International logistics group AsstrA has reported serious disruptions to global supply chains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the closure of several air and sea routes. These restrictions have affected key transit corridors linking Europe, Asia, and North America. The company notes that the problems are already impacting air freight and capacity availability, particularly on routes through the region’s largest hubs. According to Karol Baranczuk, AsstrA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Air Freight, the company is constantly monitoring the situation, assessing supply chain risks, and developing alternative routes to minimize the impact on customers.
AsstrA recommends temporarily suspending new bookings with a number of airlines, including Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, and Gulf Air. However, many carriers have already reduced or temporarily suspended flights, and some routes have been rescheduled. Restrictions have affected the operations of airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Lufthansa, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, and others. The partial or complete closure of airspace in Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan poses additional challenges. This is seriously affecting cargo flows between Europe and Asia, particularly consolidated shipments passing through the logistics hubs of the Persian Gulf.
At the same time, the situation in maritime shipping has also worsened. AsstrA Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Maritime Shipping Larisa Nikolayuk noted that the company is in constant contact with local authorities and partners to minimize potential disruptions. According to AsstrA, as of March 1, 2026, transit through the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively halted, leading to a sharp decline in shipping traffic of approximately 70%. As a result, approximately 170 container ships with a total capacity of approximately 450,000 TEUs are blocked in the Persian Gulf, and many major shipping lines, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and MSC, have suspended passage through the strait or are rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. The company warns that the current situation could lead to a 50-80% increase in freight rates, a 10-15 day increase in delivery times, and the imposition of additional military and emergency fees.