March 8, 2026

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

As of this update, operational conditions across the Middle East remain largely unchanged from previous update. The overall environment remains status quo, and the situation continues to be closely monitored.

The Middle East logistics sector faces acute disruptions from ongoing and escalating regional conflicts, including full suspensions of airfreight by most carriers like Emirates SkyCargo and KLM through early March. Ocean freight halts through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb by Maersk, MSC, Hapag, and CMA CGM, as well as anticipated weeks-long backlogs. Some air carriers continue to accept orders with delay warnings. Despite these challenges, the market benefits from robust growth drivers like UAE and Saudi infrastructure investments, which are anticipated to resume at the end of the current action. Border crossings remain operational with minor delays, positioning the GCC as a strategic hub amid volatility.

Operational Update

• Middle East air corridors closed to limited activity, with the primary focus being PAX. Slightly opening from today with limited cargo. Inbound channels via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt are the most likely until freighter and cargo services inch back toward normalcy. Significant impact on costs and transit time expected. Sporadic flights are occurring and are not indicative of a real schedule. Middle East carriers are attempting to ramp back up with already significant backlogs.
• Sea routes disrupted, with several major ports showing open, though limited to no activity. New vessel calls through the Gulf are stopped and mostly ceased on the Indian Ocean side. Several carriers have issued “stop-voyage” notices and are attempting to jettison cargo at the nearest location. Suez remains passable with low appetite for utilization from the main global carriers. Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb significantly challenged to halted.
• Delays are expected both in physical movement and through the customs process.
• Major road feeders remain open with border crossing delays and some restrictions, for example DGs reported.
• CWW locations fully operational and working remotely.

Crane Worldwide Current Operational Status

• No incidents involving CWW personnel or equipment.
• All CWW offices fully operational and working remotely under contingency.
• Active monitoring of all modes and corridors.
• Monitoring and tracking at shipment level to ensure visibility and control of cargo in transit.
• Air freight channels established as well as some alternative sea channels.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Motion

• Monitoring, tracking, and preparing for onward forwarding of in-transit shipments (air & sea).
• Utilization of KAP and Jeddah ports for inbound and rerouted sea freight.
• Distribution through Saudi to GCC countries.
• Air freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Sea freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Road feeder service for GCC countries.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Process

• Dedicated charter aircraft to Riyadh, Muscat, or Jeddah available to support.
• Viability of Sohar and Salalah ports.

Current Monitoring Focus

• Ongoing armed conflict status and sustainability after today’s brief escalation.
• Airspace status in GCC countries as well as airport/flight openings.
• Potential flights starting again to a limited number of destinations. Cargo will still be backlogged and the moratorium on new bookings for the larger UAE carriers.
• Productivity in Jebel Ali handling ships trapped in the Gulf. Production unclear, but the port is working.
• Carriers issuing stop-voyage notices and looking to discharge containers at other ports, already overwhelming port infrastructure.
• Strait of Hormuz passage, as the US has indicated they will use military escorts to ensure passage (focused on oil exports).
• Carrier/insurance authorization to call Omani ports and pass through the Suez.
• Where vessels in transit or rerouted will drop cargo after not being able to enter Middle East ports.
• Added costs (surcharges, etc.) from carriers. Most have notified war risk increases.
• Road borders and crossings.

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. 

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

As of this update, the Middle East logistics sector faces acute disruptions from ongoing and escalating regional conflicts, including full suspensions of airfreight by most carriers like Emirates SkyCargo and KLM through early March. Ocean freight halts through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb by Maersk, MSC, Hapag, and CMA CGM, as well as anticipated weeks-long backlogs. Some air carriers continue to accept orders with delay warnings. Despite these challenges, the market benefits from robust growth drivers like UAE and Saudi infrastructure investments, which are anticipated to resume at the end of the current action. Border crossings remain operational with minor delays, positioning the GCC as a strategic hub amid volatility.

Operational Update

• Middle East air corridors closed to limited activity, with the primary focus being PAX. Slightly opening from today with limited cargo. Inbound channels via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt are the most likely until freighter and cargo services inch back toward normalcy. Significant impact on costs and transit time expected. Sporadic flights are occurring and are not indicative of a real schedule. Middle East carriers are attempting to ramp back up with already significant backlogs.
• Sea routes disrupted, with several major ports showing open, though limited to no activity. New vessel calls through the Gulf are stopped and mostly ceased on the Indian Ocean side. Several carriers have issued “stop-voyage” notices and are attempting to jettison cargo at the nearest location. Suez remains passable with low appetite for utilization from the main global carriers. Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb significantly challenged to halted.
• Delays are expected both in physical movement and through the customs process.
• Major road feeders remain open with border crossing delays and some restrictions, for example DGs reported.
• CWW locations fully operational and working remotely.

Crane Worldwide Current Operational Status

• No incidents involving CWW personnel or equipment.
• All CWW offices fully operational and working remotely under contingency.
• Active monitoring of all modes and corridors.
• Monitoring and tracking at shipment level to ensure visibility and control of cargo in transit.
• Air freight channels established as well as some alternative sea channels.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Motion

• Monitoring, tracking, and preparing for onward forwarding of in-transit shipments (air & sea).
• Utilization of KAP and Jeddah ports for inbound and rerouted sea freight.
• Distribution through Saudi to GCC countries.
• Air freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Sea freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Road feeder service for GCC countries.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Process

• Dedicated charter aircraft to Riyadh, Muscat, or Jeddah available to support.
• Viability of Sohar and Salalah ports.

Current Monitoring Focus

• Ongoing armed conflict status and sustainability after today’s brief escalation.
• Airspace status in GCC countries as well as airport/flight openings.
• Potential flights starting again to a limited number of destinations. Cargo will still be backlogged and the moratorium on new bookings for the larger UAE carriers.
• Productivity in Jebel Ali handling ships trapped in the Gulf. Production unclear, but the port is working.
• Carriers issuing stop-voyage notices and looking to discharge containers at other ports, already overwhelming port infrastructure.
• Strait of Hormuz passage, as the US has indicated they will use military escorts to ensure passage (focused on oil exports).
• Carrier/insurance authorization to call Omani ports and pass through the Suez.
• Where vessels in transit or rerouted will drop cargo after not being able to enter Middle East ports.
• Added costs (surcharges, etc.) from carriers. Most have notified war risk increases.
• Road borders and crossings.

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. 

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

As of this update, logistics operations across the Middle East remain operationally challenged with elevated monitoring.

GCC attacks by Iran have subsided to some degree, though still reporting drone activity in all countries. Our assessment is that this is not a de-escalation of activities, rather strategic or forced repositioning. Key Gulf Ports are reporting a return to operation, though there is no evidence of significant activity or port operations. Airports and airspace remain mostly closed with Passengers and critical commodities being the priority. Air corridors are available and improving daily in bound through Saudi and Oman. Delays are assured. Road conditions are delayed but primarily open for most of the GCC.

Operational Update

• Middle East Air Corridors closed to limited activity, primary focus being PAX. Slightly opening from today with limited cargo. Inbound channels via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt are the most likely until freighter and cargo services inches back toward normalcy. Significant impact on costs and transit time expected.
• Sea Routes disrupted with several major ports showing open, though limited to no activity. New vessel callings through the Gulf are stopped and mostly ceased on the Indian Ocean side. Suez remains passable with low appetite for utilization from the main global carriers. Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb significantly challenged to halt.
• Container carriers are beginning unit discharges of transit boxes. They are being dropped in UAE. Surcharges are being applied, beyond costs, significant time delays are expected both in physical movement and through the customs process.
• Major Road feeders open with border crossing delays and some restriction, for example DGs, reported.
• CWW Locations Fully Operational and Working Remotely

Crane Worldwide Current Operational Status

• No Incidents involving CWW personnel or equipment
• All CWW offices are fully operational and working remotely under contingency
• Active Monitoring of all Modes and Corridors
• Monitoring and tracking at Shipment Level to ensure visibility and control of cargo in transit
• Air freight channels were established as well as some alternative sea channels.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Motion

• Monitoring, tracking and preparing for onforwarding of In-Transit Shipments (Air & Sea)
• Utilization of KAP and Jeddah Ports for inbound and rerouted Sea Freight
• Distribution through Saudi to GCC Countries
• Air freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Sea freight via Saudi, Oman, and Egypt.
• Road feeder service for GCC Countries

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Process

• Dedicated charter aircraft to Riyadh, Muscat, or Jeddah are available to support.
• Identifying carriers and alternatives willing to still transit the Suez Canal to Saudi
• Viability of Sohar and Salalah Ports

Current Monitoring Focus

• Ongoing armed conflict status and sustainability of the current action slowdown
• Air space status in GCC countries as well as airport/flight openings
• Productivity in Jebel Ali handling ships trapped in the Gulf
• Strait of Hormuz passage as the US has indicated they will use military escorts to ensure passage (Focused on Oil Exports)
• Carrier/Insurance authorization to call Omani Ports and pass through the Suez
• Where vessels in transit or rerouted will drop cargo after not being able to enter Middle East Ports.
• Road borders and crossings

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. 

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

As of this update, logistics operations across the Middle East remain operationally challenged with elevated monitoring. While major air hubs, key Gulf ports, and primary road corridors remain open, airspace closures, strait conditions, and military activity are severely limiting cargo activity. Carriers are attempting to adjust routings and insurance markets are tightening risk parameters in response to heightened insecurity and tensions. Widespread shutdowns are in effect, but GCC countries are seeking to open in limited capacity. Viable alternatives are under review for immediate execution.

Operational Update

• Middle East air corridors closed to limited activity, primary focus being PAX, slightly opening from today with limited cargo.
• Sea routes disrupted with several major ports showing open, though limited to no activity.
• Major road feeders open with delays expected.
• CWW locations fully operational and working remotely

Crane Worldwide Current Operational Status

• No incidents involving CWW personnel or equipment
• All CWW offices fully operational and working remotely under contingency
• Active monitoring of all modes and corridors
• Monitoring and tracking at shipment level to ensure visibility and control of cargo in transit
• Aggressively developing solutions in a constantly changing environment.

Alternative Logistics Solutions in Progress

• Monitoring, tracking and preparing for onforwarding of In-Transit Shipments (Air & Sea)
• Utilization of KAP and Jeddah Ports for inbound and rerouted sea freight
• Distribution through Saudi to GCC countries

Current Monitoring Focus

• Ongoing armed conflict status
• Air space status in GCC countries as well as airport/flight openings
• Potential for Jebel Ali to handle ships trapped in the Gulf as the conflict began
• Strait of Hormuz passage as the US has indicated they will use military escorts to ensure passage (focused on oil exports)
• Carrier/insurance authorization to call Omani Ports and pass through the Suez
• Where vessels in transit or rerouted will drop cargo after not being able to enter Middle East Ports.
• Road borders and crossings

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. 

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

The operating environment remains status quo. There are no material changes since the last advisory. Previously communicated restrictions and operational impacts remain in effect. 

Air Freight

•  Air freight options remain extremely limited

Ocean Freight

• Ocean freight options remain on hold

Road Freight

• Intra–Middle East road corridors remain open and operational
• Delays are expected

Crane Worldwide Logistics Operations

• Crane Worldwide Logistics continues working locally, regionally, and globally to support alternative routing strategies as conditions evolve.
• Further updates will be provided as necessary. 

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. 

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Latest

There have been no material changes in the operating environment since our previous advisory. All previously communicated restrictions remain in effect and are summarized below.

Air Freight

• GCC airspace remains closed until further notice
• Flight cancellations and inbound suspensions continue across the region

Ocean Freight

• The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to marine traffic
• Vessel movement in and out of the Persian Gulf is still suspended
• Port disruptions remain in effect
• Crane Worldwide is actively tracking sea freight to keep clients informed as vessels are turned away or rerouted

Road Freight

• Road freight movement remains limited, with delays at border crossings
• Crossings are operating but with slower throughput

Crane Worldwide Logistics Operations

• All offices remain fully operational
• Remote continuity measures are active
• The business continuity framework remains in place
• Updated contingency plans will be issued this afternoon

Crane Worldwide continues to engage with carriers, port authorities, and regional stakeholders to monitor the situation. We are ready to implement alternative routing strategies if conditions change. An afternoon update will follow if there are material changes.

Thank you for your patience and trust. We remain committed to supporting your logistics needs during this challenging period.

Middle East Logistics Update Issued

Military activity across multiple GCC countries continued overnight and into this morning. The situation remains highly dynamic and continues to evolve. Crane Worldwide Logistics is closely monitoring developments across the region, with a particular focus on airspace restrictions, marine corridors, and critical logistics infrastructure.

This update reflects the current logistics operating environment and is intended to support our clients in navigating ongoing disruptions.

Current Operating Environment

Air Freight

• All GCC airspace remains closed until further notice
• Widespread flight cancellations and inbound suspensions
• Dubai International Airport (DXB) is currently closed

Ocean Freight

• Strait of Hormuz is closed to all marine traffic
• No vessel movement in or out of the Persian Gulf
• Jebel Ali and Duqm ports have sustained impacts; operations currently suspended
• Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains open but under strain
• Suez Canal remains open and operational

Road Freight

• Road freight movement is slow to limited across the region
• UAE–Saudi border crossings experiencing significant delays
• Oman border crossings remain officially open
• Road freight in Qatar is highly restricted to near non-operational levels

Country-Specific Logistics Status

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Critical infrastructure remains largely intact
• Airports closed
• Port operations suspended
• Road freight movement limited

Qatar

• Airspace closed
• Ports closed
• Road freight highly restricted

Saudi Arabia

• Airspace closed
• Gulf-facing ports inaccessible due to Strait of Hormuz closure
• Red Sea ports remain open at this time

Crane Worldwide Logistics Operations

• All Crane Worldwide offices remain operational
• Remote working protocols activated for designated teams
• Business continuity plans are in effect
• Actively monitoring all carrier and government advisories

Status Summary

• Air freight suspended across the GCC
• Marine traffic halted in the Strait of Hormuz
• Port and airport closures significantly impacting cargo flows
• Road freight operating at reduced capacity

Crane Worldwide Logistics remains fully operational with contingency measures in place to support our clients during this period of disruption.

If you have shipments currently in transit or scheduled through the region, we strongly encourage you to contact your Crane Worldwide representative for shipment-specific guidance and contingency routing options. We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops. 

Service Update: Middle East Operations

Latest

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian naval forces are broadcasting that no vessels may transit the strait under any circumstances, according to Reuters.

The blockade effectively traps vessels inside the Persian Gulf and prevents access to major regional hubs, including Jebel Ali. There is no maritime alternative to the Persian Gulf, creating an immediate deadlock for global energy and container flows.

Carrier Responses

Maersk and CMA CGM Major container carriers have reversed plans to resume Red Sea and Suez Canal transits in 2026.

With the Strait of Hormuz blocked and Houthi militia activity expected to resume in the Red Sea, carriers are prioritizing crew and cargo safety over transit times.

Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd has suspended all vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.

The carrier stated the decision is mandatory due to the evolving security situation and the official closure of the waterway. Crew, vessel, and cargo safety remain its highest priority.

Hapag-Lloyd is monitoring developments closely and remains in contact with authorities and security partners. Services calling Arabian Gulf ports may experience delays, rerouting, or schedule changes. Customers will be informed of any material shipment impacts.

Impact on Global Trade

The blockade creates a critical bottleneck across both energy and container markets.

Port Congestion: Major hubs such as Jebel Ali are effectively cut off. Vessels already inside the Gulf cannot depart, and new arrivals cannot enter.

Rerouting and Discharge: Carriers are likely to discharge cargo at alternative regional ports, with onward movement by road where infrastructure allows.

Extended Transit Times Diversions around the Cape of Good Hope add approximately 10–14 days to Asia–Europe and Asia–U.S. East Coast routes. Shippers face longer lead times, increased fuel costs, and mounting schedule disruption. With no immediate maritime workaround, supply chains should prepare for extended diversions around Africa for the remainder of the year.

We will continue to monitor developments closely. Please check back on this site regularly for the latest updates as the situation evolves. 

Service Update: Middle East Operations

The United States and Israel have initiated military operations in Iran. Crane Worldwide Logistics is closely monitoring developments across Iran and the broader Middle East. All Crane operations across the Gulf and wider Middle East remain fully operational, with no disruptions to client cargo flows. Air traffic is avoiding Iranian airspace; minor delays are possible. Airspace across Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman remains open. Ocean freight services continue as scheduled, with carriers maintaining routing flexibility in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Road freight operations across the Gulf Coast Countries (GCC) remain fully operational and unchanged.

Air Freight 

• Some GCC airspace remains open and functioning
• Air traffic patterns have been adjusted to avoid Iranian airspace
• Delays are expected due to increased routings
• Regional hubs remain operational, though UAE airspace is currently closed

Ocean Freight

• The Strait of Hormuz is classified as high risk but is currently open
• The Bab el-Mandeb strait remains sensitive yet open
• Major Gulf ports are operational
• Carriers are maintaining routing flexibility to react to changes in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz

Road Freight

• UAE–Saudi–Oman corridors remain stable
• Intra-GCC transport is fully operational

What We Are Monitoring

• Regional airspace advisories and international carrier updates
• Maritime traffic conditions in the Strait of Hormuz
• Red Sea routing developments
• Government and port authority notices

Preparedness & Continuity: Crane Worldwide Logistics has established Business Continuity and Contingency Plans in place and will activate them as required. Our global teams remain aligned and prepared to adjust operations to ensure service continuity.

Status Summary: All Crane Worldwide Logistics services across the Middle East remain operational. There is no material disruption to client cargo flows at this time.

Client Support: Clients with shipments moving through the region who require shipment‑specific reviews or routing discussions are encouraged to contact your Crane representative or leadership contact directly.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as conditions evolve. Please reach out to your Crane Worldwide Logistics representative for more tailored support!