Update: Cargo operations affected by U.S. and Israel-Iran War
Last updated: March 6, 2026 3:30 PM CDT
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.