Dear Valued Client,

Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have resulted in major disruptions across global air and ocean logistics networks. While South Africa is not directly impacted, there are significant knock-on effects that may influence both international and local operations.

Air Freight & Airspace Disruptions
Airspace Closures: Several countries have closed their airspace until further notice, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
Airline Cancellations & Suspensions: Multiple major airlines have suspended routes or halted operations due to airspace restrictions and airport closures, including:

• Emirates and FlyDubai – Halted operations, as flights suspended at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International.
• Etihad – Suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi.
• Qatar Airways – Suspended all flights from Doha.
• Turkish Airlines – Suspended flights to/from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan.
• British Airways – Suspended Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman services.
• Lufthansa – Suspended flights to/from Dubai, Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman.
• Air France – Suspended Tel Aviv and Beirut.
• KLM – Suspended Tel Aviv.
• Virgin Atlantic – Suspended Dubai.
• SWISS – Suspended Tel Aviv and Dubai.
• Cathay Pacific – Suspended Dubai and Riyadh (passenger and freight) at Al Maktoum.

Impact on Shipments: Air cargo already in transit may experience significant delays. Rerouting and capacity reductions will impact transit times and freight rates.

Ocean Freight Disruptions
Carrier Routing Changes: Maersk and Hapag Lloyd have diverted certain services away from the Suez Canal, routing via the Cape of Good Hope. This does not directly affect South African import/export cargo, but inducement calls for bunkering in local ports may lead to berthing congestion and scheduling delays.
Suspended Services: MSC has suspended all bookings to the Middle East until further notice.
Emergency Conflict Surcharge (Hapag Lloyd): USD 2,000 per 20-foot container, USD 3,000 per 40-foot container, and USD 4,000 per 40-foot High Cube. Applies to the Gulf region, Red Sea Ports, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Strait of Hormuz: Authorities have closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel transits, and merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf have been advised to seek shelter. CMA-CGM has suspended Suez Canal passages and rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope.

Fuel, Bunkering & Rate Implications
Rising bunker fuel prices are expected due to the conflict, impacting international freight rates, local fuel surcharges, and transit times due to longer sailing distances.

What This Means for South African Clients
While South Africa is not directly involved, rerouted vessels and inducement port calls may increase delays at local terminals. Clients with shipments to or via affected regions will be contacted directly. We encourage proactive planning and consultation regarding shipment routing, rate implications, and scheduling risks.

This is a developing and fluid situation. We remain committed to supporting our clients with up-to-date operational guidance and mitigation planning.
Our thoughts are with all colleagues, partners, and clients affected by the conflict.
Should you require further assistance, please contact your representative.