We wish to inform you that the recent escalation in the security situation in Saudi Arabia, including missile and drone attacks reported over the past three days, has resulted in significant disruptions to aviation operations and increased concerns regarding regional transportation and supply chain continuity.
In particular, attacks affecting Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport have led to airport closures, flight cancellations and airline service suspensions.
As the situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable, customers are advised to anticipate potential delays and operational disruptions affecting cargo movements to, from and through Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.
Potential Impact on Logistics Operations
Airfreight
Flight cancellations, temporary suspensions, reduced cargo capacity, cargo backlogs and possible rerouting may result in extended transit times and additional freight costs, particularly for shipments involving Saudi Arabian airports.
Ocean Freight
Heightened maritime security concerns, particularly across the Red Sea and surrounding waters, may lead to vessel schedule changes, diversions, port congestion, delayed cargo arrivals and additional security-related surcharges. Impacts will depend on individual carriers and trade routes.
GCC Cross-Border Road Transportation
Road freight movements between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar may experience delays arising from enhanced security measures, border inspections, routing restrictions or temporary operational limitations.
Project Cargo & Heavy Lift Shipments
Breakbulk, oversized and time-critical project cargo may be affected by changes to vessel schedules, port handling arrangements, inland transportation and final delivery commitments.
Possible Additional Costs and Transit Delays
Depending on the nature and duration of any disruption, shipments may incur additional storage, demurrage, detention, waiting time, rerouting, security or carrier-imposed charges.
All previously advised transit times, sailing schedules, flight schedules and delivery estimates should therefore be considered provisional and subject to change.
Any additional costs will be communicated as applicable, in accordance with agreed contractual terms and carrier conditions.
Bertling's Commitment
Bertling continues to closely coordinate with shipping lines, airlines, vessel operators, transport providers and our international network to monitor developments, identify alternative solutions wherever feasible and minimise disruption to our customers' supply chains.
We strongly recommend that customers review time-critical shipments and incorporate appropriate contingencies into their logistics and project delivery schedules.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these exceptional circumstances.
For shipment-specific information or urgent assistance, please contact your designated Bertling representative.
Advisory issued based on information available as of 11 October 2026. Operational conditions may change without prior notice.
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Attack on airports in Yemen and Saudi Arabia as airstrikes continue | AP News
Pranav Ramesh Menon
Business Development Manager
P: +971 55 9399167M:+971 52 2550233
E: pranav.menon@bertling.com