Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week
(Week 2 of March 2026)

Amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, missile attacks and airspace closures in the Middle East have disrupted government-led evacuations and commercial flight operations. Airspace over Israel, Qatar, and surrounding corridors has been closed, while flights at Gulf region airports have experienced delays and diversions. Some commercial flights have resumed at UAE airports, but frequent cancellations continue due to heightened threat levels. Airlines are facing challenges regarding crew safety, insurance, and available flight routes.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) airports experienced major disruptions from heavy snow, strong winds, and staff shortages. CDG reported 181 delayed flights and 21 cancellations in one day. Air France had about 19% of its schedule delayed, while Etihad suspended half of its Paris flights. Missed connections and rebooking issues extended the impact into the following week. Analysts noted a lack of resilience at major hubs and a 12% shortfall in CDG ground handling staff, causing operational difficulties.

Commercial vessels are stranded near the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf ports in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait due to Iran’s blockade amid ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. Ships carrying flammable materials such as crude oil, LPG, and general cargo face heightened risks of maritime disasters. At least 10 missile or drone attacks have targeted ships near UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, with two causing fires. Insurance refusals and unclear communications have further complicated the situation, leaving approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers and 36 Indian-flagged vessels isolated.

Major U.S. airports experienced average security wait times of three hours due to a partial government shutdown and increased spring break travel, with waits at Houston Hobby Airport reaching up to 3.5 hours. Approximately 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay, and staffing shortages and financial strain are affecting airport operations.

A new national strike in Belgium has caused major disruptions at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of the key entry points to the European market. Inbound and outbound shipping operations are currently suspended. Although the strike is officially scheduled for March 12, port workers have begun actions in advance, affecting shipping activities.