Update on situation in the Middle East

1 March 2026

Due to escalating regional tensions, significant air and ocean freight disruptions are expected in the Middle East.


Air Freight
Airports in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and Zayed International Airport (AUH), are currently closed, and all flights have been grounded. 

Airlines have announced the cancellation of all inbound and outbound flights, with further disruptions anticipated for up to 72 hours.


Ocean Freight
As the Jebel Ali port is non-operational and the Strait of Hormuz is reportedly closed, carriers are likely to reroute vessels and seek alternative discharge ports to minimise disruption.

With this, we expect:

  1. Delays of several days may occur for cargo transiting through Gulf hubs.
  2. Increased freight rates and emergency/war risk surcharges may be implemented.
  3. Extended rebooking lead times due to constrained capacity.

To mitigate supply chain disruption, we encourage you to:

  1. Review urgent shipments immediately – Confirm flight/sailing status and loading confirmation with your account representative.
  2. Build buffer into delivery timelines – Adjust customer commitments where necessary.

Our team is actively working with airlines, shipping lines, port authorities, and local partners to assess the impact on shipments and to implement contingency solutions where possible.


We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as it develops. In the meantime, please contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative for support.

Charlotte Thorne
Vice President the United Arab Emirates
Toll Global Forwarding

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