Flights in Afghanistan have been disrupted after the government imposed a widespread internet shutdown across the country. The move has affected airlines, passengers, and airport operations, causing significant delays and uncertainty for travelers. With internet services cut off, communication and coordination at airports have become difficult, leading to grounded flights and confusion for both domestic and international passengers.

The shutdown came amid ongoing political and security challenges in Afghanistan. The country has faced instability since the Taliban regained control in 2021, and disruptions to essential services, such as the internet, have become more common. Internet access is critical for modern air travel, as airlines rely on online systems to check passengers, update flight schedules, and communicate with air traffic control. Without these services, airports are forced to halt operations temporarily to ensure safety.

Passengers reported long lines and delays at major airports, as airlines struggled to manage check-ins and boarding without online systems. Some travelers were unable to get updates about flight cancellations or changes, causing frustration and anxiety. International carriers have also expressed concerns, as flight plans and communications with other countries depend heavily on internet connectivity. Grounding flights is a necessary precaution in such situations, as safety cannot be compromised.

The Afghan Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that flights were temporarily suspended due to technical difficulties caused by the internet outage. Officials emphasized that the decision was made to protect passengers and ensure safe operations at airports. While some domestic flights were affected more than international ones, the disruption highlights how modern air travel depends heavily on digital infrastructure. Even a temporary internet shutdown can have a ripple effect, causing delays and inconvenience across the aviation sector.

Airlines have been working to find alternative ways to communicate and manage operations during the outage. Staff at airports have resorted to manual systems, such as paper records, to process passengers and coordinate flights. However, these measures are slow and cannot fully replace the efficiency of online systems, which is why many flights remain grounded until internet services are restored.

The internet shutdown has also raised concerns about broader economic and social impacts in Afghanistan. Beyond aviation, businesses, schools, and financial institutions rely on connectivity for daily operations. A prolonged shutdown can disrupt commerce, education, and communication, adding to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens in the country.

While no official reason has been given for the internet shutdown, it is believed to be related to security measures and government control of information. Such measures are not uncommon in regions facing political instability, but they often have unintended consequences for essential services, including air travel.

In conclusion, the grounding of flights in Afghanistan following the internet shutdown highlights the importance of digital connectivity for modern transportation. Passengers, airlines, and airport staff are all affected when online systems are disrupted, showing how intertwined technology and travel have become. Authorities and airlines will need to work closely to restore operations safely and minimize further disruption. Until internet services return, travelers in Afghanistan will continue to face delays and uncertainty, underscoring the critical role of reliable communication in aviation safety and efficiency.