Please note: Situation accurate as of 10 March 2026 and subject to change.
Businesses moving goods internationally should be aware of significant and escalating disruption affecting both air and sea freight routes in the Middle East. Following military strikes on Iran on 28 February and subsequent retaliatory action, the situation has deteriorated sharply.
Airspace is currently closed in:
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Qatar
This is impacting passenger and cargo flights, particularly across Europe–Middle East–Asia corridors.
We are seeing:
– Flight cancellations and rerouting
– Extended transit times
– Increased freight costs
– Short-notice schedule changes
Maritime disruption has intensified significantly. All major carriers have suspended passage through the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation in late February.
Current status includes:
– Strait of Hormuz: Suspended by all major carriers
– Jebel Ali: Temporarily suspended
– Fujairah & Khor Fakkan: Operating with delays
– Duqm (Oman): Suspended
– Other Oman, Saudi and Suez Canal ports: Operating
– Qatar ports: Open but reduced traffic
Any expectation of a large-scale return of container shipping to the Red Sea in 2026 has been shelved. Vessels are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time, cost and uncertainty to schedules. War risk surcharges are now being applied by major carriers.
You may experience:
– Extended transit times
– Rerouting via Cape of Good Hope
– Increased freight rates and war risk surcharges
– Schedule volatility at short notice
– Documentary deadline pressure, particularly on letter of credit shipments
This is an evolving situation and may change quickly.
If you have shipments moving through affected regions, now is the time to review upcoming consignments and maintain close communication with your freight forwarder or carrier.
At Exporter Services, we are monitoring developments closely and supporting clients with proactive updates where delays, routing changes or cost implications arise.
If you would like to discuss how this may affect your supply chain, please get in touch at team@exporter-services.co.uk
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