Security concerns because of the hostilities in the Middle East have resulted in major disruptions for both air and ocean logistics services. Air traffic in the region has seen significant interruptions for both passengers and cargo, with the closure of major airports and airspace in the region.
Current situation:
AIR SERVICES
Countries that have closed airspace, until further notice:
- Iran
- Israel
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates
Airline flight cancellations or suspensions:
- Emirates and Flydubai have halted operations, as flights suspended at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International
- Etihad suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi
- Qatar – suspended all flights from Doha
- Turkish – Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan
- British Airways – Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman services
- Lufthansa – Dubai, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Oman
- Air France – Tel Aviv, Beirut
- KLM – Tel Aviv
- Virgin Atlantic – Dubai
- Swiss – Tel Aviv, Dubai
- Cathay Pacific – Dubai, Riyadh passenger and freight via Al Maktoum.
OCEAN SERVICES
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed by relevant authorities and carriers have advised suspension of all vessel transits through this region until further notice. Indications that all merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf have been advised to proceed to shelter. CMA-CGM has suspended passage through the Suez Canal and all vessels will be re-routed via the Cape of Good Hope.
Further to our Trade Advisory: Middle East, dated 1st March 2026; please be advised of the latest updates as received from shipping lines, as at 1st March 2026:
- MSC – all bookings for Middle East region are suspended until further notice. All vessels currently in Gulf region or en route will proceed to designated safe shelter. MSC will advise customers regarding potential alternate ports of discharge, if required.
- Maersk – all vessels initially planned for Suez sailings will be rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope. Cargo bookings remain open at this time.
- ONE – all bookings for the region are suspended until further notice. For cargo currently in transit, situation will be assessed voyage by voyage and ONE will communicate any operational changes.
- Hapag Lloyd – bookings remain open at this time. Carrier has issued notification of a War Risk Surcharge, effective 2nd March 2026, for any booking on or after 2nd March 2026, as well as any cargo already on the water, but not yet discharged or loaded to / from the region. The WRS is at a quantum of US$1500 per TEU for standard containers and US$3500 per container for reefer and special equipment.
This is a developing situation, we will keep you updated on any new developments.
Source: SACO South Africa
