Ongoing airspace closures and operational restrictions across parts of the Gulf region -including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Syria - continue to impact key Europe–Asia trade lanes.
As airlines are forced to reroute around restricted areas, several operational challenges are emerging across the market. These include reduced payload capacity, longer flight times and lower aircraft rotation efficiency. At the same time, conditions remain highly volatile, with frequent regulatory updates and short-notice NOTAMs continuing to affect flight planning and network stability.
Janine Seemke
Global Head of Airfreight
P: +49 40 32335554M:+49 173 3893139
E: janine.seemke@bertling.com
Market impact on Air Freight
Current disruptions are creating increasing pressure on global air cargo capacity and freight rates due to:
- Suspension of technical stopovers in key Gulf hubs
- Extended flight routings leading to higher fuel consumption and operational complexity
- Growing airport congestion at alternative hubs such as IST, ATH, CAI and JNB
- Potential limitations in transportation insurance coverage due to war-risk clauses.
Recommended Actions for Shippers
To minimize disruption and secure capacity in the current environment, we recommend:
- Reviewing insurance coverage, including war-risk clauses, to ensure adequate protection
- Providing updated shipment forecasts to allow proactive capacity planning and space allocation
- Confirming bookings as early as possible, as rerouting and reduced aircraft rotations are limiting short-notice availability.
Express as a reliable alternative
While scheduled air cargo networks continue to face restrictions and capacity bottlenecks, charter and part-charter solutions offer a reliable and flexible alternative for time-critical shipments.
Bertling’s global air charter logistics team can support with tailored solutions that provide:
- Capacity due to global partner network.
- Flexible routing options
- Faster transit times compared to disrupted scheduled services
- Dedicated handling for urgent and high-value cargo.
If you currently have urgent shipments affected by these restrictions, our teams are ready to evaluate whether a full charter or part-charter solution can help secure your supply chain and keep your cargo moving.
This is our fastest airfreight service to meet your urgent transportation needs in the destination country with highest priority.
How we can Support You
Our Air Freight specialists are available to discuss your current transport requirements and identify the most efficient solution.
Contact Bertling Air Freight Logistics today to explore available charter capacity and alternative routing options at inquiries.airfreight@bertling.com
