Maersk is implementing immediate service suspensions across the Middle East in response to the rapidly evolving regional situation. These measures are designed to prioritize personnel safety and cargo integrity while maintaining network stability under volatile conditions.
Ocean freight: Immediate suspensions
Maersk has moved to significantly restrict cargo acceptance and new bookings across key Gulf and Levant markets.
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Commodity Restrictions: Immediate suspension of reefer, dangerous, and special cargo acceptance for:
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UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
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Booking Suspensions: No new bookings are being accepted between the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and Upper Gulf markets (UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait).
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Note: For Saudi Arabia, this specific suspension applies only to Dammam and Jubail.
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Air and Landside disruptions
The regional volatility has extended beyond ocean freight, impacting multi-modal logistics and transit times.
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Air Freight: Multiple countries—including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran—have temporarily suspended airspaces. Expect flight cancellations, rerouting, and extended lead times for Sea-Air volumes.
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Landside Operations: While trucking, rail, and warehousing remain operational, customers should prepare for border congestion and stricter security measures that may shift costs and schedules.
Management of existing cargo
Confirmed bookings made prior to this advisory are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Cargo already in transit is under active management, and Maersk teams will contact affected customers directly if adjustments are required.
Shippers are encouraged to consult with local representatives to explore alternative gateways or inland routing structures outside the impacted zones where feasible.
