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3 March 2026 - 6 PM (CET)

Following our initial communication on regional transport disruptions in the Middle East, we would like to provide you with further updates. Transport infrastructure across parts of the region continues to face operational limitations, impacting global air, ocean and overland logistics.

Rhenus is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with carriers and partners to support service continuity wherever possible.

Current air freight update

Air freight operations remain constrained due to ongoing airspace limitations and adjusted airport schedules:

• Several airlines are operating reduced or adjusted frequencies, with temporary suspensions on certain routes.
• Flight rerouting continues to limit available global air freight capacity, leading to extended transit times and rate fluctuations.
• Some carriers maintain embargoes or selective cargo acceptance restrictions.
• Congestion and backlogs remain at key transit hubs as handling operations adjust to changed schedules.

Airports in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are operating with modified timetables and are currently handling relief commodities and passenger returns only. Ongoing delays are to be expected.

Current ocean freight update

Ocean logistics across the region also remain affected:

• Ocean freight services to and from the Middle East region remain significantly restricted, with continued service suspensions and limited cargo acceptance.
• Delays are still to be expected for both in-transit shipments and upcoming bookings, including the possibility of cargo being rerouted or discharged at alternative ports.
• Vessel rerouting and schedule adjustments continue, which may impact transit times and reliability across adjacent trade lanes. Due to the interconnected nature of global shipping, broader network effects may be experienced beyond the region.
• Additional surcharges, including war risk and other security-related surcharges, are being implemented on affected trade lanes.
• Suez Canal routings are not expected to resume in the short term; planning should remain aligned with current transit times and cost structures via the Cape of Good Hope.

Key regional ports, including those in the UAE, are operational; however, throughput may be slower due to safety checks and capacity balancing measures by terminal operators.

Current overland transport update

European overland transport networks continue to be affected by the impact of capacity problems in air and ocean transport:

• Higher demand for land‑based alternatives is causing congestion on major European corridors.
• Additional documentation and procedural checks along selected Eastern European and Turkish routes may cause delays in border processing.
• Carriers continue to adjust their routes in response to capacity shifts and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Operational and infrastructure considerations

Across multiple locations, temporary restrictions and schedule changes at transport facilities are contributing to reduced or changed operating windows at airports and ports, slower processing times and delays in cargo handling as well as increased demand for inland logistics and warehousing capacities.

What we can do for our Customers

To support your supply chain during this period, Rhenus has reinforced several contingency solutions in the UAE:

• Expanded use of alternative multimodal routes, including sea-air combinations and landbridge services via neighboring markets.
• Increased warehouse readiness and strategic stock placement for urgent cargo flows.
• Tailored planning of last‑mile delivery across affected regions.

These measures are intended to minimize disruptions and maintain service continuity as far as possible.

To help manage potential delays, we recommend:

• Remain flexible with delivery and pick‑up arrangements.
• Plan for extended lead times and potential rerouting, even if conditions appear stable locally.
• Stay in close contact with your Rhenus representative to discuss suitable alternatives or solutions for priority handling.

As the situation remains dynamic, changes may occur at short notice. We will keep you informed of any developments relevant to your business.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Rhenus representative.