We are monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global shipping and air freight services. The situation continues to evolve, with precautionary operational measures introduced across parts of the region. Below is a summary of the current position and what it means for PFE customers.
Sea Freight Service Update
Carriers have implemented immediate precautionary measures across the Gulf region. All vessels currently inside the Gulf, or bound for Gulf ports, have been instructed to proceed to safe shelter, and passage through the Suez Canal for the very isolated services using it has again been suspended until further notice.
As a result, services calling at key Gulf ports, including those in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and parts of Saudi Arabia, have been temporarily suspended. Cargo already on the water is being diverted to alternative ports where necessary, and confirmed bookings are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis in light of the current operational constraints. New bookings to and from the Gulf are not currently being accepted. As you would expect, carriers are prioritising the safety of crews, vessels and cargo while the situation remains fluid.
With vessels now diverting and discharging at alternative hub ports, some congestion at key transhipment locations may occur over the coming weeks as networks adjust.
For PFE customers, there is no direct impact on the services we are currently operating from Asia and the Indian Sub Continent. We remain in direct dialogue with those involved in routes both in and out of the Gulf. All Asia and Indian Subcontinent services that we utilise to the UK and Europe are already routing via the Cape of Good Hope.
Bunker costs have risen sharply following recent movement in global oil prices. At this stage, carriers have not announced any emergency surcharges, but this remains a possibility. We will provide further guidance should this change.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service Team at 01376 533039 or email [email protected].
Air Freight Service Update
Air freight services are currently experiencing significant disruption.
Several countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, have temporarily suspended airspace. As a precaution, airlines have cancelled or re-routed flights, resulting in reduced flight availability and ongoing schedule disruption.
A large number of flights from the Far East into Europe have been grounded, with further delays affecting departures from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. As a result, volumes arriving into Heathrow and Stansted have reduced considerably, and inbound capacity remains limited.
Reduced flight options, last-minute schedule changes and some disruption at cargo terminals may lead to extended transit times. We expect a backlog to build over the coming days, and at this stage there is limited visibility on when schedules will fully stabilise.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will keep affected customers informed of any changes to specific shipments.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shipment, please contact our Air Freight department on 01753 278020
