Operational update: Middle East. Impact on global logistics
As of the morning of March 2, 2026
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East to ensure the continuity and safety of your supply chain.
Following the military escalation on 28/02/2026 between the US–Israel and Iran, the security environment for containerized ocean freight in the Middle East has reached a critical level for route planning. While the conflict remains regional, its impact on international transportation networks is significant. The suspension of passage through key chokepoints, including the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, is causing major delays on Asia–Europe trade lanes. Leading ocean carriers have suspended or rerouted bookings for the Arabian Gulf and Suez Canal transit, instructing vessels to seek safe anchorage or alternative routes.
Given the dynamics of the situation, it is currently not possible to accurately quantify the scale of the impact on rates and transit times for the Far East – Northern Europe / Black Sea corridor. However, it is clear that until the region stabilizes and de-escalation takes hold, route and tariff adjustments will continue on an “as of now” basis, driven by decisions from shipping lines, terminals, and insurers.
Operational status
The information below is based on notices from carriers, terminals, and our partner network and may change with short notice.
Airfreight
Regional airspace remains heavily restricted. Several major carriers have temporarily suspended or reduced services to and from the region, leading to cargo backlogs at hubs and disruptions to primary schedules, including a temporary standstill in primary flight operations on certain lanes.
Ocean Freight
Transit through the Red Sea remains highly volatile. While some ports are gradually resuming operations, many lines continue to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, shifting schedules and routes globally.
Financial impact
War-risk surcharges are being applied by several ocean carriers with immediate effect. We anticipate a period of rate volatility and increased surcharges until the security environment stabilizes.
Details by mode
Airfreight
Airspace closures have triggered significant backlogs at major hubs. Even as restrictions begin to ease, clearing the accumulated volume may take several weeks.
Emirates SkyCargo: Flights were suspended until March 2; booking restrictions are in place to stabilize the network and manage recovery of impacted shipments.
KLM & Turkish Airlines: Both carriers have implemented cancellations and reroutings across their Middle Eastern networks.
Ocean Freight
The suspension of passage through key chokepoints, including the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, is causing delays on Asia–Europe trade lanes.
Jebel Ali (DP World): Normal operations have officially resumed across Terminals 1 to 4 as of 18:00 (GST) on 1 March 2026. Enhanced safety and security measures remain in place. Some residual congestion is expected as the terminal works through the backlog.
MSC, Maersk & CMA CGM: Several major lines have suspended or rerouted bookings for the Arabian Gulf and Suez Canal transit, instructing vessels to seek safe anchorage or alternative routes.
Road Freight
Border crossings are currently functioning, though enhanced security checkpoints are causing delays. The Al Rawdah corridor (UAE–Oman) remains a viable alternative to relieve regional congestion.
Recommendations for clients
Validate all bookings: Please confirm the status of any new or pending shipments with your dedicated contact person before dispatch.
Plan for buffers: Add extra lead time for all cargo moving through or near the Middle East to account for security-related delays.
To speed up shipment-specific checks, please have your booking number, BL, or AWB ready.
Summary and ongoing support
The situation remains highly dynamic, with operational, financial, and scheduling impacts across air, sea, and land freight. We remain in constant contact with carriers, terminals, and local authorities. Our teams are proactively informing clients, analyzing shipment-specific risks, and identifying alternative routes wherever possible. We remain fully engaged, stay in close contact with you, and are committed to supporting your supply chain with timely information and practical solutions during this period of disruption.