Carriers suspend Middle East cargo operations as conflict erupts

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has triggered widespread airspace closures, forcing major airlines to suspend cargo and passenger operations across the region. The disruption has halted flights in and out of key Gulf hubs, significantly impacting global air cargo capacity and supply chains.

Several leading Middle Eastern carriers — including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways — have announced temporary flight suspensions due to airspace restrictions and safety concerns.

Gulf Carriers Suspend Flights Amid Airspace Closures

Qatar Airways confirmed that its cargo operations remain temporarily suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline stated that services will resume once the national aviation authority declares the airspace safe to reopen.

Emirates SkyCargo also suspended flights amid evolving airspace restrictions. The carrier halted operations until 3 March and imposed temporary restrictions on booking and acceptance of new cargo shipments for 24 hours.

Etihad Airways similarly suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 3 March, citing ongoing regional airspace closures that continue to affect operational safety and scheduling.

Meanwhile, Oman Air Cargo reported operational disruptions but confirmed that general cargo services remain active. However, perishables transport has been temporarily restricted. Services to Europe and Asia-Pacific continue to operate, albeit with rerouting and minor delays.

International Airlines Also Affected

The impact of the conflict extends beyond the Gulf. European and international carriers have also suspended services to multiple destinations in the region.

Lufthansa Cargo announced it would suspend flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, and Tehran until 8 March.

Turkish Cargo reported cancellations affecting several regional destinations, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, though some limited operations continue.

IAG Cargo confirmed that flights between London and Jeddah and Riyadh remain operational, but services to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv are suspended until 4 March. Additional suspensions affect select Madrid and Larnaca routes.

Global Air Cargo Capacity Falls Sharply

According to air cargo analytics firm Rotate, global air cargo capacity has fallen significantly in response to the crisis. Data shows worldwide capacity declined by 18% over 24 hours compared to the previous week.

The drop is attributed to three primary factors:

1. Full suspension of flights by major Middle Eastern carriers.

2. Other airlines halting services to Gulf destinations without immediate redeployment alternatives.

3. Rerouting of freighter aircraft to alternative technical stops, often accompanied by payload restrictions.

Interestingly, these rerouting strategies have led to a 22% capacity increase on Asia–Europe routes, as some carriers bypass Gulf hubs by flying direct or using alternative stops in Central Asia.

Asia–Middle East–Europe Corridor Severely Impacted

Research from Aevean highlights the extent of disruption along key trade corridors. Capacity on certain Asia–Middle East–Europe routes has declined by more than 40% week-on-week.

Comparing late February traffic data, overall capacity across affected corridors dropped 26% in available cargo tonne kilometre (ACTK) terms. Indirect China/Hong Kong–Europe capacity routed via Gulf hubs fell by 75%, while direct China/Hong Kong–Europe capacity increased by 34%.

Several alternative transit airports have seen sharp increases in technical stop traffic. Capacity surged 211% at Almaty International Airport, 51% at Tbilisi International Airport, and 23% at Istanbul Airport. Conversely, Heydar Aliyev International Airport experienced a 69% capacity decline due to its proximity to the Iranian border.

Fuel Prices Surge as Energy Infrastructure Disrupted

The conflict has also driven volatility in fuel markets. Forced shutdowns of oil and gas facilities across the Middle East have tightened supply conditions.

Approximately 20% of global jet fuel flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. Premiums for near-term jet fuel deliveries reportedly doubled over the weekend, adding further cost pressures for airlines already grappling with operational disruptions.

Ocean Shipping Faces Parallel Disruptions

The maritime sector is also experiencing significant disruption. Major container shipping lines have issued advisories suspending services and rerouting vessels.

MSC has suspended all cargo bookings to the Middle East. CMA CGM instructed vessels in the Gulf to seek shelter and suspended passage through the Suez Canal, rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope. Reefer cargo bookings to several countries have also been halted.

Similarly, Maersk paused Trans Suez sailings via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and announced rerouting of key Middle East–India services around southern Africa.

Outlook: Supply Chains Under Severe Strain

The rapid escalation of conflict in the Middle East has created one of the most significant disruptions to global air cargo capacity in recent years. With an 18% global capacity reduction, sharp declines on Gulf transit corridors, and rising fuel prices, supply chains are facing mounting pressure.

While some Asia–Europe routes are benefiting from direct service adjustments, the broader picture remains fragile. Continued airspace closures, energy market volatility, and parallel disruptions in ocean shipping suggest that global logistics networks will remain under strain in the coming weeks.

As the situation develops, the resilience and adaptability of airlines and shipping operators will be critical in mitigating further supply chain shocks.