Air cargo operators across the world are rapidly adjusting their networks as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt aviation routes and logistics operations across the region.
More than ten days after the initial US-Israeli attack on Iran, which triggered retaliatory strikes across several neighbouring countries, airlines are still struggling to adapt to an environment marked by airspace restrictions, cancelled flights and growing cargo backlogs.
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific confirmed that its cargo division, Cathay Cargo, has suspended freighter services to Dubai and Riyadh until at least March 31. The airline has also cancelled passenger flights on the same routes during that period.
Large parts of the region’s airspace remain either fully or partially closed, forcing airlines to reroute flights or suspend operations entirely.
These disruptions are having a direct impact on cargo flows, leaving large volumes of freight stranded both within the Middle East and at major international air cargo hubs.
Significant backlogs have emerged at airports in China, where shipments originally destined for the Gulf region are now waiting for alternative transport solutions.
The situation is particularly challenging for logistics flows passing through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, which normally act as major global cargo hubs thanks to the operations of Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo.
With flight operations severely reduced, cargo capacity across the region has tightened dramatically.
However, some neighbouring countries whose airspace remains open are stepping in to absorb part of the traffic.
In Oman, for instance, cargo activity has intensified at Muscat International Airport, which has seen increased demand for both passenger evacuations and freight movements.
Oman’s national carrier Oman Air Cargo has been adding extra flights and deploying additional cargo capacity to support shippers seeking alternatives to UAE gateways.
According to Michael Duggan, head of cargo at Oman Air, many companies are now moving shipments from the UAE to Oman by road before forwarding them through Muscat.
One of the main challenges, however, lies in the cross-border transport of goods between the Emirates and Oman.
To ease the pressure, Oman Air Cargo is considering launching a temporary airbridge between Muscat and Dubai, while also working with customs authorities to develop bonded cargo procedures for general freight crossing the border.
Despite the regional instability, Duggan insists that operations remain stable in Oman, describing the situation as “business as usual” while the airline supports shippers coping with the region’s severe cargo capacity imbalance.
