The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, now in its fifth day, is significantly disrupting air and ocean freight logistics services, both in the region and further afield.

Air Freight

Many flights across the Middle East have been grounded or diverted as regional tensions escalate. Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed to civilian and commercial air traffic, while national carrier El Al has suspended services through at least 23 June.

Much of the region’s airspace – including Iraq, a critical corridor for Europe-Asia flights—has been shut down, forcing carriers to reroute and reshuffle long-haul operations.

Major international carriers have also been rerouting flights that would usually travel over Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria to avoid Middle East airspace, leading to the temporary reshaping of global flight routes.

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight faces a looming crisis. Iran has suggested it may close the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could have far-reaching consequences. The strait, a vital choke-point for global energy transport, sees about 20% of the world’s oil pass through its narrow waters. Any blockade could impact oil prices and energy security.

Some countries, including the UK, have already advised their merchant fleets to avoid the Strait and the Gulf of Aden where possible. While a potential return to the Red Sea route for containerships now seems further away than ever.

As hostilities continue, logistics networks are bracing for deeper disruption with no immediate resolution in sight. The team at Atlantic Pacific are monitoring developments closely. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.