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Major carriers in the Gulf have resumed freighter operations but still at limited scale and schedules remain fluid
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Global freight forwarders DHL and DSV both said schedules remain volatile given the continuing military hostilities that has widened across the region since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran
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DHL said cargo movement is focusing first on clearing backlog
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Delays will persist and rates continue to increase due to limited capacity and risk surcharges
Major carriers in the Gulf have resumed freighter operations but still at limited scale and schedules remain fluid, according to DHL’s Middle East situation update as of March 4.
The operations are planned for a gradual increase, but adjustments will depend on airspace access amid the continuing military hostilities that has widened across the region after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
Danish freight forwarding giant DSV also noted that the limited operations are mainly repatriation flights while most regular commercial services remain suspended.
Qatar Airways Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo are among the top global air freight carriers.
DHL said cargo movement is focusing first on clearing backlog and “improvement is expected in days, supported by secondary air hubs” such as Cairo/Turkey options and charter flights from the Fujairah International Airport in the the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Kindom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Oman are also active gateways with bonded land‑bridge into the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is composed of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
“Western Saudi ports (Jeddah/King Abdullah/Yanbu) and Oman (Salalah/Sohar/Duqm) support sea/air entries, with simplified transit in Oman and expanded clearance in KSA enabling bonded moves to final markets,” DHL said.
Meanwhile, congestion and equipment constraints are expected with the use of alternative ports and limited connectivity.
Rates continue to rise due to limited capacity and surcharges relating to war-risk/emergency/bunker.
“Customers should anticipate potential delays or even cancellations, space constraints, and short-notice rate adjustments in the coming days and weeks,” DSV said.
FedEx, meanwhile, said it has resumed pickup and delivery services across the Middle East, “where it is safe to do so and in line with local guidance.”
Shippers to or from the region will continue to experience extended transit times, FedEx said in its latest alert.
READ: Global logistics face major disruption as Middle East crisis escalates
