A fire at a critical telecom hub in downtown Cairo has disrupted internet and mobile services across Egypt, affecting public services, aviation, and digital banking. Read on for incident details, operational impact, and what to expect next.
Telecom Blaze in Downtown Cairo Injures 22, Cuts National Connectivity
On 07 July 2025, a massive fire broke out in the seventh-floor equipment room of Telecom Egypt’s 10-story central building in downtown Cairo. The blaze damaged vital infrastructure including terrestrial network cables and internet routing equipment. At least 22 people sustained injuries during the incident, which temporarily crippled internet and mobile services nationwide.
Initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit as the likely cause. Firefighting efforts continued into 08 July, by which time the fire was contained and its spread to nearby buildings successfully prevented.
Severe Disruption to Banking, Flights, and Emergency Services
The fallout from the fire was widespread. NetBlocks reported that Egypt’s internet connectivity fell to 62% of normal levels on 07 July and dropped further to 44% the next day. As a result:
- Digital banking operations, including ATMs, credit card payments, and online transactions, were disrupted.
- Flight services at Cairo International Airport were affected due to the telecom outage but had resumed normal operations by 08 July.
- Ambulance services had to issue alternate emergency numbers across multiple governorates, as the main hotline became unreachable.
Outlook
Recovery operations are underway, with Telecom Egypt rerouting fixed internet traffic through its Central Interchange Centre. However, residual disruptions are likely to persist for the next few days, particularly for businesses dependent on digital platforms.
Authorities are expected to maintain a security perimeter around the building to monitor structural risks and prevent flare-ups. Localized traffic restrictions remain in place near the site. Organizations are advised to monitor official updates and activate contingency plans to manage service outages and connectivity risks.
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