Middle East Security Situation: Impact on Global Freight Services

Middle East Security Situation: Impact on Global Freight Services

We would like to update you on the current security situation in the Middle East and its significant impact on our freight operations. Recent escalations have caused major disruptions across key trade lanes, resulting in delays and operational adjustments that will need to be made by our team.

Key impacts on freight and logistics:

• Red Sea and Suez Canal disruptions

  Major shipping lines (e.g., Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM) are suspending or renewing the bypassing of the Red Sea/Suez Canal route due to renewed security threats. We expect this to add significant transit time of up to 10-14 days, as vessels are diverted around the Cape of Good Hope.

• Strait of Hormuz restrictions
  Due to increased operational risk, shipping lines have suspended or significantly restricted cargo movements into the Persian Gulf. This will directly affect key regional hubs, including Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.

• Air freight & airspace limitations

  Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East have led to flight suspensions, delays and diversions, reducing air cargo capacity and creating congestion across alternative routes.

• Rising costs & surcharges
  Furthermore, carriers have begun implementing war-risk surcharges due to the additional risks, in addition to expected rate increases, which are anticipated to continue as rerouting and capacity shortages persist.

What to expect:

• Extended transit times across both air and ocean networks

• Limited capacity and potential schedule changes at short notice

• The need to consider alternative routing options where feasible

• Higher freight rates due to market volatility

How are we supporting?

Howard Tenens International’s air and ocean freight teams will remain in continuous communication with our global carrier partners to closely monitor any developments and maintain service to the best of our ability.

We will promptly inform you of any confirmed updates relating to your shipments.

If you currently have cargo in transit, or if you are planning shipments to or from the affected region, please contact your usual Howard Tenens International representative for tailored advice and support.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period of global disruption. Our team remains committed to minimising delays and ensuring the most efficient solutions possible as the situation evolves.