Middle East Transport Update: Impact on Air & Ocean Freight (2026)
Find out which routes are affected, what this means for your deliveries, and how to plan your operations.
LAST UPDATE: 25.05.2026
Information on air and sea transport
This page is updated daily or when new key information becomes available regarding restrictions in transport corridors affected by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The situation in the Middle East continues to affect global logistics flows, particularly in air and sea transport. Although some operations have partially stabilized, restrictions, alternative routes, and increased operational uncertainty remain a key factor in planning international shipments.
Key Indicators
- Continued disruption across key maritime corridors
- Elevated fuel, insurance and operational costs
- Reduced predictability in transit times and schedules
- Increased use of multimodal and alternative routing solutions
Air Transport
- Air freight operations show a partial recovery in capacity, particularly among Gulf carriers
- However, operational volatility remains high due to airspace restrictions, rerouting, and fuel costs
- Confirmed bookings and schedules continue to be subject to short-notice changes
- Fuel surcharges and operational fees remain in effect on many trade lanes
Several countries in the region have imposed temporary restrictions or closed airspace, resulting in:
- route changes;
- reduced flight capacity;
- longer transit times;
- possible increased air freight rates.
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Edelweiss)
- Air France–KLM
- British Airways
- Emirates & Etihad
- Globally
- high fuel prices
- airspace restrictions
- operational uncertainty
Sea Transport
- Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, despite a few successful transits
- Shipping operators continue to implement rerouting and alternative routing strategies
- Gulf logistics networks are adapting by utilising alternative ports and multimodal solutions
- Congestion, backlogs, and extended transit times continue to impact global supply chains
Military risks and rising insurance premiums have led to:
- the rerouting of ships;
- the avoidance of the Strait of Hormuz;
- the congestion of alternative routes (e.g., around Africa);
- increased military risk surcharges.
Supply Chain Impact
Global supply chains continue to operate amid structural disruption
Companies are increasingly relying on:
• alternative routing
• multimodal transport
• flexible logistics planning
This instability is expected to continue in the coming months
Companies are increasingly relying on:
• alternative routing
• multimodal transport
• flexible logistics planning
This instability is expected to continue in the coming months
Current picture of airspace and maritime routes
The map above shows areas with temporarily closed or restricted airspace and closed sea routes (Source: https://safeairspace.net/)
Key takeaway
After a brief period of stabilisation, the situation has escalated again, with traffic flows through key maritime corridors remaining severely restricted and unpredictable.
Outlook: What to expect in the coming weeks
- Continued operational volatility
- Ongoing reliance on alternative routing
- Elevated transport and insurance costs
- Gradual adaptation rather than rapid normalisation
Our Recommendations
- Plan your shipments with an extra time buffer
- Allow for flexibility in routes and schedules
- Please consult with our team for every new request
- Check for updates regularly
Situation remains volatile
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Transport
Is the situation reflected in the rates?
Yes, there has been an increase in the price per kilogram, especially from China to Europe.
Are changes to confirmed reservations possible?
Yes, there is a high probability of change or cancellation.
When are the air corridors expected to open?
The official information is until March 8, 2026, but restrictions are expected to remain in place for a longer period.
Are there traffic jams at European airports?
Yes - there is a serious accumulation of cargo.
How many flights have been canceled globally?
Over 23,000, with over 4.4 million affected locations.
Is now the right time to negotiate long-term prices?
We believe that the timing is not right, as prices are very dynamic and airlines are reluctant to make long-term commitments, even for regular larger volumes.
Sea Transport
Is there a war risk surcharge?
Yes. Average:
- USD 2000 / 20DC
- USD 3000 / 40HC
Are new orders for the Middle East being accepted?
At present, in many cases, new bookings for the region are not being accepted.
Which ports are still open?
King Abdullah, Jeddah Aqaba, Aden, Mukalla, Sokhna, Djibouti, Port Sudan (after individual verification)
Are reefer containers accepted?
Yes, after additional verification and confirmation.
Can urgent cargo be transported?
Each case is considered individually.
What is Unimasters' advice?
If the shipment is not urgent and can wait, we recommend postponing it due to the high risk of delays, additional fees, and route changes.
Is now the right time to negotiate long-term prices?
We believe that the timing is not right, as prices are very dynamic and sea carriers are reluctant to make long-term commitments, even for regular larger volumes.
Contact us
Do you have a specific question about your shipment or transit route?
Т: 0800 800 00
Е: air@unimasters.com
Е: ocean@unimasters.com
Т: 0800 800 00
Е: air@unimasters.com
Е: ocean@unimasters.com
