Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week
(Week 4 of March 2026)

Amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East, Qatari airspace was closed and later partially reopened, significantly limiting scheduled flight operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Only limited operations through approved corridors are currently possible, and Qatar Airways is operating temporary flights focused on repatriation and essential travel. The reduced function of this major Middle East aviation hub may affect air cargo movements routed through DOH. The timeline for full resumption of normal operations remains uncertain.

Railway unions carried out a nationwide 24-hour strike coinciding with the start of the criminal trial related to the Tempi train disaster(the 2023 Tempi train disaster). During the strike period, nationwide railway network operations were suspended, stopping both passenger and freight train services. Key freight corridors linking the Port of Piraeus with the Balkan inland rail network and rail connections to the Port of Thessaloniki were affected. The disruption may delay inland movement of transshipment containers and increase demand for trucking alternatives, with potential backlog expected after railway services resume.

Airspace safety concerns and regional tensions across the Middle East led major carriers including Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, and Emirates to suspend or cancel parts of their operations. Approximately 125 flights were reported suspended and 21 flights were placed on hold. Major hubs including Bahrain International Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, and Dubai International Airport experienced disruptions. These cancellations may impact international aviation networks connected through Middle Eastern hubs and could lead to schedule delays and rerouting on some routes.

Ground delays occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport due to staffing issues linked to the partial U.S. government shutdown. The FAA implemented a ground delay program as airport capacity dropped, resulting in average delays of around 34 minutes. Increased spring break travel demand combined with shortages of air traffic control and security personnel has added pressure on airport operations. As a result, flight delays and longer security wait times have been reported at several major U.S. airports.

Strong gusty winds and adverse weather along India’s Gujarat coast caused stacked containers to topple at the container terminal yard of Mundra Port. The weather conditions created mooring line tension issues, leading to a temporary suspension of vessel and yard operations in certain terminal areas. While vessel berthing continued, container handling productivity was reduced and operational delays were reported. Ongoing safety inspections and yard clearance raised concerns about terminal congestion and increased truck dwell