June 16, 2025
All Gulf airspaces, including Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, remain open, with air traffic gradually returning to normal, though some delays persist due to route adjustments. Ocean freight continues to face risks in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz regions, leading many vessels to divert via the Cape of Good Hope. Road freight across the GCC remains fully operational and efficient. No major security incidents have been reported, but key maritime passageways are still considered sensitive.
There are minor improvements in scheduling through UAE and Saudi hubs. However, delays are slightly easing, but not fully resolved.
No operational changes, but warnings remain for Bab el-Mandeb. Additional ships have diverted south around Africa.
No changes – GCC corridors remain efficient and stable.
All Gulf airspaces, including Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, are now officially open, allowing routes over the Gulf to resume. Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Hamad International Airport. Despite the reopening, flight delays, rerouting, and congestion persist, particularly in the UAE and Saudi airspace, as airlines adjust their operations. Ocean freight remains under pressure with threats in the Bab el Mandeb region and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz; diversions via the Cape of Good Hope are ongoing. Road freight in the GCC remains fully operational and unchanged.
Airspaces over Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman have reopened. Qatar Airways has resumed flights, but delays persist due to backlogs.
Heightened threats to sea routes persist, with Bab el Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz remaining sensitive areas. Diversions around the Cape continue.
There are no updates. GCC corridors continue to handle more cargo, providing stable and secure inland freight services.
The current situation as of June 25, 2025, indicates that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but under high risk due to Iran's parliament voting for its closure, which has heightened regional alert levels. The Suez Canal is operational, but congestion is rising due to rerouting through the Red Sea and pressure on Egyptian port capacity. While the Airspace over Kuwait has reopened, rerouted traffic is still avoiding the Gulf corridor, leading to higher costs and longer transit times. Iraqi airspace remains closed due to ongoing military tensions and missile incidents. All major Gulf ports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are functional and absorbing diverted ocean freight from the Red Sea. Road freight in Kuwait and Iraq is stable but under strain, with increased inspections and volume causing minor delays, especially at Saudi and Iraqi crossings. Regional businesses are activating contingency plans, with shipping and logistics firms rerouting cargo and adjusting air/ocean strategies to avoid chokepoints. .
Airspace over Kuwait has REOPENED – However, rerouted traffic is still avoiding the Gulf corridor, leading to higher costs and longer transit times. Iraqi airspace remains CLOSED – Ongoing military tensions and missile incidents continue to block commercial flights.
Strait of Hormuz remains OPEN but under HIGH RISK – Iran’s parliament has voted for closure, heightening regional alert levels. Suez Canal remains OPERATIONAL – Congestion rising due to Red Sea rerouting and pressure on Egyptian port capacity.
Road freight in Kuwait and Iraq is STABLE but under strain – Increased inspections and volume are causing minor delays, especially at Saudi and Iraqi crossings.
All Gulf airspaces—including Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman—are now officially open, allowing routes over the Gulf to resume. Qatar Airways has resumed flights from Hamad International Airport. Despite reopening, flight delays, rerouting, and congestion persist, particularly in the UAE and Saudi airspace, as airlines adjust their operations. Ocean freight remains under pressure with Bab el Mandeb region threats and Strait of Hormuz tensions; diversions via the Cape of Good Hope continue. Road freight in the GCC remains fully operational and unchanged.
Gulf airspace reopening: Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman have resumed airspace. Qatar Airways reinstated flights. Delays remain due to backlogs.
No change — heightened sea route threats persist; Bab el Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz remain sensitive. Cape diversions continue.
No new closures. GCC road corridors remain active and absorbing inland freight.
| KUWAIT - CURRENT IMPACT | IRAQ - CURRENT IMPACT | |
|---|---|---|
| AIR | A temporary airspace closure occurred June 22–23. Airspace is now open, but airlines are avoiding the Gulf corridor. Expect continued flight path diversions and increased costs due to extended routes and fuel surcharges. | Iraqi airspace remains largely closed. Missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq reinforce ongoing restrictions and international carrier avoidance. |
| SEA | Strategic vulnerability due to proximity to Strait of Hormuz. Ports (Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Shuwaikh) remain open but maritime tensions are causing rising insurance and rerouting costs. | Iraq doesn’t rely on Strait of Hormuz directly, but regional disruptions increase costs for transshipment. Grand Faw Port and related intermodal solutions (road/rail) remain key to absorbing cargo flow. |
| GROUND | Road corridors to Saudi Arabia and Iraq remain open and are now more vital. Increased freight flow is causing minor delays and tighter security inspections. | Road transport remains the most stable mode. Development Road and TIR corridors functional; slight slowdowns at Shalamcha–Basra crossing due to increased security. |
Operational Disruptions: Certain ports, airspace, and inland routes in the region are experiencing intermittent closures and heightened security protocols. This may result in delays, rerouting, and reduced capacity availability in affected corridors. Airfreight and Ocean Freight: Several carriers have announced schedule changes or suspensions of service in specific areas. We are actively working with our carrier partners to secure alternative routes and maintain continuity where possible. Customs and Border Clearance: Heightened screening and security inspections may impact transit times and customs processing in and around the affected region.
We have activated our Crisis Response Protocol, leveraging our global network and Control Tower teams to assess and manage potential disruptions to your supply chain. Our operations and account management teams conduct daily reviews of all impacted shipments and provide direct updates to affected clients. We are actively engaging with local authorities, port and airport operators, and our partners to ensure we stay informed and adapt quickly as the situation evolves.
Proactive Communication: We will continue to share relevant updates as they become available. For shipment-specific details, your dedicated representative will be your primary point of contact. Alternative Routing Solutions: Where necessary, we are preparing contingency options, including route diversification through unaffected regions. Strategic Guidance: Our advisory team is available to consult on potential impacts to your supply chain strategy, sourcing alternatives, and risk mitigation planning.
We are committed to supporting your business with stability, agility, and clarity during this uncertain time. If you have any immediate concerns or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your account representative.
As of the evening of June 22, 2025, freight forwarders continue to deal with complex air and ocean logistics across the Middle East.
Shipping companies are avoiding Iran’s side of the Strait of Hormuz. GCC and East Mediterranean ports—Jebel Ali, Dammam, Sohar, Salalah, Aqaba, Port Said, and Mersin—continue to absorb rerouted volumes, while African hubs like Mombasa and Durban are being evaluated for multimodal operation.
Airspace over conflict zones remains fully closed, forcing cargo flights to reroute via Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—Dubai World Central (DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Istanbul (IST) serving as key consolidation hubs.
The Red Sea is still bypassed, with vessels rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope—adding 10–14 days to Asia–Europe transit times. The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but there’s growing operational caution: navigational interference has been reported, and Iranian patrols are increasingly questioning tanker crews about cargo and ports.
No new closures. GCC road corridors are active and absorbing inland freight. Jordan–Iraq remains passable with security checks. Routes via Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq remain unstable.
Freight forwarding operations across the Middle East remain stable but continue to operate under heightened risk due to restricted airspace and congested maritime routes. No new closures have been reported; however, transit times are increasing across both air and sea due to rerouting and intensified security protocols. Road freight across the GCC remains reliable, supporting inland cargo flows and multimodal shifts. CWW maintains full operational continuity through alternate corridors and strategic rerouting hubs.
No new closures; UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman remain fully operational. Major airspace reroutes remain in place over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel. Increased use of Cairo and Amman for Levant/East Africa lift.
Strait of Hormuz remains open but under elevated threat. Tanker and container traffic are facing increased surveillance. Continued Red Sea diversions via Cape of Good Hope. Port congestion in Egypt remains unchanged.
No new closures. GCC road corridors are active and absorbing inland freight. Jordan–Iraq remains passable with security checks. Routes via Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq remain unstable.
As of the morning of June 21, 2025, the Middle East logistics landscape remains operational with continued risk sensitivities. There are no new access disruptions across air, sea, or road networks. Air cargo capacity remains tight, while ocean freight through the Strait of Hormuz continues to experience elevated insurance costs and adjusted routing. GCC road corridors are functioning without interruption. Regional businesses are advancing contingency strategies as geopolitical tensions persist.
No change; constrained capacity persists
Risk environment unchanged; insurance costs stable.
No updates; corridors remain fully functional. Business Risk: Contingency measures are actively maintained by regional firms.
In comparison to last night, the regional logistics outlook remains consistent with regard to accessibility. However, operational costs and risks have increased, particularly in the area of ocean freight.
Air and road networks continue to function effectively, though there is a noticeable reduction in cargo capacity. It is imperative to maintain strategic routing and insurance cost buffers across all modes of transportation.
Israel & Iran: No major changes overnight in commercial air corridors. Increased military cargo activity in Israel. Commercial air hubs unaffected. Middle East Airlines is still canceling flights to Baghdad due to Iraqi airspace restrictions.
Air India: Belly-space cuts continue, straining capacity.
Gulf and Horn of Africa: Routes remain overloaded.
Red Sea corridor: Avoidance by several carriers due to regional security threats; longer routings in place.
Iran: Leveraging Hormuz closure threat; oil markets still oversupplied.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi crude exports through Hormuz increased 24% week-over-week.
Strait of Hormuz: Remains open but under pressure. Freight costs and insurance premiums continue rising
UAE: Tankers continue to avoid Iranian waters. Alternative pipelines (Saudi East-West, UAE–Fujairah) are in use.
GCC Corridors (UAE–Saudi– Oman–Qatar): Gulf intra-GCC corridors remain stable.
Jordan–Iraq: The border remains open but under tight security.
Lebanon–Syria–Iraq: High-risk routes. Unreliable and subject to closure with minimal notice.
Saudi–Yemen Border: Closed to freight. No commercial cargo movement due to the ongoing conflict.
Inland UAE & KSA: Domestic Road networks are fully operational, supporting multimodal shifts from air and ocean.
Naval activity has increased near key maritime corridors, leading to heightened shipping advisories. Port and road conditions remain the same as yesterday.
The Middle East regional logistics operations are stable but facing challenges. Air freight continues under controlled conditions due to airspace restrictions in parts of the Gulf. Ocean freight through the Strait of Hormuz is experiencing longer transit times, with costs and congestion expected to rise slightly. Compared to yesterday, vessel traffic has slightly decreased, and CWW anticipates freight rates to increase further. There are no major disruptions reported at regional ports or airports, though precautionary protocols remain in place. The overall situation has tightened somewhat since yesterday, with elevated risk premiums and slower clearances across key corridors anticipated. The region is monitoring developments as we await the US decision on potential intervention. CWW operations remain stable and continue as usual at this time.
Israel & Iran: All commercial air cargo operations remain suspended. No inbound/outbound freight flights.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman: Fully operational. Serving as major rerouting hubs for disrupted lanes.
Jordan & Egypt: Airspace open. Cargo flights operating normally, with increased demand due to diversions.
Red Sea corridor: Avoidance by several carriers due to regional security threats; longer routings in place.
Bab el-Mandeb: High-risk zone due to continued Houthi threats. Major carriers rerouting around Cape of Good Hope.
Suez Canal: Open but with reduced throughput. Delays reported due to vessel diversions and naval escort congestion.
Strait of Hormuz: Open but under military watch. Tanker and container traffic continues with caution.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman Ports: Fully operational and absorbing diverted volumes. Jebel Ali and Dammam key transshipment hubs.
GCC Corridors (UAE–Saudi–Oman–Qatar): Open and stable. Border crossings are active with minor delays due to increased volumes.
Jordan–Iraq: Movement allowed but with heightened security checks. Some freight forwarders are rerouting via Saudi.
Lebanon–Syria–Iraq: High-risk routes. Unreliable and subject to closure with minimal notice.
Saudi–Yemen Border: Closed to freight. No commercial cargo movement due to the ongoing conflict.
Inland UAE & KSA: Domestic Road networks are fully operational, supporting multimodal shifts from air and ocean.
· Via UAE (DXB, DWC, AUH): Reliable rerouting hub for Asia–Europe and Africa lanes
· Via Doha & Muscat: Stable secondary options with available capacity
· Transshipment through Cairo or Amman: Viable for Levant and East Africa connections
· Use Jebel Ali, Dammam, Sohar: Key ports absorbing Red Sea and Hormuz diversions.
· Cape of Good Hope routing: For Asia–Europe shipments bypassing Red Sea
· East Med ports (Port Said, Piraeus): Options for Europe–Middle East routing.
· UAE–Saudi–Oman triangle: Reliable for cross-border movement
· Saudi inland corridors: Stable for domestic distribution and link to Jordan
· Transshipment through KSA for Iraq and Levant: Safer than direct access via Syria or Iran
The Middle East logistics landscape remains operational but under elevated caution. While air and ocean freight lanes are open, strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb remain volatile. Israel and parts of Iran are closed to freight, prompting rerouting through UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman, which remain stable.
Major airlines and forwarders have shifted cargo routes, and some are avoiding the Red Sea corridor. Road freight is flowing but facing sporadic delays near high-risk borders. Clients are advised to implement multimodal contingency plans and consider alternative transshipment hubs in the Gulf.
Israel & Iran: All commercial air cargo operations remain suspended. No inbound/outbound freight flights.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman: Fully operational. Serving as major rerouting hubs for disrupted lanes.
Jordan & Egypt: Airspace open. Cargo flights operating normally, with increased demand due to diversions.
Red Sea corridor: Avoidance by several carriers due to regional security threats; longer routings in place.
Bab el-Mandeb: High-risk zone due to continued Houthi threats. Major carriers rerouting around Cape of Good Hope.
Suez Canal: Open but with reduced throughput. Delays reported due to vessel diversions and naval escort congestion.
Strait of Hormuz: Open but under military watch. Tanker and container traffic continues with caution.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman Ports: Fully operational and absorbing diverted volumes. Jebel Ali and Dammam key transshipment hubs.
GCC Corridors (UAE–Saudi–Oman–Qatar): Open and stable. Border crossings are active with minor delays due to increased volumes.
Jordan–Iraq: Movement allowed but with heightened security checks. Some freight forwarders are rerouting via Saudi.
Lebanon–Syria–Iraq: High-risk routes. Unreliable and subject to closure with minimal notice.
Saudi–Yemen Border: Closed to freight. No commercial cargo movement due to the ongoing conflict.
Inland UAE & KSA: Domestic Road networks are fully operational, supporting multimodal shifts from air and ocean.
· Via UAE (DXB, DWC, AUH): Reliable rerouting hub for Asia–Europe and Africa lanes
· Via Doha & Muscat: Stable secondary options with available capacity
· Transshipment through Cairo or Amman: Viable for Levant and East Africa connections
· Use Jebel Ali, Dammam, Sohar: Key ports absorbing Red Sea and Hormuz diversions.
· Cape of Good Hope routing: For Asia–Europe shipments bypassing Red Sea
· East Med ports (Port Said, Piraeus): Options for Europe–Middle East routing.
· UAE–Saudi–Oman triangle: Reliable for cross-border movement
· Saudi inland corridors: Stable for domestic distribution and link to Jordan
· Transshipment through KSA for Iraq and Levant: Safer than direct access via Syria or Iran
Airspace risk remains unchanged - Iran, Israel, and Iraq remain closed, with very limited exceptions. High risk also continues in adjacent airspace, particularly over Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, where missiles and drones are transiting regularly.
The ongoing Israel and Iran conflict has severely disrupted transportation across the Middle East. Airspace closures and airport shutdowns have led to over 6,000 flight cancellations worldwide, while major shipping routes face increased security threats. Ben Gurion Airport is shut for a third day, and Iran’s airspace has been closed since Friday. However, land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open, allowing evacuation routes for stranded travelers.
The Middle East controls five major maritime chokepoints, essential for global energy and trade. The crisis has intensified risks across these routes:
• Strait of Hormuz (handles 20% of global oil) faces closure threats from Iran.
• Bab el-Mandeb is disrupted by Houthi attacks, forcing longer, costlier shipping routes around Africa.
• Suez Canal remains open but sees reduced traffic from security concerns in the Red Sea.
• Turkish Straits remain stable, supporting European energy access.
The instability in any of these chokepoints has a ripple effect, impacting global supply chains and energy security.
• Emergency Updates: As situation develops
• Monitoring: 24/7 continuous assessment
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