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Atlas® International Issues Update on Global Transportation Disruptions

Atlas International
4 min read

EVANSVILLE, IND. (March 5, 2026) – Today, Atlas® International provided an operational update as global transportation networks experience significant disruptions following escalations in the Middle East. Atlas International continues to monitor impacts across ocean, air, and landside freight and remains committed to transparent communication with customers.

“The developments in the Middle East are creating a rapidly shifting environment across global logistics,” said Christy Lewis, Vice President & General Manager, Atlas® International. “Our priority is safeguarding customer shipments while maintaining clear, ongoing communication. Our teams are working closely with carrier partners and adjusting operations as needed to provide the most reliable solutions as the situation evolves.”

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has advised U.S.-flag vessels to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Arabian Sea. As a result, several major trade corridors are facing disruptions:

  • Strait of Hormuz: Commercial vessel transits are effectively suspended, restricting direct ocean access to ports in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, and Iraq.
  • Suez Canal & Bab-el-Mandeb: All major carriers have suspended Suez Canal transits and Red Sea routes via Bab-el-Mandeb. Vessels are being re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant transit time and reducing capacity.  
  • Eastern Mediterranean: While ports remain operational, services tied to Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Red Sea routings are being withdrawn or restructured, causing omitted port calls, blank sailings, and congestion at transshipment hubs. 

 Across global transportation networks, carriers have implemented precautionary measures for safety: 

  • Ocean Carriers: Major shipping lines, including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO, have suspended or rerouted services through high-risk corridors. For example, MSC has halted new bookings to Middle East ports; Maersk paused all Strait of Hormuz transits and Trans-Suez voyages; and carriers have introduced emergency surcharges or war-risk fees for Gulf-region cargo. 
  • Air Carriers: Airlines are adjusting routes and schedules. Lufthansa Cargo, for instance, has suspended flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations (Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, Tehran) and temporarily restricted use of certain regional airspace. An embargo on select sensitive cargo categories (e.g. live animals, perishables, high-value goods) is in effect for key hubs like Dubai and Riyadh through March 8. 
  • Landside Operations: Trucking, rail, and warehousing services remain operational across the region, though customers should anticipate possible border congestion, enhanced security screenings, and variable transit times.

According to a customer advisory from Maersk, additional steps are being taken to maintain stability amid these disruptions. The measures include temporarily suspending acceptance of refrigerated (reefer), hazardous, and special cargo to certain Middle Eastern ports, stopping new bookings between the Indian Subcontinent and Upper Gulf (except essential goods), and suspending dangerous goods shipments to and from Israel until further notice. Some ports, such as Bahrain, have suspended operations, while most major terminals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf countries remain open with heightened precautions. Widespread airspace restrictions – in nations including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran – are contributing to rerouted flights, potential delays, and upward pressure on air freight rates.

Atlas International’s leadership emphasizes proactive communication and planning as this situation evolves. Even after stability returns, global supply chains may take months to fully realign and return to normal patterns. Atlas International will continue to track conditions closely and share timely updates as new carrier guidance becomes available. Customers with shipment-specific questions are encouraged to contact their Atlas International representative for the latest information and support.

For more information about Atlas International and its services visit, https://www.atlasintl.com/.

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About Atlas® International

Atlas International, an international moving and logistics company, is a subsidiary of Atlas World Group, Inc., an Evansville, Indiana-based organization. Atlas World Group companies employ nearly 800 people across North America.