Customer Advisory: Middle East Crisis
The ongoing escalation in the Middle East is causing significant disruptions to global logistics, impacting capacity availability, transit times, and costs. The situation remains highly volatile and continues to evolve rapidly. Recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have heightened regional security risks, disrupting critical air and ocean freight corridors that support global supply chains.
This page is updated frequently to reflect the latest developments.
Current situation in the Middle East
Escalating hostilities have led to temporary airspace closures across large parts of the Middle East, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights and avoid key transit hubs. Major airports and transshipment hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are experiencing operational constraints due to security concerns and infrastructure disruptions.
Simultaneously, maritime operations are under severe pressure. The Strait of Hormuz is fully closed for commercial shipping, and most major container carriers continue to avoid Red Sea transit routes and the Suez Canal corridor, effectively removing some of the world’s most critical shipping lanes from normal service.
Impact on logistics & supply chains
For airfreight we have seen sudden impacts due to airport closures in Middle East – where Dubai and Doha serve as major hubs, and when they close (and effectively Emirates and Qatar cancel all flights) this also impacts the trade between Asia and Europe. We see resumption in operations now so things are stabilizing. Below is the latest situation of port operations in Middle East – and as mentioned above, things can change by the hour.
Current state of operations at Middle East ports:
What impacts all modes of transport (air, ocean, trucking) is the oil price as it represents a major cost of their operation – where we have seen a spike.
Air freight update
Multiple sources confirm dramatic increases linked to airspace closures & capacity loss.
Key figures:
- Global airfreight rates up 6% week on week in early March, +3% YoY.
- Rates on South Asia → Europe lanes up as much as 70% since start of conflict.
Freightos Air Index:
- China → N. Europe +7% weekly
- China → N. America +2% weekly
- Europe → N. America +3% weekly
Indicative estimate vs. 28 Feb baseline:
- +20–40% globally, +50–70% on lanes using Middle East corridors.
Ocean freight update
Overall increases:
- Container rates have surged 14.9% week over week and 28.3% since just before airstrikes on Feb 27 based on SCFI index movements.
- Middle East lane rates up 40.8% in one week.
- War Risk Surcharges (WRS) applied by major carriers: USD 1,500–4,000 per container (global carriers including CMA-CGM, MSC).
If you look at the container freight rate index over time – you can see that we are way below Covid levels:
Trucking/Road freight
War impact is primarily through diesel and energy markets.
Key figures:
- Diesel across EU spiked above €2/litre with strongest weekly jumps of 2026.
- Fuel spikes drive immediate cost increases; bunker fuel jumped 8.9% in one week, signaling broader transport cost escalation.
- European contract trucking rates were already rising due to capacity & driver shortages pre-war.
Indicative estimate vs. 28 Feb baseline:
- +8–12% trucking cost increase directly attributable to war driven fuel spikes.
Impact on logistics & supply chains
These developments are affecting global freight flows:
Air freight update
Current situation
- Several airlines have suspended services and stopped accepting cargo to key Middle East destinations.
- Airspace restrictions are forcing airlines to reroute flights, increasing transit times.
- Available airfreight capacity has been significantly reduced across the region.
- Major regional hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar are operating under restricted schedules.
- Air freight rates are increasing due to reduced freighter capacity and longer routings.
- War risk surcharges and fuel surcharges are being applied by several carriers.
- Spot rate volatility is expected for urgent and premium shipments.
Customer impact
- Customers may experience limited space availability and delays.
- Transit times may increase due to rerouting and operational constraints.
- Upward pressure on spot rates.
- Possible schedule adjustments and longer transit times.
Ocean freight update
Current situation
- Carriers continue to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to ongoing instability.
- The Strait of Hormuz is fully closed to commercial shipping.
- Vessels are being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times and operational costs.
- Major shipping lines have paused or adjusted services in the Gulf region.
- War Risk and Emergency Conflict Surcharges have been introduced.
Customer impact
- Extended transit times (Cape routing may add 10–15 days).
- Schedule disruptions.
- Equipment imbalances.
- Additional surcharges for Gulf and Red Sea cargo.
- Temporary booking restrictions on selected Middle East destinations.
- Potential cargo redirection to alternative ports for final delivery.
Fuel market developments
Energy markets have reacted strongly to the escalation in the Middle East.
- Fuel prices have increased sharply, putting additional pressure on airline operations.
- Oil prices have risen significantly amid concerns about supply disruptions and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Brent crude briefly surged above $100 per barrel before stabilizing at elevated levels.
- Fuel markets remain highly volatile, with potential implications for aviation fuel, diesel, and bunker prices.
Expected impact
- Potential BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) increases
- Higher airline fuel costs affecting airfreight rates
- Upward pressure on overall logistics cost
Recommended actions
To mitigate risk and disruption, we strongly advise:
- Confirming all new bookings prior to dispatch through your dedicated Marinetrans contact
- Building additional buffer time into all Middle East–related shipments
- For time-critical cargo, contacting us immediately to assess alternative routings or contingency solutions
Our commitment
We continue to closely monitor developments and maintain constant communication with carriers, ports, and local authorities. Our priority remains the safety of personnel and cargo, while minimizing supply chain disruption wherever possible. We appreciate your understanding during this exceptional period and remain available to support your operational planning.
For questions regarding pending shipments, please contact your account manager for further assistance.
