Urgent news report

Monday 2nd March 2026

In this news report:

Middle East Conflict | Updates and how it will impact international shipping & Australian Supply Chains

Impacts to International Shipping

Major military action in the Middle East over the weekend has led to significant disruption across global aviation, air cargo, and containerised shipping networks. These events are already affecting international supply chains, with flow‑on impacts expected for Australian importers and exporters.

Australia will be affected by these global disruptions.

Air Freight: Reduced capacity and schedule instability may impact time‑critical and high‑value shipments.
Sea Freight: Longer routings, port congestion and equipment shortages may affect transit times and schedule reliability.
Costs: Higher fuel prices, war‑risk surcharges and emergency conflict fees are likely to increase freight costs across multiple trade lanes—even for cargo not destined for the Middle East.

Aviation & Air Cargo | Severe and on-going disruption

Current Situation

Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar is closed or heavily restricted.
Major hub airports—including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha—are shut.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled or rerouted, displacing aircraft and crews worldwide.

Airline Updates

Emirates (Dubai)

All Dubai operations temporarily suspended due to regional airspace closures.
Dubai International Airport has sustained damage.
Services will resume only when safe to do so.

Qatar Airways (Doha)

All flights to and from Doha suspended following airspace closure.
Further schedule changes may happen at short notice.

Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)

All services cancelled; updates to follow as conditions evolve.

Other International Carriers

Numerous airlines have rerouted or suspended flights.
Cathay Pacific has halted both passenger and freighter operations at Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport, directly reducing global cargo capacity.

Air Cargo Implications

Major Gulf cargo hubs are offline, significantly reducing uplift capacity.
Longer flight paths and higher operating costs are expected to place upward pressure on air freight rates.
Recovery will take time, even after airspace reopens, due to displaced aircraft and crews.

Sea Freight: Container Shipping Disruptions

Rising security risks in key maritime corridors—including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea—are affecting global container movements. Several major carriers have implemented emergency routing and safety measures.

Carrier Updates

MSC

Vessels in or heading to the Gulf have been redirected to safe areas.
All Middle East bookings suspended until further notice.

CMA CGM

All Gulf‑bound vessels instructed to take shelter.
Suez Canal transits suspended; ships rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope.

Hapag Lloyd

All transits through the Strait of Hormuz suspended.
Delays and rerouting expected.

Maersk

Multiple services now rerouted around Africa instead of using the Suez Canal.

Operational Updates

Numerous vessels have turned back or paused instead of entering the Strait of Hormuz.
Some Gulf‑bound cargo is expected to be discharged at alternative ports such as Salalah, Khor Fakkan, Sohar, Duqm or Colombo.

We’re Here to Support You

Stockwells is closely monitoring the situation and working with our global partners to minimise impacts on your supply chain wherever possible. We will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.

If you have any concerns about current or upcoming shipments, please reach out to your Stockwells representative.

Middle East Conflict | News Overview

Over the weekend, the US and Israel have bombed multiple Iranian cities, including capital Tehran. Iran has hit back, launching missiles at Israel, and US bases (Aljazeera, 2026).

US President Donald Trump has described this joint U.S.-Israel attack as "major combat operations" against Iran.

This is a developing situation, with information and conditions changing rapidly.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has addressed the uncertain travel situation in the Middle East after airlines in the region suspended services.

"We have about 11,000 Australians coming in and out of Australia on Etihad, Emirates and Qatar, so that gives you some indication of the scale of the travel," she told ABC News Breakfast.

"On estimates, we have about 115,000 Australians in the region.

"Obviously it's very difficult at the moment for government to provide a great deal of assistance in circumstances where flights are being cancelled, disrupted and airspace is closed." (ABC News).

Keep updated: Israel and US attack Iran live updates: Trump says US will 'avenge' fallen troops but more deaths 'likely' - ABC News

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