- 06 March 2026
Update about the situation in the middle east
We would like to keep you updated on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Mainfreight remains committed to ensuring your supply chain continues to run as smoothly as possible. Our teams across all regions are staying in close contact with carriers and industry bodies so we can keep you well‑informed.
The current disruptions in the Middle East are affecting both sea and air freight for many businesses. Our teams are here to support you and can help identify alternative options where needed.
Airfreight
Please note that the situation will impact delivery times. With major global air cargo hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi currently closed, airlines are being forced to take longer and less efficient routes. This is expected to have a flow‑on effect on air freight rates. Even once Middle Eastern airspace reopens, it may take several weeks for operations to return to normal. We appreciate you’re understanding and patience during this time.
Other Regions Impacted
North America
Northern American carriers have been affected, with passenger demand increasing, resulting in cargo offloading, as passengers take priority. This will have a flow on effect across the network.
Asia
Asian carriers are currently experiencing sharp rate increases, with spot pricing to major European hubs, such as Amsterdam, London, and Frankfurt. Some cost relief may be possible by routing through less congested European airports or alternative pathways.
Major Suspensions
Port & Gateway Status
Operational Impact & Costs
While full details are still emerging, please rest assured that we will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and for further information please contact your local Mainfreight team.
The current disruptions in the Middle East are affecting both sea and air freight for many businesses. Our teams are here to support you and can help identify alternative options where needed.
Airfreight
Please note that the situation will impact delivery times. With major global air cargo hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi currently closed, airlines are being forced to take longer and less efficient routes. This is expected to have a flow‑on effect on air freight rates. Even once Middle Eastern airspace reopens, it may take several weeks for operations to return to normal. We appreciate you’re understanding and patience during this time.
Other Regions Impacted
North America
Northern American carriers have been affected, with passenger demand increasing, resulting in cargo offloading, as passengers take priority. This will have a flow on effect across the network.
Asia
Asian carriers are currently experiencing sharp rate increases, with spot pricing to major European hubs, such as Amsterdam, London, and Frankfurt. Some cost relief may be possible by routing through less congested European airports or alternative pathways.
Major Suspensions
- Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad have suspended all flights to and from Australia.
- Several international carriers, including Lufthansa and IAG Cargo, have paused regional operations.
- Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar is currently closed.
- Airlines are rerouting via Central Asia (Almaty, Tbilisi, Istanbul), resulting in payload limits and delays.
Port & Gateway Status
- Jebel Ali (Dubai): All four DP World terminals are operating as normal with additional security measures in place.
- Abu Dhabi & Ruwais: Ports managed by AD Ports remain open and fully operational.
- Strait of Hormuz: Commercial traffic is currently limited, which is affecting vessel movements in the area.
- Kuwait: Port Shuaiba has reported an isolated incident near a civilian operations area; however, ports across the region continue to operate under standard high‑security procedures.
- Carrier & Booking Restrictions
- Maersk & Hapag‑Lloyd: Both carriers have temporarily paused transits through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb as a precaution.
- Hapag‑Lloyd: A temporary booking stop is in place for cargo to/from the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and select ports in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
- MSC: New bookings for cargo destined for specific Middle Eastern locations are currently on hold.
- CMA CGM: Vessels in the Persian Gulf have been instructed to adjust positions in line with updated safety guidelines. Emergency operational measures are being implemented including possible vessels deviations to contingency ports.
Operational Impact & Costs
- Rerouting: Some vessels are being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, which may extend transit times by roughly 10–14 days depending on the service.
- Emergency Operational Measures: Carriers are enacting emergency measures which can involve discharge of containers at the nearest safe port. This may result in extra costs.
- Additional Surcharges: Several carriers have introduced temporary War Risk Surcharges ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per container.
- Insurance: Certain insurers have adjusted or paused war‑risk coverage in the region, which may influence sailing schedules.
- Fuel Pricing: Global fuel prices have risen due to changes in regional supply dynamics. BAF adjustments are expected across several trade lanes.
While full details are still emerging, please rest assured that we will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves and more information becomes available.
Thank you for your understanding and for further information please contact your local Mainfreight team.