MIDDLE EAST: REGIONAL TENSIONS AND IMPACTS ON INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS [UPDATE ON MAY 21, 2026]

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.

The situation in the region remains unstable, despite a fragile ceasefire and complex negotiations. The alert level therefore remains high, as tensions can escalate rapidly and lead to a deterioration of the situation, with potential impacts on flight routes, stopovers, and on-site operations.

REORGANIZED MARITIME FLOWS

Maritime transport remains severely disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with traffic still reduced, although a slight increase in the number of transits has been observed in recent days. Shipowners nevertheless continue to avoid the area, leading to prolonged delays, additional logistics costs, and significant uncertainty regarding energy and container flows.

In light of these constraints, alternative solutions are being developed, particularly through multimodal corridors combining maritime and land transport, while taking regional constraints into account. Kuwait requires heightened vigilance, with strict guidelines to be followed in the event of an alert or falling debris. Bahrain, Lebanon, Israel, and certain areas of Saudi Arabia also warrant increased attention. Oman currently appears to be a more stable logistics option and may constitute a viable alternative.

The United Arab Emirates remains operational, though it remains vulnerable to potential sporadic security alerts.

Also worth noting is the implementation of the MPCI program by the United Arab Emirates. Led by the National Advance Information Centre (NAIC), this program requires the electronic submission of cargo data 24 hours prior to loading at the last port outside the UAE for certain maritime shipments destined for, transiting through, or transshipping via the country. The information to be reported includes, in particular, the bill of lading, ports, container and seal numbers, a description of the goods, and the HS code.
For more information: https://naic.icp.gov.ae/portal/mpci/info

AIR TRANSPORT: PARTIAL RECOVERY AND VARIABLE CAPACITY

Air transport also remains under pressure. Airspace restrictions and rerouting via Gulf hubs—notably Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi—are lengthening transit times and increasing operational costs. Several countries in the region remain heavily impacted, particularly Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, where connectivity remains fragile despite ongoing operations.

Some adjustments are nevertheless being observed, with the resumption of certain routes, such as those operated by Qatar Airways to Dubai, as well as a gradual redeployment of cargo capacity between Europe and the Gulf. In Bahrain, the partial resumption of flights is confirmed, although high costs continue to limit volumes.

Overall, the aviation sector remains in a difficult situation, with variable capacity and a strong dependence on developments in the geopolitical and energy landscape.

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.