Microsoft’s Azure cloud services experienced significant disruptions on September 6, 2025, following multiple undersea fiber optic cable cuts in the Red Sea. These incidents led to increased latency and slower response times for users, particularly in Asia and Europe whose data routes traverse the Middle East (Moneycontrol).
The Impact of the Red Sea Cable Cuts
The Red Sea serves as a critical artery for global internet connectivity, with nearly 17% of worldwide traffic flowing through subsea cables laid in its shallow waters. The affected cables—including SEACOM/TGN-EA, AAE-1, and EIG—are essential for linking Europe and Asia. The simultaneous damage caused significant service disruptions for Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform and slowed global internet traffic.
Microsoft reported that users on traffic routes passing through the Middle East might have experienced delays, while traffic outside the region remained unaffected. The company reassured customers that alternative paths were activated to maintain connectivity and minimize service interruptions (Reuters).
Ongoing Efforts and Recovery
As of September 7, 2025, Microsoft confirmed that Azure cloud services were fully operational. Engineering teams continue to monitor network performance and optimize traffic routing while subsea cable repairs proceed (Mint). Repairing undersea cables involves complex logistics, including mobilizing specialized repair ships and securing permits in politically sensitive waters like the Red Sea.
Broader Implications for Global Connectivity
This incident highlights the vulnerability of global internet infrastructure to disruptions in subsea cable systems. While Microsoft successfully mitigated immediate impacts through traffic rerouting and timely communication, the event underscores the importance of robust contingency planning and resilient network architecture.
Microsoft’s proactive measures demonstrate its commitment to service reliability. However, the outage serves as a reminder of the complexities in managing global cloud services and the potential challenges posed by critical infrastructure failures (Hacker News).
Looking Ahead
Microsoft will continue to monitor Azure service performance and provide updates as repairs progress. Users are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest notifications and service information.
