We continue to monitor the evolving military conflict in the Middle East and the significant disruption it is causing across global supply chains. Operational changes by airlines and ocean carriers are being made at short notice, affecting all modes of transport, and the situation remains fluid.
In general, Salalah in Oman is currently the most operational sea freight port in the region, while Riyadh and Jeddah are the most accessible airports for air cargo. Customers should expect increasing rates, surcharges, and extended transit times across all trade lanes. Space and rates remain highly volatile, and quoted rates must be confirmed and booked the same day. We continue to stress the importance of reviewing insurance policies with underwriters to ensure coverage includes War and Strikes provisions for cargo transiting affected areas.
Airspace restrictions remain in place, with many flights cancelled, diverted, or rerouted, and airports operating under heavy limitations. Some flights are continuing, but airlines are prioritising clearing cargo backlogs, limiting new bookings, and implementing temporary operational restrictions.
Emirates SkyCargo is operating a small number of flights from Dubai to clear backlogs, with freighter operations planned to resume in a limited capacity from 07/03/26, subject to regulatory approval. Etihad Cargo has a limited number of cargo and repositioning flights from Abu Dhabi, with a restricted freighter schedule planned from 09/03/26, though routes are not yet confirmed. IAG Cargo flights between London and Jeddah or Riyadh continue as scheduled, while flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha, Dubai, Bahrain, and Tel Aviv remain suspended. Oman Air Cargo continues general cargo operations from Muscat to Europe and Asia Pacific, though perishable shipments are temporarily restricted. FedEx has suspended flights to multiple Middle East countries, with shipments to other regional markets likely to experience delays, while Qatar Airways Cargo has suspended all commercial flights to and from Doha until further notice. Capacity remains most constrained at Gulf hub airports including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Air freight flows between Asia and Europe remain possible via direct long-haul flights or alternative hubs such as Istanbul.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, with vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf and all sailings through the strait suspended. Carriers have issued “End of Voyage” notices, suspended bookings, and introduced War Risk/Emergency Conflict Surcharges and emergency bunker charges.
Maersk has temporarily suspended bookings to and from most Gulf countries, paused trans-Suez sailings, and is rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, using Salalah as a key transshipment hub. CMA CGM has suspended Suez Canal transit, is rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope, and introduced an emergency conflict surcharge of USD 2,000 / USD 3,000 per TEU/40’ container, while limiting hazardous and refrigerated cargo bookings. MSC has suspended all Middle East bookings and invoked “End of Voyage” clauses to discharge containers at alternative ports. HMM, OOCL, ONE, and Evergreen have all confirmed suspension of Middle East bookings. Cargo discharged in Colombo may experience congestion, delays, and potential void sailings.
Road freight across GCC corridors remains operational, with cross-border trucking continuing between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and other GCC states. Enhanced border inspections, security screenings, and possible route diversions may increase transit times. In Europe, global fuel prices are rising following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting diesel costs and hauliers’ operating expenditure. Fuel surcharges are increasing and may move to weekly adjustments.
As a global freight forwarding and logistics provider, we continue to maintain close contact with carrier partners, port authorities, and regional representatives to manage cargo movements and provide alternative solutions wherever possible. The safety of our employees, partners, and stakeholders remains our highest priority.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. For further information regarding specific shipments or trade lanes, please contact your usual company representative.
