Maersk Suspends Cargo Bookings Across Multiple Middle Eastern Countries

COLOMBO (News 1st); Maersk has issued an operational update announcing significant service adjustments across the Middle East due to the evolving regional situation.

The company says the measures are aimed at protecting staff, safeguarding cargo integrity, and maintaining network stability amid heightened volatility.

In its update dated 04 March 2026, Maersk said conditions remain highly fluid and the information is subject to further change.

Maersk announced the temporary suspension of cargo booking acceptance in and out of the UAE, Oman (excluding Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia’s Dammam and Jubail ports.

The suspension takes effect immediately, covering all cargo originating from, destined for, or transshipping through these countries.

Exceptions will be made for critical food items, medicine, and essential goods, with the company assuring special handling for perishables and vital supplies.

Maersk confirmed that Jeddah and King Abdullah ports in Saudi Arabia, as well as Salalah in Oman, remain operational and are not affected at this stage.

Additionally, the company has suspended acceptance of reefer, dangerous, and special cargo in and out of the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia until further notice.

Maersk also stated that it is not accepting dangerous cargo to and from Israel, although all other cargo to and from Israel continues to be accepted.

Shipments to and from Jordan and Lebanon remain operational.

Maersk reports that several countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, have temporarily closed their airspace as the situation escalates. Airlines have also cancelled or rerouted flights as a precaution.'

The company warns that limited flight availability, last-minute schedule changes, and rerouting will likely lead to delays and extended transit times.

Despite the disruptions at sea and in the air, Maersk says trucking, rail, and warehousing services remain operational across the region.

However, the company cautions customers to expect border congestion, customs delays, fluctuating transit times, alternative routing, and potential cost adjustments as stricter security measures come into force.

Maersk adds that it is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure rapid response and efficient management.