Market update: Situation Middle East

Due to the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East, we would like to provide you with an important update on both air and ocean freight operations. The current conditions in the region are causing significant disruptions in global supply chains. Below is the latest information.

Ocean freight update

The ongoing conflict has led to major operational changes at global shipping lines:

Suspension of services & safety of ships

Major shipping lines such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have largely suspended their sailings through the Strait of Hormuz due to security risks.
Ships already in the Gulf region are being instructed to sail to the nearest safe harbor.

War Risk Surcharges

Shipping lines have introduced War Risk Surcharges ranging from USD 2,000 to USD 4,000 per container.

Booking restrictions

All shipping lines have temporarily suspended bookings for reefer, hazardous, and special cargo.

MSC - End of Voyage Declaration

MSC has declared an End of Voyage for all shipments currently under their control destined for ports in the Arabian Gulf.

• All affected cargo will be unloaded at the next safe port.
• A mandatory deviation surcharge of USD 800 applies.
• All costs related to unloading are borne by the owner of the cargo in accordance with the terms in MSC's Bill of Lading.

Other shipping lines are expected to follow a similar approach.

Air cargo update

Air cargo operations are currently experiencing major disruptions due to large-scale airspace closures and airport closures in the Gulf region.

Closure of airspace

Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates is completely or partially closed, preventing incoming and outgoing flights.

Suspended operations at key hubs

The main air cargo hubs in the Middle East - Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) - are operating at minimal capacity or are temporarily closed.
Only a very limited number of repatriation or essential cargo flights take place.

Impact on airlines

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have suspended most of their scheduled flights, including cargo flights.
European airlines are diverting flights, canceling them or avoiding the region entirely, leading to major capacity problems and delays.

Acceptance of cargo - What is still possible?

Subject to acceptance

Airlines are currently not accepting new cargo bookings for:
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq and Iran.

Very limited exceptions

• Some essential or previously booked shipments may be able to be carried on limited flights from Dubai.
• Certain alternative routes (for example, via Turkey or Egypt) may be possible for nearby destinations outside the Gulf region, but not for direct delivery in the Gulf region.

Still possible

Shipments to countries outside the affected airspace remain possible, but may be delayed.

How we support you

Our teams monitor the situation 24/7 and maintain close contact with shipping lines, airlines, and partners worldwide.

We remain:

• Giving proactive updates
• Finding the best available alternatives for urgent shipments
• Advise on route options tailored to your cargo

Do you have questions or need support with current or upcoming shipments? If so, please feel free to contact us.