Middle East Operational Update 2

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and would like to provide you with an update on what it means for your shipments and our services across the region. As conditions develop, we are taking proactive measures to protect our people, safety, safeguard cargo integrity and maintain the stability of our network.

Ocean Update 

We are taking operational measure to ensure the safety of our personnel, safeguard your cargo and maintain service stability across affected trade in the Middle East. Following our latest risk assessment and operational review, the following decisions are being implemented:

• Effective immediately, we are suspending reefer, dangerous / special cargo acceptance in and out of UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia until further notice.
• Effective immediately, we are suspending all new bookings between the India Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) and the Upper Gulf markets of UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Jubail only). This suspension does not apply to other trade corridors.

Air Update 

As the situation continues to evolve, several countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran have announced the temporary suspension of their air spaces. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, airlines have also cancelled or re-routed their flights through the region. The reduced flight options and lastminute carrier schedule changes may result in delays or extended transit times. Impact on sea‑ports and ocean operations may also contribute to extended lead times, particularly for Sea‑Air volumes connecting through the affected hubs. Furthermore, ground movement at the airports and cargo terminals, such as cargo handovers, acceptance, and processing, may be affected where local restrictions or staff shortages occur.

Landside update

Landside services like trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational across the region. Customers should expect possible border congestion, customs delays, and variable transit times. Alternative routes and stricter security may cause schedule changes and cost shifts. The situation is being monitored for quick response and efficient management.

Existing bookings and cargo in transit 

Confirmed bookings accepted prior to this advisory will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in light of the current operational constraints. Cargo already in transit remains under active operational management. Our teams will continue to monitor movements closely and contact customers directly should any adjustments or further actions be required.

We encourage our customers to engage with their local Maersk representative to explore alternative gateway options, adjusted routing structures or inland solutions outside the impacted zones, where operationally feasible. Our teams remain focused on identifying workable solutions while prioritizing safety and operational resilience. 

We will continue to keep you updated on the situation, via our Red Sea / Gulf of Aden / Hormuz Strait situation page. Should you have further questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.