Update on situation in the Middle East

5 March 2026

Air Freight
There have not been significant changes since our update dated 3 March 2026.

Ocean Freight
Operations in Jebel Ali, Shuiba, and Bahrain have been suspended (subject to change depending on the situation).

Carriers have different policies on shipment acceptance into the Middle East. Some have ceased accepting shipments or are implementing GRI and emergency surcharges that also apply to shipments on water.

Toll offers alternative solutions via the following ports to serve the Middle East region:

  • Khor Fakkan Port, the United Arab Emirates
  • Sohar Port, Oman

War Risk Insurance Update
Following industry-wide notices issued by global marine insurers in response to the escalating conflict in the region, war risk coverage for shipments transiting the following regions is considered cancelled with effect from 1 March 2026: 

  • Arabian Gulf
  • Red Sea
  • Bab al Mandeb
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • Arabian Sea

War risk exclusions may also apply to air cargo movements operating through or near these affected areas.

Given these developments, insurers may:

  • Decline claims arising from conflict-related loss or damage
  • Require supplemental war risk premiums 
  • Temporarily suspend cover for shipments routed through high-risk zones. 

With this, we expect:

  1. Delays for cargo transiting through Gulf hubs.
  2. Reduced market capacity and longer transit time, leading to increased freight rates and potential implementation of emergency or war-risk surcharges.
  3. Extended rebooking times due to constrained capacity

To mitigate disruptions, we encourage you to:

  1. Build buffer into delivery times, adjusting your customer commitments where necessary
  2. Book any air freight shipments as early as possible, as freight rates are expected to increase with the reduced capacity.
  3. Contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative 
    1. For advice on air and ocean freight service availability and rates
    2. To explore alternative solutions
    3. To discuss implications of insurance changes to your routing, coverage options, and operational planning.

We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as it develops. In the meantime, please contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative to discuss alternative solutions or request support.

Toll Global Forwarding

3 March 2026

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

Ocean Freight
With the suspension of port operations in Jebel Ali and Salalah and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, carriers are likely to attempt to minimise disruptions by rerouting vessels and seeking alternative discharge ports.


Carriers have different policies regarding the acceptance of shipments bound for the Middle East.

Delays can be expected in Asian hub ports, which may affect other markets.

Air Freight
Air space in the region is either 

  • Totally closed: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Syria, or 
  • Restricted: Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Many airlines have cancelled flights to, from, and through the affected airspace this week, some until further notice.

With this, we expect:

  1. Delays for cargo transiting through Gulf hubs.
  2. Reduced market capacity and longer transit time, leading to increased freight rates and potential implementation of emergency or war-risk surcharges.
  3. Extended rebooking times due to constrained capacity

To mitigate disruptions, we encourage you to:

  1. Build buffer into delivery times, adjusting your customer commitments where necessary
  2. Contact your local Toll Global Forwarding representative for advice on air and ocean freight service availability and rates, and alternative solutions.
  3. Book any air freight shipments as early as possible, as freight rates are expected to increase with the reduced capacity.

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.

Toll Global Forwarding

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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