The conflict in Iran
The conflict in Iran has caused a massive shutdown of maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategic routes for global trade. Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have temporarily suspended all ship transits through the strait due to insecurity, following attacks on oil tankers and warnings from the Iranian Navy about the prohibition of passage.
Maersk and MSC have announced the suspension of all crossings through the strait until further notice, in addition to interrupting global cargo bookings to the Middle East.
Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have diverted their routes to southern Africa, avoiding the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which increases transport times and costs.
Companies have applied war risk and emergency conflict surcharges to goods originating in or destined for the region.
Traffic through the strait has been paralysed on both sides, with at least 150 tankers immobilised in the vicinity.
These measures threaten to cause logistical bottlenecks, increase freight and insurance prices, and severely affect oil supplies, especially for Asian countries such as Japan, which depends on the Middle East for 90% of its crude oil.
The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has caused one of the biggest disruptions to international aviation since the war in Ukraine, severely affecting airlines.
Key airports closed or with severe restrictions
The main hubs in the Persian Gulf — Dubai, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) and Doha (Qatar) — remain closed or with limited operations following air strikes and retaliatory attacks. Dubai International Airport was damaged during an Iranian attack, causing flights to be suspended ‘until further notice’. Qatar Airways suspended all flights due to the closure of Doha airport. The United Arab Emirates imposed a partial closure, allowing only limited operations.
Mass cancellations and flight diversions
More than 1,800 flights were cancelled in the first 24 hours. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta, United and American Airlines have suspended or diverted routes to the Middle East. Some flights were diverted to Athens, Istanbul, Rome or Madrid, while others turned back mid-flight.
Global impact and operational consequences
The paralysis of these transit hubs affects routes between Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Airlines must use longer alternative corridors (such as south of Saudi Arabia), which increases fuel consumption, flight times and operating costs. This could translate into higher ticket prices if the conflict continues. In addition, air traffic controllers in countries such as Saudi Arabia and face greater pressure.
Airline measures
Many airlines have issued exemptions for free flight changes. The EU (EASA) and Indian aviation authorities have declared high-risk areas throughout the Persian Gulf. The closure of Iranian airspace has been extended until 3 March, according to a new NOTAM.
