Airlines are continuing to face the impact of airspace closures, route suspensions and reduced air cargo capacity due to the latest Middle East conflict.
Air Cargo News (ACN) reported yesterday how flights were grounded on the weekend following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the Middle East.
Air cargo supply chains immediately came under pressure with reduced cargo capacity due to limited flights and cargo delayed at airports.
Seko Logistics said in an update on 2 March: “Airlines have now extended service suspensions into March 4–8, with the possibility of further extensions pending regional de‑escalation.”
Emirates SkyCargo said it began operating a limited number of flights on 2 March and aims to tackle its cargo backlog, but there are still restrictions on new shipments.
The Dubai-based airline said: “Emirates has begun operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March. As part of this phased resumption, we are prioritising clearing the cargo that is on hand. Customers whose shipments have been rebooked on these limited flights can be tracked on skycargo.com.
“All other flights remain suspended until further notice. In line with this, we are maintaining temporary restrictions on the booking and acceptance of all new shipments until we have further clarity on the operational schedule.
“However, cargo with a destination in the UAE may be accepted, subject to confirmation of flight operations by local office. This measure is being implemented to ensure operational stability and compliance with regulatory directives.”
Doha-based Qatar Airways Cargo said this morning in a LinkedIn update that its operations remain temporarily suspended.
The cargo division of Qatar Airways said: “Qatar Airways Cargo will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.”
Etihad Cargo confirmed to ACN that all Etihad Airways scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain cancelled until 2pm UAE time on 5 March.
“Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals,” said the airline.
Oman Air Cargo is also working on moving goods that have been affected by disrupted supply chains.
“Due to ongoing regional airspace closures, flights to and from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Dubai remain suspended. Flights across the rest of our network may be delayed as a result of longer flight paths,” said the airline.
“We are working to ensure that all affected cargo is rescheduled once we have more clarity on airspace restrictions.”
Oman Air Cargo added: “Extra belly hold capacity will also be added to our network over the coming days through new flights between Oman, the United Kingdom, Europe, India, and Asia.”
Airport update
Meanwhile, airports are facing ground handling and congestion challenges in the face of a reduced number of flights taking off and landing, or no flights, in the case of airports facing airspace closures in the Middle East.
Dubai Airports, the operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central—Al Maktoum International (DWC) said that there has been a limited resumption of operations as of 2 March.
Hamad International (DOH), serving Doha, said on its website that all aircraft movements have been suspended due to the temporary closure of the Qatari airspace.
As of 2 March, countries with airspace closed to aircraft include Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman and Qatar. Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Syria and Saudi Arabia had partially closed airspaces.
Yesterday, data analysis companies Rotate and Aevean highlighted the impact of the situation on air cargo capacity.
Rotate said global capacity was down 18% and Aevean noted that cargo capacity on the Asia-Middle East-Europe corridor decreased by more than 40% week-on-week on some routes.
Freight forwarders have also warned customers to expect delays, disruptions and rising costs.
Seko Logistics said that as well as the strain on capacity and supply chains from cancelled flights, rerouted flights are adding more time and fuel to operations, which costs more money.
The logistics company added that warehouses are increasingly backlogged, posing risks to perishables, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and ecommerce shipments.
