Articles

🚨 Major Disruption to Middle East Air & Ocean Freight

March 3, 2026

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to widespread airspace closures and significant global freight disruption.

Major carriers including Qatar Airways Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, and Etihad Cargo have suspended operations. International airlines such as Lufthansa Cargo, Turkish Cargo, and IAG Cargo have also paused or rerouted flights.

✈ Air Cargo Impact

  • Global air cargo capacity down 18%

  • Asia–Middle East–Europe corridor down over 40% on some routes

  • Indirect China/Hong Kong–Europe capacity via Gulf down 75%

  • Fuel prices rising due to regional oil facility shutdowns

🚢 Ocean Freight Impact

  • MSC suspending Middle East bookings

  • CMA CGM and Maersk rerouting vessels via the Cape of Good Hope

  • Suez Canal transits temporarily suspended

  • This remains a developing situation. Members are advised to expect delays, capacity shortages, and rate volatility.