Australia
New Zealand Middle East Conflict Impacting Air and Ocean Services
Escalating regional tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have resulted in temporary airspace closures and maritime security measures across parts of the Middle East, impacting selected air and ocean freight services transiting the region.
Major carriers including Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have issued operational advisories in response to airspace restrictions and security-related maritime concerns. Dubai Airports has also confirmed operational impacts linked to regional airspace closures.
Air Freight Impacts
Airspace closures and security restrictions across parts of the Gulf region have led to:
- Temporary suspension of selected passenger and cargo flights
- Aircraft rerouting around restricted airspace
- Extended transit times on services connecting through Middle East hubs
- Short-notice schedule adjustments while carriers assess conditions
Middle East hub airports play a significant role in global long-haul cargo connectivity, including services linking Europe, Asia and Oceania. Disruptions in this region can therefore create flow-on impacts beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Ocean Freight Impacts
Security concerns have also affected maritime movements through strategic waterways including the Strait of Hormuz. Selected carriers have suspended or adjusted transits through the area while monitoring the evolving security situation.
Where vessels are diverted or delayed, voyage durations may increase and schedule integrity may be affected. While Australia and New Zealand trades are not directly centred on the Gulf region, global vessel deployment and equipment positioning can be influenced by routing adjustments elsewhere.
What This Means for ANZ Importers and Exporters
- Shipments connecting via Middle East air hubs may experience longer transit times or rerouting.
- Ocean services may see schedule variability if maritime diversions are implemented.
- Secondary network impacts may affect equipment availability and global service reliability.
At this stage, impacts are concentrated on services transiting or connecting through the affected region; however, the situation remains fluid.
Seabridge Position
Seabridge is actively monitoring carrier advisories and security developments. We are working closely with our global partners to assess alternative routings where necessary and to minimise disruption to customer supply chains.
If you have shipments moving via or connected to the Middle East region, please contact your local Seabridge representative to review routing options and contingency planning.
This advisory is based on carrier and airport operator notices issued in February 2026. Further updates will be provided as conditions evolve.
