Middle East – Air & Sea Freight Update

Customer Advise Notice 

Middle East – Air& Sea Freight Update

We're closely monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the resulting impact on global air and sea freight operations. The situation remains highly dynamic, and conditions may change with little or no notice. We as a team across the business are working continuously with carriers and partners to assess developments and minimise disruption to your supply chain. Below is the latest summary of known impacts.

Air Freight Impact

Airlines are experiencing significant operational pressure, with increased enquiries, routing changes and restrictions on available capacity. This is causing some delays in receiving updated flight information, space confirmations and carrier responses.

We kindly ask for your patience as we work with airlines to obtain the most accurate and timely updates.

We have been advised that the following countries have currently closed their airspace until further notice:

• Iran
• Israel
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates

These closures are resulting in flight cancellations, diversions, extended transit times, and potential capacity constraints across neighbouring regions. Further changes may occur at short notice.

Sea Freight Impact

Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, ocean carriers are adjusting services to protect vessel and crew safety.

Several major shipping lines have now suspended new bookings to Middle East destinations until further notice. In addition, carriers are introducing contingency routing and advising of potential cost and schedule impacts.

Customers may experience:

• Force Majeure*
• Schedule delays
• Vessel diversions or rerouting
• Extended transit times
• Introduction of an Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS) or War Risk Surcharge (WRS)
• Amendments to existing quotations or booked shipments

Our team is reviewing all currently booked containers individually and will contact affected customers as soon as carrier guidance is confirmed.

* Under standing Force Majeure provisions, carriers are entitled to terminate or amend shipments at any point in the event of an act of God or unforeseeable, uncontrollable circumstances - including war or armed conflict.

If a carrier invokes Force Majeure, responsibility for arranging onward transport falls to the cargo owner. This may include organising alternative delivery routes, securing replacement services, and covering any additional costs incurred to move the goods to their final destination when and where possible.

What This Means for Your Shipments

We understand the importance of maintaining continuity throughout your operations. Our priority is to keep you fully informed and supported with clear, proactive communication.

If you have urgent cargo requirements, time-sensitive movements, or wish to explore alternative routing options, please contact our team as soon as possible. We'll work with you to secure space, review alternatives, and mitigate delays wherever feasible.

We're Here to Help

As the situation evolves, we'll continue to provide updates and communicate any changes that may affect your supply chain. If you require further information or support, please reach out to your usual Gateway Cargo contact or get in touch with our office. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership during this period of uncertainty.

Kind regards

The Gateway Cargo Team

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