Customer Advisory: Middle East Crisis
Updated: March 2, 2026
The rapidly evolving crisis in the Middle East is directly impacting global logistics operations. 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 Doha are experiencing operational constraints due to security concerns and infrastructure disruptions.
Simultaneously, maritime operations are under severe pressure. Commercial vessels have received warnings restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and most major container carriers are continuing to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal, effectively removing some of the world’s most critical shipping routes from normal service.
Impact on logistics & supply chains
These developments are already affecting global freight flows:
Air cargo
- Loss of key Asia–Europe flight corridors
- Reduced belly-hold and freighter capacity
- Aircraft rerouting, longer flight times, fuel constraints, and payload reductions
- Estimated 18% reduction in global air cargo capacity week-on-week
- Increased volatility and upward pressure on air freight rates
Ocean freight
- Vessel diversions and extended transit times
- Schedule unreliability and equipment imbalances
- Continued avoidance of high-risk sea lanes
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.
