Microsoft has reported that its Azure cloud services are experiencing disruptions due to multiple undersea fiber optic cable cuts in the Red Sea. The company announced on September 6, 2025, that users may experience increased latency, particularly on traffic routes passing through the Middle East. However, traffic not traversing through the Middle East remains unaffected.
The affected cables, part of the SMW4 and IMEWE systems, are critical for internet connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The disruptions have led to slower internet speeds and intermittent access in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and India. Microsoft has rerouted traffic through alternative network paths to mitigate the impact, ensuring that network traffic is not entirely interrupted.
Repairing undersea cables is a complex and time-consuming process. The company has stated that undersea fiber cuts can take time to repair and will continue to monitor, rebalance, and optimize routing to reduce customer impact in the meantime. Daily updates will be provided, or sooner if conditions change.
The Red Sea is a vital corridor for global internet traffic, and disruptions in this region can have widespread effects. The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure and the importance of maintaining robust and resilient connectivity systems.
Microsoft’s Azure cloud services are now functioning normally after the disruptions. The company continues to monitor and optimize traffic routing while repairs are underway.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by global internet infrastructure and the need for continued investment in resilient and secure connectivity solutions.
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