Middle East service disruptions

Last updated: Tuesday 10 March 2026 15:00 CET

Röhlig Logistics is closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global supply chains. While our primary focus remains on ensuring continuity for our customers, our thoughts are with all those affected by the developments in the region.

Key takeaways

Air and Sea Freight operations across the Middle East remain significantly disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz is currently closed to vessel traffic, halting transits and causing route diversions, including around the Cape of Good Hope. Multiple airlines have suspended or restricted services due to widespread airspace and airport closures. UAE sea freight flows are impacted, with export activity paused and import delays expected. Emergency surcharges and war-risk premiums are being implemented on affected trade lanes. Röhlig is assessing impacted shipments and coordinating alternative routing solutions.

Looking for help?

The situation is constantly changing. Röhlig stands ready to support you in navigating the resulting challenges with clarity and confidence. While there is no universal solution, we offer tailored, practical approaches designed around your specific supply chain requirements. Just as importantly, we dedicate the necessary attention, expertise, and capacity to discuss these options with you directly.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you - by phone, email, or in person - and begin a focused dialogue on how we can best support your business in this environment.

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Service overview, alternative routing options, and local information

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.

Sea Freight updates in the Middle East

Maersk reports a suspension of reefer, DG and OOG cargo bookings to and from the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. There is also a suspension of dry cargo bookings to and from the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam & Al Jubail), Oman (Sohar) & Bahrain. The suspension applies to cargo originating from, destined for, or transhipping through these countries. There are also limitations on some dangerous goods cargo to Israel. Details on cargo currently in transit can also be found within Maersk Operations updates.
Hapag-Lloyd have suspended services to and from the Upper Gulf region. Export shipments where the empty container has not yet been picked up will be cancelled. For specific information, please refer to Hapag Lloyd's Live Ticker.
CMA CGM are implementing measures including but not limited to vessel deviations to all shipments to and from the following countries: Iraq (Port of Umm Qasr), Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Arabian Sea ports).
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has implemented contingency measures across affected routes in the Middle East, including alternative routings and operational adjustments.
ZIM reports that all local terminals in both Ashdod and Haifa are functioning as usual, with some limitations on DG cargo that will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
COSCO has announced a suspension of all new bookings from worldwide to the United Arab Emirates (excluding Khor Fakkan and Fujairah), Bahrain, Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (excluding Jeddah), and Kuwait, as well as a suspension of all new bookings from the United Arab Emirates (excluding Khor Fakkan and Fujairah), Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (excluding Jeddah), and Kuwait to worldwide.
Jebel Ali, the UAE's largest container port, is currently operational.
As many 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.

Air Freight updates in the Middle East

Emirates Airlines	Following the partial re-opening of regional airspace, Emirates continues to operate a reduced passenger flight schedule. Emirates SkyCargo continues to develop its freighter network to enhance connectivity.
Etihad Airways	Etihad Airways has resumed a limited commercial flight schedule, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.
Qatar Airways	Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. A limited number of flights will depart from Doha on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March 2026, with a further limited number of flights to Doha on the same days plus Thursday 12 March 2026.
Cargolux	Cargolux has decided to temporarily suspend the acceptance of all freight bound for the Middle East until further notice. with the exception of Muscat.
Lufthansa Cargo	For flights to Dubai (DWC and DXB), a station embargo for inbound shipments will apply until and including Sunday 5 April 2026. No bookings can be accepted for Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Dubai (DWC and DXB), Erbil, Tel Aviv, and Tehran until and including Sunday 5 April 2026. Flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Dammam, Dubai, and Erbil are suspended until and including Sunday 15 March 2026. Flights to and from Beirut are suspended until and including Saturday 28 March 2026. Flights to and from Tehran are suspended until and including Thursday 30 April.
Air India	Air India has announced multiple ad-hoc flights to the UAE starting Monday 9 March 2026.
Cathay Group	All Cathay Pacific flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh have been cancelled up to and including Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Turkish Airlines	Some flights to/from the following destinations have been cancelled: Bahrain, Dammam and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria and United Arab Emirates. Airspace is continuously being monitored in real time.

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.

Röhlig expands Air Freight capacity to support EU–Oceania cargo

With ongoing disruptions across the Middle East impacting traditional air freight transit routes, Röhlig Logistics has expanded controlled air freight capacity by up to three times, helping customers maintain supply chain continuity.

Our teams have acted quickly to implement immediate contingency solutions including:
• Dedicated 747 freighter charter capacity
• Expanded commercial air freight uplift
• Alternative routing options bypassing affected hubs

During times like these, our focus remains simple: supporting customers with practical solutions and dependable logistics expertise.

After the first interactions with our customers over the weekend and based on their additional space requests, our airfreight team acted very fast by arranging a couple of charters in order to offer scalable capacity from Europe for the next two weeks. The demand over the last couple of days has even surpassed our expectations and we are glad to offer solutions to our customers on very short notice.

Thomas Hansen
CEO - Oceania and Southeast Asia
Röhlig Logistics

FAQ - Middle East service disruption

What is the current status of freight operations in the Middle East?

Air and Sea freight operations across the Middle East are significantly disrupted. Partial airspace closures and operational restrictions are affecting air cargo capacity, while sea freight movements are impacted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and related precautionary measures.

How is Air Freight affected in the Middle East?

Several airlines have suspended or restricted services due to airport closures and airspace limitations. This is reducing available capacity and impacting both direct shipments to the region and cargo transiting through Middle Eastern hubs.

Is the Strait of Hormuz open for vessel traffic?

No. According to the current update, the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessel traffic until further notice. This is halting transits through the region and causing route diversions and delays.

Are UAE ports operating normally?

Jebel Ali port operations have resumed; however, import shipments may face delays and export activity is currently on hold. No vessels are presently calling at major UAE ports due to the ongoing situation.

Are carriers applying additional charges?

Yes. Emergency operational surcharges and war-risk premiums are being implemented on affected trade lanes due to rerouting, extended transit times, and elevated risk levels.

Disclaimer

All information is provided in good faith for guidance and reference purposes only. It is of a general informational nature, and Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG takes no legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided via this document. Röhlig Logistics GmbH & Co. KG makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein and accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of the information provided.