Published 1 year ago • loading... • Updated 1 year ago
Red Sea Cable Cuts Disrupt Internet Across Asia and the Mideast as Azure Reroutes Traffic
On September 6, 2025, Microsoft reported increased latency for Azure users due to multiple undersea fiber optic cable damages in the Red Sea affecting Middle East routes.
The disruption followed previous damage to undersea cables earlier this year and took place amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Yemen's Houthi rebels, although the precise cause has yet to be determined.
The outage impacted internet connectivity in countries including India, Pakistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with operators like Du and Etisalat confirming slower speeds and disruptions.
Microsoft successfully rerouted network traffic by Saturday evening and restored full Azure service by September 7, 2025, but users will face increased latency until repairs finish; Moammar al-Eryani called it a "wake-up call for the international community."
This event highlights the vulnerability of digital infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive regions and underscores the need for international efforts to protect critical subsea cables essential for global connectivity.