How the Middle East Conflict is Hitting Air and Sea Freight
Freight and passenger flows across the Middle East are facing growing disruption as escalating military conflict forces airlines and shipping companies to cancel services or alter routes.
The volatile situation, sparked by reciprocal strikes between Iran, the US and Israel, is threatening the reliability of key transport corridors — both in the air and on water — and placing intense pressure on global supply chains.
Freight services suspended as tensions rise
Major ocean carriers have been responding to the worsening conflict by reducing or halting services to Israeli ports.
On Friday (20 June), Maersk confirmed the suspension of operations to Israel’s Port of Haifa, while German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd also scaled back services, citing crew safety and reliability concerns.
In a statement, Maersk said: "Maersk has made the decision to temporarily suspend vessel calls at the Port of Haifa, Israel and also suspend cargo acceptance for Haifa.
"The safety and security of our seafarers and operations are our top priorities. We have taken this proactive measure to safeguard our people, assets and customers’ cargo in light of increased regional instability."
Despite the regional unrest, Hapag-Lloyd vessels are still transiting the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which a significant portion of global oil and cargo flows — although Iran has threatened to close the strait.
Meanwhile, French carrier CMA CGM said it was closely monitoring the geopolitical landscape but has not yet altered its services.
These developments pose mounting risks to container logistics and global cargo schedules, especially for companies relying on timely deliveries in and out of the region.
Airspace closure compound delays
The air freight sector has also been heavily impacted.
Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights after Qatar's airspace was shut down following an attempted Iranian missile strike on a US military base.
The strike formed part of a broader response to American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and Israeli assaults on Iranian military targets.
Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the second-busiest in the Gulf after Dubai, was shut for eight hours from Monday evening to early Tuesday morning, resulting in tens of thousands of stranded passengers and the massive rerouting of flights across the region.
Posting on the social media platform X at 1.20am local time, Qatar Airways said: "Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar.
“Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations.”
The airline confirmed that hundreds of flights had been cancelled, diverted or delayed, with inbound flights rerouted to major hubs including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat and beyond.
Impacting global supply chains
Combined air and sea freight interruptions are exposing the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability. The Middle East remains a crucial transit point for both passenger traffic and freight, with the Gulf acting as a hub for key east-west trade routes.
Companies dependent on fast, predictable cargo flows — from energy and automotive manufacturers to retail and consumer goods firms — will be watching the situation closely. Prolonged disruption could mean increased costs, rerouting challenges and extended delays, particularly for time-sensitive shipments.
As logistics providers reassess risk profiles and route alternatives, the ongoing crisis highlights the strategic importance of resilient, diversified supply chains that can adapt swiftly to geopolitical shocks.
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