MIDDLE EAST: REGIONAL TENSIONS AND IMPACTS ON INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS
The rapid degradation of the security situation in the Middle East and the intensification of tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are causing immediate adjustments in both air and sea freight, with repercussions impacting all international logistics.
This article is subject to change. Last updated on 3 March 2026.
A FRAGMENTED AIRSPACE
Air capacities are heavily reduced in the area. Several Middle Eastern airspaces—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Israel—are closed or highly restricted. Major hubs such as Dubai International Airport or Tel Aviv are operating in a very limited capacity. This context involves numerous diversions via Europe, Turkey, or Central Asia.
MARITIME ROUTES UNDER TENSION
On the maritime side, East-West routes are directly disrupted. Shipowners have suspended bookings or modified their services and are increasing diversions to avoid certain sensitive areas in the Persian Gulf. In the Mediterranean, Turkey and Cyprus serve as support ports, with a growing risk of congestion. Some shipping companies are also limiting the transport of sensitive goods (notably refrigerated containers).
Around the Strait of Hormuz, the majority of major regional ports—Port of Jebel Ali, Port of Dammam, Port of Jeddah, Port of Ashdod, or Port of Beirut—remain operational. However, the security risk level is high and schedule adjustments are frequent.
The massive rerouting of ships is causing a significant influx toward transshipment hubs, leading to fears of future congestion as well as longer transit times. Note that emergency and war risk surcharges have already been introduced by companies, applicable immediately.
This situation also impacts energy flows (oil, LNG) as well as many strategic raw materials exported from the Gulf (aluminum, fertilizers, polymers), with repercussions on global industrial supply chains and costs.
We are closely monitoring the evolution of the situation in a constantly changing environment and remain mobilized to support you, keep you informed, and offer alternatives adapted to your needs.
