Source: Freightwaves; Sunday Guardian
Date: 2nd March 2026 

Air and Ocean Capacity Tightens as Airlines Suspend Flights and Shipping Routes Shift.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East is already disrupting one of the world’s most critical logistics corridors linking Asia and Europe. Airlines have suspended flights, rerouted aircraft, and avoided key regional hubs, significantly reducing global air cargo capacity. Longer flight paths, added fuel requirements, and additional refuelling stops are expected to push air freight rates higher, particularly on Asia–Europe trade lanes.

Major cargo carriers and integrators have halted operations across several Middle Eastern markets, suspending pickups, deliveries, and flight operations. Key regional hubs have been affected by airspace closures, infrastructure damage, and security concerns. As a result, global air cargo capacity has dropped significantly week-on-week, and shipments moving through the region are expected to face extended transit times and operational delays.

Ocean shipping is also experiencing major disruption. Container carriers are diverting vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, introducing emergency surcharges and war-risk fees. Several ports and terminals have suspended operations, and vessels are rerouting around longer alternative paths. These developments are expected to create significant delays and higher freight costs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East trade routes.

The conflict is also affecting global energy supply chains. Disruptions to major oil shipping routes are expected to push fuel prices higher, increasing transportation and logistics costs worldwide. Rising insurance premiums, risk surcharges, and longer transit routes will likely add further cost pressure across global supply chains.

Overall, the situation is creating widespread uncertainty across global transport networks and increasing the risk of delays, congestion, and cost escalation across multiple freight modes.

Air cargo capacity has dropped sharply due to suspended flights, airspace closures, and rerouting. Longer flight paths reduce payload capacity and increase fuel consumption, making rate increases likely, particularly on Asia–Europe corridors.

Vessel diversions away from key Middle East shipping routes are causing longer transit times, emergency surcharges, and war-risk fees. Port shutdowns and delays are expected to disrupt Asia–Europe trade lanes.

Shippers, importers, and exporters are likely to face longer transit times, rising freight rates, and reduced capacity across both air and ocean transport. Shipments moving through the Middle East or between Asia and Europe are particularly exposed to delays and cost increases.

Higher fuel prices, insurance premiums, and security surcharges will raise overall landed costs, while rerouting and port closures may cause congestion and supply chain disruptions. Businesses may need to adjust routing strategies, build additional lead time into planning, and consider alternative transport options to maintain supply chain continuity. Given the fluid nature of the conflict, the situation could change rapidly, with further operational restrictions, route closures or cost adjustments introduced at short notice.

P/S: This situation remains highly dynamic and may change at short notice as geopolitical developments unfold. The information provided reflects the status at the time of writing. Should there be any significant updates, we will share them accordingly to keep our customers and partners informed. Please contact your respective Logfret representative should you require any clarification.