Operational disruption updates

Published: Monday, 2 March 2026

Global supply chains are constantly shaped by geopolitical developments, infrastructure events and environmental conditions. In time-critical logistics, early visibility and clear communication are essential.

Where airspace, maritime corridors, customs processes or transport capacity are affected, operational updates provide clarity on impact and contingency planning.

Operating 24/7, 365, our control centres monitor global networks in real time to protect continuity of supply and deliver supply chain certainty.

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Middle East logistics update

Update issued: 10:00 GMT – 02/03/2026

Priority Freight policy is to encourage open communication with customers and to continue exploring viable solution opportunities wherever possible. Planning, transparency and swift decision-making once options arise remain critical.

Current situation

Escalating military activity across parts of the Middle East has resulted in heightened regional security measures, airspace restrictions and maritime corridor disruption.

At the time of issue:

• The Strait of Hormuz is currently subject to closure/restriction, with vessels expected to reroute via alternative corridors
• Airspace within parts of the UAE region is subject to restriction, with airlines implementing rerouting where required
• Airlines are actively reviewing overflight permissions and fuel planning
• Security protocols at selected regional airports and ports have been heightened

There is currently no direct impact to European road freight operations. Air freight movements linked to the region are being monitored closely, and alternative routings and contingency plans are already in place where required.

AIR FREIGHT

Air freight movements to, from or transiting through the Gulf region may be subject to:

• Airspace rerouting due to UAE regional restrictions
• Extended flight times and revised fuel calculations
• Aircraft repositioning based on airline risk assessments
• Slot reallocation or uplift sequencing adjustments

In addition:

• Overflight permissions remain dynamic and subject to short-notice amendment
• Regional airport handling capability may fluctuate as security measures evolve
• Departure timings must be caveated due to evolving airspace management

Charter options may be explored on an enquiry-by-enquiry basis, subject to aircraft positioning
and permit approval.

SEA FREIGHT

Maritime movements within the Gulf region are impacted by current Strait of Hormuz restrictions.

• Vessels are expected to reroute, extending transit times
• Sea/air multimodal solutions may experience increased demand
• Insurance and risk assessments are being reviewed by carriers
• Schedule reliability across Gulf feeder services may fluctuate

No formal closure of major regional ports has been confirmed; however, operational adjustments
are ongoing.

ROAD FREIGHT (REGIONAL)

For freight moving within Gulf territories:

• Border crossings remain operational
• Additional security checks may result in extended transit times
• Availability of traction may fluctuate depending on local restrictions

Forward outlook

Based on current conditions, disruption risk is linked primarily to maritime corridor restriction and regional airspace management.

Knock-on effects may include:

• Capacity tightening across unaffected global air corridors
• Short-term rate volatility
• Increased demand for alternative routing via European or Asian hubs
• Compression of schedules where aircraft are repositioned

The situation remains fluid and may evolve rapidly depending on further developments.

Priority Freight operational position

Priority Freight continues to actively assess all available solutions and explore viable routing alternatives.

All enquiries are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with feasibility assessed against real-time operational constraints.

We will continue to:

• Monitor NOTAMs and airline operational advisories
• Engage directly with carrier partners and ground handlers
• Assess alternative routing via unaffected hubs
• Evaluate charter and part-charter feasibility where appropriate
• Provide proactive communication on any identified shipment exposure

Further updates will be issued as the situation develops.

What this means for customers

• Customers with freight moving to, from or via the Gulf region are encouraged to engage early
• Routing reviews can be conducted proactively to mitigate risk
• Any offer made is only valid for a limited window due to dynamic capacity allocation
• Departure timings must be caveated due to evolving airspace and maritime restrictions
• Requests for urgent solutions will be reviewed immediately upon receipt but cannot be assumed to be immediately available
• Each request must be assessed against real-time operational constraints and solution availability

We will do everything possible to identify a viable solution for each challenge.

Next steps

We will continue to:

• Monitor geopolitical, maritime and aviation authority updates closely
• Reassess capacity and routing options as conditions change
• Communicate updates as new information becomes available

The situation on the ground is continually evolving, and further updates will be issued as circumstances change.

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Middle East logistics update

Update issued: 13:00 GMT – 12/02/2026

Priority Freight policy is to encourage open communication with customers and to continue exploring viable solution opportunities wherever possible. Planning, transparency and swift decision-making once options arise remain critical.

Current situation

SEA FREIGHT

We have received formal notification from the Tangier Port Authority that further disruption to sea crossings between Morocco and Spain is expected over the next two days, as rainfall continues and wind speeds are forecast to increase again.

• Significant backlogs already exist at Tangier Port, currently exceeding two days.
• These delays are expected to worsen given the forecast weather conditions.
• Sea crossings remain unreliable and subject to cancellation.

In addition:

• There is very limited availability of truck traction within Morocco.
• There is currently little appetite from carriers to cross the Strait given prevailing conditions.
• Where required, there may be options to accelerate onward movements from Spain;
  enquiries for these solutions are welcomed.

AIR FREIGHT

Charter options may be available and will be sourced on an enquiry-by-enquiry basis.

There is currently greater certainty for loads up to approximately 20 pallets, subject to
operational conditions.

Customers are encouraged to enquire; however, the following constraints must be noted:

• Goods must be securely packed and shrink-wrapped prior to arrival at the cargo handler.
• Due to warehouse capacity constraints, cargo is currently being held on the ramp outside.
• Shrink-wrapping must be completed at the customer’s premises before acceptance.
• Uplift is dependent on both cargo handling and ramp handling availability, which are
  managed by separate companies.
• Permits must be approved by Moroccan authorities. While we maintain active engagement,
  final approval remains outside of our control.
• Departure slots are subject to allocation.
• No guarantees on uplift timing can currently be provided.

The main departure airports remain Casablanca and Tangier.

Forward outlook

Ramadan begins on Wednesday 18th and is expected to further impact handling capability at airports that are already operating at or near maximum capacity.

Based on current conditions and forecasts, disruption across sea and air movements is expected to continue in the short term.

Priority Freight operational position

Priority Freight continues to actively assess all available solutions and explore viable routing alternatives.

All enquiries are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with feasibility assessed against real-time operational constraints.

We will continue to:

• Monitor weather developments and port authority notifications.
• Engage with carriers and handling agents.
• Assess aircraft and traction availability.
• Provide updates as conditions evolve.

Further updates will be issued as the situation develops.

What this means for customers

• Customers are encouraged to continue requesting solutions, as some smaller aircraft are available on the market; however, availability of larger aircraft is limited in the short term.
• Customers should plan ahead and, where possible, book options into next week.
• Any offer made is only valid for 30 minutes, after which it may be reallocated.
• We will do everything possible to identify a viable solution for each challenge.
• Requests for urgent solutions, including charters, will be reviewed on receipt but cannot be assumed to be immediately available.
• Even where aircraft availability exists, departure dates must be caveated due to permit requirements, loading constraints and ever-changing slot times.
• Each request must be assessed against real-time operational constraints and solution availability.
• Time and date departure updates from airport and port authorities remain unreliable.

Next steps

We will continue to:

• Monitor weather and infrastructure conditions closely.
• Reassess capacity as conditions change.
• Communicate updates as new information becomes available.

The situation on the ground is continually evolving, and further updates will be issued as circumstances change.