The ongoing conflict across parts of the Middle East continues to create significant disruption to global supply chains. The situation remains highly fluid, with developments unfolding rapidly and changes to transport networks being implemented at short notice. Businesses moving goods across international trade lanes – particularly between Asia, Europe, the USA, and the Middle East- should remain alert to evolving conditions.

Air Freight Impacts

Airspace restrictions across several Middle Eastern countries are forcing carriers to reroute flights that would typically transit the region. In addition, services to directly impacted destinations are subject to cancellation or schedule changes.

This has resulted in:

• Airport closures.  The world’s busiest airport, Dubai, is currently closed
• Reduced cargo capacity on key trade lanes such as Asia/Europe and Asia/USA
• Longer flight times due to rerouting
• Increased pressure on available uplift
• Rate volatility driven by tightening capacity
• Potential congestion at alternative cargo hubs

Airlines are actively adjusting schedules and routing strategies; however, this remains a dynamic situation and further changes are possible at short notice.

Sea Freight Impacts

Security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea corridor are also impacting ocean freight services. Some carriers are pausing transits through the Suez Canal and surrounding waters, while others are rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid high-risk areas.

The implications include:

• Extended transit times on Europe–Asia routes
• Increased operating costs and fuel consumption
• Schedule disruptions and vessel delays
• Potential congestion at alternative hub ports
• War-risk and emergency conflict surcharges lanes implemented by carriers on certain trade routes and destination ports
• Vessels already at sea may be rerouted, and planned sailings may be subject to timing and routing revisions.

What This Means for Your Business

• Increased transit times (depending on origin and destination)
• Cost volatility across both air and ocean freight
• Reduced capacity and heightened demand for space
• Potential congestion at major trade hubs
• Emergency or war-risk surcharges
• Ongoing changes with minimal notice due to the developing nature of events

Given the speed at which conditions are evolving, flexibility and proactive planning are essential.

How to Mitigate the Impact

• Monitor in-transit shipments closely – Maintain regular communication with your freight partner for real-time updates.
• Explore alternative routing options – Different gateways, modal shifts (air/sea/road), or multimodal solutions may offer viable alternatives.
• Build contingency time into supply chain planning – Allow additional buffer for production and delivery schedules.
• Review insurance and risk management strategies – Ensure adequate coverage given heightened geopolitical risk.

How EBISS Can Support You

At EBISS UK, our specialist freight team is closely monitoring developments across affected airspace and maritime corridors. We are working directly with carrier partners to:

• Secure space where possible despite tightening capacity
• Identify and implement alternative routing options quickly
• Provide transparent cost updates and forward planning guidance
• Minimise disruption to shipments already in transit
• Develop contingency strategies tailored to your supply chain

In a situation where conditions can change daily, our strength lies in our agility and responsiveness. We understand that no two supply chains are the same, and we work flexibly to support your business – whether that means rerouting cargo, switching transport modes, adjusting timelines, or providing strategic planning advice.

If you have shipments in transit or are planning upcoming movements and would like guidance, please contact our Freight Team on 0203 780 0666 or email freight@ebiss.co.uk.

We are here to help you navigate this evolving situation with confidence and clarity.