Customer Advisory: Middle East Crisis
Updated: March 5, 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 freight update
Current situation
- Multiple Middle Eastern airspaces are temporarily closed.
- Major regional hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar have experienced operational suspensions.
- Numerous airlines have cancelled, suspended, or rerouted flights.
- Global air cargo capacity has decreased by approximately 18% compared to last week.
- Air freight rates are expected to increase, particularly on Asia–Europe corridors.
- Rerouted flights require longer flying times and additional fuel stops, reducing available payload capacity.
Customer impact
- Potential delays on shipments routed via Middle East hubs.
- Capacity constraints on alternative routes.
- Upward pressure on spot rates.
- Possible schedule adjustments and longer transit times.
Ocean freight update
Current situation
- The Strait of Hormuz is considered effectively closed for commercial shipping.
- Several carriers are suspending Suez Canal transits and rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.
- 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 10–14 days).
- Schedule disruptions.
- Equipment imbalances.
- Additional surcharges for Gulf and Red Sea cargo.
- Temporary booking restrictions on selected Middle East destinations.
Fuel market developments
Energy markets reacted immediately to the escalation:
- Brent crude increased by approximately 7%.
- Ultra-low sulfur diesel rose nearly 13%.
Expected impact
- Potential BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor) increases.
- Higher trucking and linehaul costs.
- Upward pressure on total logistics spend.
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.
