Microsoft Azure has issued a notification confirming that network traffic across the Middle East is experiencing increased latency due to undersea fiber cuts in the Red Sea. The incident began at 05:45 UTC on September 6, 2025.
No Service Interruptions, But Higher Latency Expected
According to Microsoft, there has been no traffic interruption, as services have been rerouted through alternate network paths. However, users may notice slower response times on traffic that usually travels through the affected Middle East routes.
Importantly, traffic not crossing the Middle East remains unaffected, ensuring minimal disruption for global users.
Microsoft’s Response and Updates
Microsoft has reassured customers that it is actively monitoring the situation. The company has committed to issuing daily updates, or sooner if conditions change. The most recent update was published at 19:52 UTC on September 7, 2025.
Azure engineers continue to work closely with partners to restore optimal network performance while keeping services stable and reliable.
Broader Context: Undersea Fiber Cuts and Internet Stability
Undersea fiber optic cables are critical to global internet infrastructure, carrying the vast majority of international data traffic. Disruptions in these cables, such as the recent Red Sea incident, can lead to increased latency and rerouted traffic, particularly in regions heavily reliant on those routes.
For enterprises and individuals using Microsoft Azure in the Middle East, this highlights the importance of redundant connectivity and global failover systems to ensure business continuity.
Conclusion
While Microsoft Azure users in the Middle East may experience higher latency, the company confirmed that services remain operational through alternative network routes. With daily updates promised, customers can expect continued transparency until the undersea cable issues are fully resolved.
