Global logistics providers have issued detailed advisories outlining operational adjustments across the Middle East, as evolving regional conditions affect maritime and air corridors. Companies including Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have confirmed precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding crews, vessels, and cargo while maintaining supply chain continuity.

Maersk echoed the safety-first approach in its latest customer communication, stating: “The safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority.” The company confirmed it is “suspending all vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice,” which may result in delays or schedule adjustments for services calling Arabian Gulf ports. In addition, Maersk announced it would pause Trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for its ME11 and MECL services, rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. While this ensures operational security, it is expected to extend transit times between Asia, the Mediterranean, and the US East Coast.

CMA CGM has implemented similar precautionary measures. In its advisory, the carrier stated that it had decided “to suspend all bookings with immediate effect and until further notice” for several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and selected ports in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The decision, it said, “has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safeguard of our crew, vessels and customers’ cargo under the current circumstances.” The French carrier also announced an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS), effective March 2, 2026. According to the advisory, the surcharge will apply at “USD 2,000 per 20’ Dry Container, USD 3,000 per 40’ Dry Container and USD 4,000 per Reefer or Special Equipment,” covering cargo to and from multiple countries across the region. CMA CGM emphasized that these measures are necessary due to “additional operational costs” linked to safeguarding operations.

Hapag-Lloyd has likewise implemented precautionary measures in response to the evolving security environment. Due to operational and safety constraints in the Upper Gulf, the carrier has issued a booking stop with immediate effect and until further notice for all cargo types to and from several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman (Sohar), Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail), and Yemen. Hapag-Lloyd explained that this measure is intended to “maintain cargo safety, ensure secure equipment positioning, and uphold operational standards.” The carrier’s teams are actively monitoring developments and providing timely updates to customers, who are encouraged to contact their local Hapag-Lloyd representatives for urgent inquiries.

On the air freight side, several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, have announced temporary suspension of their airspaces, resulting in cancelled or rerouted flights. Carriers warn that “reduced flight options and last-minute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times,” particularly across Asia–Europe and Asia–Africa corridors.

Despite these disruptions, landside services remain operational across much of the region. Logistics providers caution customers to expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Compiled from adversories