Current disruptions include partial airspace closures across parts of the Middle East and precautionary measures taken by ocean carriers operating in or transiting through the region. In addition, the Strait of Hormuz is currently closed to all vessel traffic until further notice. As a result, some vessels are adjusting routes, delaying transits, or seeking temporary shelter. Certain airlines are also rerouting or suspending services. Given the Middle East’s critical role as a global transit hub, both direct shipments to/from the region and in-transit cargo may experience delays.
We are in close and continuous contact with our air and ocean carrier partners to secure the latest operational updates and to assess alternative routing options where required. Our teams are actively reviewing potentially impacted shipments and will proactively communicate with customers should adjustments become necessary.
As the situation evolves, we will continue to provide timely updates and guidance regarding possible impacts on logistics operations. For shipment-specific inquiries, please contact your usual Röhlig representative.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Air Freight updates in the Middle East
- Limited passenger flights at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports (Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC)) have resumed as of Monday 2 March 2026.
- Emirates Airlines – Temporary restrictions on booking remain. Limited flights operating with priority on clearing existing cargo.
- Etihad Airways – All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 06:00 UAE time Friday 6 March 2026. A limited number of repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights are operating on March 4 and 5.
- Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
- Cargolux - Middle East services remain suspended.
- Lufthansa Cargo - Flights suspended to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, and Tehran until Sunday 8 March 2026. The following airspaces will also not be used until Sunday 8 March 2026: Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam and Iran. In addition, Lufthansa Group airlines will suspend flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Larnaca until Friday 6 March 2026. Furthermore, the airspace of the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus will not be used until Friday 5 March 2026. Riyadh has been back on the regular flight schedule since Monday 2 March 2026.
- Air India - Experiencing flight cancellations and extended wait and acceptance times at terminals due to security screenings. Shipments to the Middle East are currently suspended. In addition, an embargo is in place on perishable or temperature-control cargo. SFO flights may experience severe payload restrictions due to airspace volatility.
- Cathay Group - Cathay Group has suspended all operations in the Middle East. This includes flights to Dubai up to and including Thursday 5 March 2026 and freighter services to and from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Our team is actively assessing alternative routings and uplift options for all affected shipments to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Customers with directly impacted shipments will be contacted individually with specific details and revised arrangements.
Sea Freight updates in the Middle East
- Port operation at Jebel Ali, the country's largest container port, have resumed.
- Import shipments in the UAE may be delayed in transit, while export shipments are on hold until further notice.
- No vessels are currently calling at major UAE ports.
- MSC has suspended new cargo bookings for the Middle East, while other major carriers, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have halted transit through the Strait of Hormuz. These carriers are now rerouting vessels around Africa to avoid risk areas.
- Some services and port calls in the region have been suspended or delayed, please be advised that the additional distance may extend transit times significantly.
- Carriers have begun to implement emergency surcharges and war-risk premiums on affected trade lanes to reflect the increased operational and insurance costs.
- Initiatives such as the ongoing collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are being monitored, and any decisions to return to standard routes depend on improvements in security.
Information on Röhlig Middle East
For updates on current bookings and ongoing shipments, please reach out directly to the Röhlig United Arab Emirates team.
Please check with the carriers for any new bookings to this region as some carriers may not be accepting shipments to this region at present.
We will provide more detailed information regarding operational impacts and contingency plans as soon as it becomes available. Our Dubai office team will be working from home for the next 2-3 days to ensure safety.
