U.S. and Israel-Iran War Overview

Operational statuses throughout the Middle East remain fluid and changing hourly in some instances. For up-to-the-minute details, please contact your local AIT office. 

Air

• Airfreight capacity remains tight; however, capacity is available into the region. AIT continues to offer viable routing options into Middle East markets.
• Expect transit delays, reduced schedule reliability, and premium pricing for time-critical freight.
• Freighter operations remain highly constrained, carriers are expanding operations to major global routes with a focus on essential cargo.
• Fuel surcharge levels continue to increase daily across all providers.The most affected trade lanes include Asia Pacific-North America, Asia Pacific-Europe and Europe-North America.
• Premium or express services remain available on select lanes but may require refueling stops and are subject to uplift limits.
• Charter solutions continue to be evaluated case by case and require ad hoc approvals for urgent moves. 

Ocean

Strait of Hormuz

The strait remains closed to select commercial traffic. Upper Gulf calls are disrupted even where ports are technically open. Many carriers have booking suspensions or allow exceptions only (primarily critical food and pharmaceuticals).

Red Sea and Suez Canal

Routings remain paused. Most Asia-Europe services are diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 15 days to transit.

Schedules

Expect rolling estimated arrival and departure changes as well as port rotation edits on short notice. For Asia-Europe corridors, plan for an additional 10 to 15 days.

Feeder/Transshipment

Connectivity is irregular, especially into the Upper Gulf. Where appropriate, consider a land‑bridge solution from Jeddah or Oman.

Cargo Restrictions

Continuing limits on reefers, dangerous goods, and out-of-gauge/project cargo on several lanes. Some carriers may accept critical food/pharmaceuticals.

Costs and Terms

Expect war‑risk surcharges and higher extended‑voyage costs. Carefully review bill of lading terms, including force majeure and end‑of‑voyage clauses.

Additional mitigation and guidance for shippers

• Build lead time and adjust inventory buffers, especially on Asia-Europe shipments.
  • For Asia-Europe air shipments, consider shifting non-urgent projects to ocean freight. Expect tightening on Europe-North America as freighters reposition and anticipate minor delays on Asia-North America due to network congestion. 
• Pre‑validate routings and ports with your account team. 
• Lock space early for priority cargo; prepare contingency routings via Saudi Arabia or land‑bridge via Jordan. 
• Notify your account team of any special cargo requirements for prior approval. 
• Share commodity and temperature specs upfront for reefer and any restricted cargo. 
• Review contracts and insurance for war‑risk and voyage‑completion terms.
• For lane‑specific options and booking windows, contact your account team.
• AIT leaders continue to actively negotiate with carriers while rerouting shipments as needed within our vast global network. Charters and ad hoc capacity are under constant review to accommodate critical shipments such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc. 

AIT contingency gateway solution

AIT is providing services from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman, supported by road freight to and from the United Arab Emirates.

Examples of transit times to destinations are tentative, require security approval, and are subject to change without notice.

RUH to

• Kuwait: 4-5 days
• Qatar: 3-4 days
• United Arab Emirates: 4-5 days

MCT to

• Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Qatar: 3-4 days
• Damman/Jeddah/Riyadh: 4-5 days
• Kuwait: 4-5 days

Consignee details and contact person for each destination are required to mention the same in customs manifest for border clearance/movement.

Operational statuses throughout the Middle East remain fluid and changing hourly in some instances. For up-to-the-minute details, please contact your local AIT office. 

Air

• Airfreight capacity remains tight; however, capacity is available into the region. AIT continues to offer viable routing options into Middle East markets.
• Expect transit delays, reduced schedule reliability, and premium pricing for time-critical freight.
• Freighter operations remain highly constrained. Egypt, Jordan, Oman and parts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are currently the only viable hubs; Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait are fully offline.
• Fuel and war-risk surcharges are in effect across carriers and remain under active review.
• The most affected trade lanes include Asia Pacific-North America, Asia Pacific-Europe and Europe-North America.
• Premium or express services remain available on select lanes but may require refueling stops and are subject to uplift limits.
• Charter solutions continue to be evaluated case by case and require ad hoc approvals for urgent moves.

Ocean

Strait of Hormuz

The strait remains unstable and closed to select commercial traffic. Upper Gulf calls are disrupted even where ports are technically open. Many carriers have booking suspensions or allow exceptions only (primarily critical food and pharmaceuticals).

Red Sea and Suez Canal

Routings are paused. Most Asia-Europe services are diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 15 days to transit.

Port Acceptance (case by case) 

Some advisories still show Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam) and Salalah as open, but feasibility depends on each carrier’s service string and war‑risk provisions.

Schedules

Expect rolling estimated arrival and departure changes as well as port rotation edits on short notice. For Asia-Europe corridors, plan for an additional 10 to 15 days.

Feeder/Transshipment

Connectivity is irregular, especially into the Upper Gulf. Where appropriate, consider a land‑bridge solution from Jeddah or Oman.

Cargo Restrictions

Continuing limits on reefers, dangerous goods, and out-of-gauge/project cargo on several lanes. Some carriers may accept critical food/pharmaceuticals.

Costs and Terms

Expect war‑risk surcharges and higher extended‑voyage costs. Carefully review bill of lading terms, including force majeure and end‑of‑voyage clauses.

Additional mitigation and guidance for shippers

• Border customs will be closed March 19-23 in observance of Eid and Ramadan. All necessary planning must be executed in advance to ensure freight is not staged or held at the customs border during this period. AIT operations teams are proactively adjusting routing, timing and clearance activities to avoid disruption.
• Build lead time and adjust inventory buffers, especially on Asia-Europe shipments.
  • For Asia-Europe air shipments, consider shifting non-urgent projects to ocean freight. Expect tightening on Europe-North America as freighters reposition and anticipate minor delays on Asia-North America due to network congestion.
• Pre‑validate routings and ports with your account team.
• Lock space early for priority cargo; prepare contingency routings via Saudi Arabia or land‑bridge via Jordan.
• Notify your account team of any special cargo requirements for prior approval.
• Share commodity and temperature specs upfront for reefer and any restricted cargo.
• Review contracts and insurance for war‑risk and voyage‑completion terms.
• For lane‑specific options and booking windows, contact your account team.
• AIT leaders continue to actively negotiate with carriers while rerouting shipments as needed within our vast global network. Charters and ad hoc capacity are under constant review to accommodate critical shipments such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

AIT contingency gateway solution

AIT is providing services from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman, supported by road freight to and from the United Arab Emirates.

Examples of transit times to destinations are tentative, require security approval, and are subject to change without notice.

RUH to

• Kuwait: 4-5 days
• Qatar: 3-4 days
• United Arab Emirates: 4-5 days

MCT to

• Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Qatar: 3-4 days
• Damman/Jeddah/Riyadh: 4-5 days
• Kuwait: 4-5 days

Consignee details and contact person for each destination are required to mention the same in customs manifest for border clearance/movement.

Operational statuses throughout the Middle East remain fluid and changing hourly in some instances. For up-to-the-minute details, please contact your local AIT office. 

Air

• Airfreight capacity continues to tighten due to widespread Middle East airspace closures, which are disrupting routing and uplift across the region.
• Freighter operations remain highly constrained. Oman, Jordan, Egypt, and parts of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are currently the only viable hubs; Doha, Kuwait, and Bahrain are fully offline.
• Fuel and war-risk surcharges are in effect across carriers and remain under active review.
• The most affected trade lanes include Asia Pacific-North America, Asia Pacific-Europe, and Europe-North America.
• Premium or express services remain available on select lanes but may require refueling stops and are subject to uplift limits.
• Charter solutions continue to be evaluated case by case and require ad hoc approvals for urgent moves.

Ocean

Strait of Hormuz

Fully closed to commercial traffic. Upper Gulf calls are disrupted even where ports are technically open. Many carriers have booking suspensions or allow exceptions only (primarily critical food and pharmaceuticals). 

Red Sea/Suez

Routings are paused again. Most Asia-Europe services are diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 15 days to transit. 

Port Acceptance (Case by Case) 

Some advisories still show Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Port (Dammam), and Salalah as open, but feasibility depends on each carrier’s service string and war‑risk provisions.

Schedules

Expect rolling estimated arrival and departure changes and port rotation edits on short notice. For Asia-Europe corridors, plan for an additional 10 to 15 days.

Feeder/Transshipment

Connectivity is irregular, especially into the Upper Gulf. Where appropriate, consider a land‑bridge solution from Jeddah or Oman.

Cargo Restrictions

Continuing limits on reefers, dangerous goods, and out-of-gauge/project cargo on several lanes. Some carriers may accept critical food/pharmaceuticals.

Costs and Terms

Expect war‑risk surcharges and higher extended‑voyage costs. Carefully review bill of lading terms, including force‑majeure and “end‑of‑voyage” clauses. 

Additional mitigation and guidance for shippers

• Border customs will be closed March 19-23 in observance of Eid and Ramadan. All necessary planning must be executed in advance to ensure freight is not staged or held at the customs border during this period. AIT operations teams are proactively adjusting routing, timing and clearance activities to avoid disruption.
• Build lead time and adjust inventory buffers, especially on Asia-Europe shipments.
  • For Asia-Europe air shipments, consider shifting non-urgent projects to ocean freight. Expect tightening on Europe-North America as freighters reposition and anticipate minor delays on Asia-North America due to network congestion.
• Pre‑validate routings and ports with your account team.
• Lock space early for priority cargo; prepare contingency routings via Saudi Arabia or land‑bridge via Jordan.
• Notify your account team of any special cargo requirements for prior approval.
• Share commodity and temperature specs upfront for reefer and any restricted cargo.
• Review contracts and insurance for war‑risk and voyage‑completion terms.
• For lane‑specific options and booking windows, contact your account team.

• AIT leaders continue to actively negotiate with carriers while rerouting shipments as needed within our vast global network. Charters and ad hoc capacity are under constant review to accommodate critical shipments such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

AIT contingency gateway solution

AIT continues to provide gateway services from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman, supported by road freight to and from the United Arab Emirates.

Examples of transit times to destinations are tentative, require security approval, and are subject to change without notice.

RUH to 

• Kuwait: 4-5 days
• Qatar: 3-4 days
• United Arab Emirates: 4-5 days

 MCT to 

• Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Qatar: 3-4 days
• Damman/Jeddah/Riyadh: 4-5 days
• Kuwait: 4-5 days

Consignee details and contact person for each destination are required to mention the same in customs manifest for border clearance/movement. 

Operational statuses throughout the Middle East remain fluid and changing hourly in some instances. For up-to-the-minute details, please contact your local AIT office. 

Air

• Airfreight capacity is tightening, with increasing transit reliability challenges driven by multiple Middle East airspace closures impacting routing and uplift.
• Fuel and war risk surcharges are being applied and remain under review with all carriers.
• Premium/express service is available on select lanes, subject to refueling stops and uplift limits. 
• Charter service is being reviewed on a case-by-case basis; adhoc approvals are required for urgent shipments.

Ocean

The Strait of Hormuz remains fully closed to commercial shipping. Carriers have declared (End of Voyage) for Middle East inbound cargo and have begun discharging containers at various ports across the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Spain, instructing shippers to arrange for delivery at these alternate locations.

AIT contingency gateway solution 

AIT is providing gateway services from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman.

Examples of transit times to destinations are tentative, require security approval, and are subject to change without notice.

RUH to 

• Kuwait: 4-5 days
• Qatar: 3-4 days
• United Arab Emirates: 4-5 days

 MCT to 

• Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Qatar: 3-4 days
• Damman/Jeddah/Riyadh: 4-5 days
• Kuwait:4-5 days

Consignee details and contact person for each destination are required to mention the same in customs manifest for border clearance/movement. 

Additional mitigation and guidance for shippers 

Border customs will be closed March 19-23 in observance of Eid and Ramadan. All necessary planning must be executed in advance to ensure freight is not staged or held at the customs border during this period. AIT operations teams are proactively adjusting routing, timing and clearance activities to avoid disruption.

AIT leaders continue to actively negotiate with carriers while rerouting shipments as needed within our vast global network.

Operations teams are leveraging routings through Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman and non-Middle East ports, when possible. Charters and ad hoc capacity is under constant review to accommodate critical shipments such as food, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Summary 

Every day, AIT Worldwide Logistics’ freight forwarding professionals apply their vast depth of operational experience in response to a broad variety of geopolitical, labor, and weather events across the global network. The past week has been no different as the U.S. and Israel-Iran War has led to widespread disruption in the Middle East, affecting sea, air, and road operations.

As always, AIT teams around the world are continuing to provide compliant, secure solutions and options that help our clients with cargo moving to, from, and/or through the region. Customers with affected shipments have been contacted proactively, but if you still have questions, please reach out to your local AIT office.

And if you’re experiencing difficulty overcoming supply chain challenges with your current provider, request a consultation with an AIT representative who will listen to your requirements and quickly deliver a customized solution for your business. 

Sea

The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed to commercial traffic and ocean carriers are avoiding the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea. 

Air

With airspace closed, air carriers have cancelled flights and/or suspended routes serving many countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, many routes that rely on Middle East airspace have been cancelled and/or suspended.

Road

All countries in the region remain operational with the exception of Israel where ground distribution is currently suspended. 

What to expect

Shippers should expect increasing rates as fuel prices surge, and carriers deploy longer routes to avoid closed airspace and bodies of water. Rerouted lanes will lead to tighter capacity and additional fuel consumption. Some carriers have also introduced surcharges in response to the war.