Bashir told Tolo News, the channel of the Afghan national and international airline Kam Air, that only one flight has been run since the blackout. He explained that in order to share flight information with the airport of destination before a flight takes off, it is necessary to do so online. This was no longer possible.

He hopes that operations can resume on Wednesday.

This is very important for our citizens who have transit flights, and those who are stranded in their attempts to return. Bashir stated that we must resume operations for the sake of our fellow citizens. (Reporting and writing by Hritam Mukerjee, Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Saeed Shah. Editing by Elaine Hardcastle).

(source: Reuters)