Operational Disruptions in the Middle East

Due to the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East our network of logistics partners has been releasing advisory notices and operational updates for shipments in the affected regions.

We’ve collected this information below to provide an overview of the latest guidance.

Maersk

Ocean Updates

Effective immediately and until further notice Maersk will be:

• Suspending reefer, dangerous / special cargo acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia until further notice.

Effective immediately, Maersk will also be:

• Suspending all new bookings between the India Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and the Upper Gulf markets of UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only). This suspension does not apply to other trade corridors.

Air Updates

• UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have temporarily closed/suspended airspace.
• Airlines are cancelling or rerouting flights, causing possible delays and extended transit times.
• Sea-Air shipments may be affected due to port and ocean operational impacts.
• Ground operations at airports/cargo terminals (handover, acceptance, processing) may face delays due to local restrictions or staff shortages.

Landside Updates

• Trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational.
• Possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times.
• Alternative routes and stricter security may change schedules and costs.

MSC

• Suspended all bookings in and out of the Middle East region until further notice
• Vessels operation in the area will be re-directed to designated safe shelters until further notice

CMA

• Suspended all reefer bookings or bookings with hazardous or DG goods, until further notice from: Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea.
• A conflict surcharge will be imposed for all bookings from: Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea.

Hapag Lloyd

• Security situation in the Arabian Gulf is disrupting vessel movements and port operations.
• Impacted countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman.
• Expect schedule changes, extended transit times, and possible cargo delays.
• Some vessels may be held in safe waters; no alternative ports designated.
• Booking restrictions for reefer cargo and Intra-Middle East trades.
• All shipments subject to War Risk Surcharge (WRS); additional surcharges possible.

Airports

• Airspace is either closed or heavily restricted in major regions of: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, and Israel
• Carriers have announced plans to re-route cargo via safer alternatives

What to Expect

This situation continues to evolve, but strongly advise clients to expect:

• Service delays and suspensions in the affected regions
• Potential surcharges for storage and/or those related to war/security risks

Operational disruptions in the Middle East are creating uncertainty for both sea freight and air freight networks, affecting routes, transit times, and cargo capacity. As carriers adjust operations to manage risks and maintain service reliability, global supply chains may experience delays and increased transportation costs.