Middle East Conflict: What This Means for Your Shipments
We want to keep you informed about the developing security situation in the Middle East and how it may affect your supply chain.
Ongoing tensions in the region are causing disruption to both air and ocean freight services. As key shipping routes and airspace are impacted, this is creating knock-on effects not only within the Middle East but across global trade lanes.
How This Could Impact You
Red Sea & Suez Canal Diversions
Several major shipping lines are currently avoiding the Red Sea and Suez Canal due to renewed security concerns. Vessels are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, which may add approximately 10–14 days to transit times.
Strait of Hormuz Restrictions
Cargo movements into the Persian Gulf are limited, affecting important logistics hubs such as Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. This may lead to delays for shipments moving into or out of the region.
Air Freight Disruptions
Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East are resulting in flight cancellations, delays, and rerouting. This is reducing available cargo capacity and may impact transit times.
Increased Costs
Some carriers have introduced war-risk surcharges, and spot freight rates may rise as capacity tightens.
What You Can Do
We recommend:
Planning for longer lead times
Considering alternative routing options where possible
Booking shipments early to secure space
Our team is here to help you assess the best options for your specific shipments.
How International Food Link Is Supporting You
At International Food Link, our teams are in continuous contact with carriers and partners to monitor developments closely. Our priority is to minimise disruption to your shipments and keep you informed every step of the way.
If you have cargo currently in transit, or shipments planned to or from the region, please get in touch with your usual International Food Link contact. We’ll be happy to review your options and provide tailored guidance.
We understand how important reliability is to your business, and we remain committed to helping you navigate these challenges as smoothly as possible.
Staying Updated
We will continue to share updates as the situation evolves. If you would like to discuss contingency planning or alternative solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact the International Food Link team.
We’re here to support you.