Shipments ranging from fresh produce to airplane parts are in limbo as an escalating Middle East conflict reduces the world's air cargo capacity by more than one-fifth and pushes up freight rates, with executives bracing for backlogs of goods. The U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran has grounded passenger and freighter flights across the region, including in key global air cargo hubs Doha and Dubai. Asia-Europe routes affectedMiddle Eastern carriers account for about 13% of global air cargo capacity, according to Aevean. "Whenever operational disruptions increase costs or reduce capacity, air cargo rates tend to experience upward pressure," Ng said. Moving plane partsCritical aircraft parts often move by air, and prolonged disruptions could slow Middle East carriers' efforts to restore flights.

Source: The Telegraph March 05, 2026 09:22 UTC