Recent developments in the geopolitical landscape have escalated tensions across the Middle East, resulting in a volatile and unpredictable environment that directly affects air and ocean freight operations in the region.

Air

Airspace Closures:

• Israel has reopened its airspace, with scheduled flights expected to resume gradually.
• Iraq has reopened its airspace.
• Iran’s airspace remains closed.

Carrier Cancellations:

• Emirates has suspended flights to Iraq through June 30th.
• Lufthansa and Air France have temporarily suspended flights to Beirut. Lufthansa’s suspension runs through June 30th, and Air France’s suspension runs through June 25th.
• El Al has suspended scheduled flights until June 29th. 

With the airspace closures and rerouting, passenger (PAX) belly capacity is tightening, prioritizing high-value and time-sensitive cargo over general freight.

To avoid conflict zones, freighters are being rerouted to safer air lanes, limiting available capacity to major airports such as Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv.

Ocean

Freight Implications:

• HMM and ONE have halted services to Iraq.
• The Strait of Hormuz is still open, and vessels are currently passing.
• Carriers have reduced or suspended cargo acceptance for Israel on both Inbound and Outbound cargo.
• Major shipping lines are reviewing route safety and port security measures in the region, particularly near the Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf routes.
• At the time of publication, ports remain operational. If the situation changes, potential port congestion or vessel diversions may lead to extended transit times and possible delays.

Please reach out to your local Expeditors representative if you have any questions or concerns.