Updated – 03/03/2026 16:30 UAE LT
This is a further update on port and vessel operations in the Middle East, based on the latest confirmed information from our local teams.
Based on the latest confirmed information from our local teams, the current operating status across the region is outlined below. The situation remains fluid, and conditions may change at short notice in response to local authority guidance.
Regional overview
As of 3 March 2026, there has been no internationally recognised legal closure of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian radio warnings, heightened military risk, and company‑level directives have led to a sharp reduction in commercial traffic, with most vessels temporarily avoiding transit despite a limited number continuing to pass through.
Airspace remains closed in most Gulf countries.
United Arab Emirates
- Jebel Ali, Hamriya, and Sharjah Port, all terminal port operations are normal.
- Khor Fakkan ports are open and operating at full capacity, with no navigational warnings issued by local port authorities.
- Fujairah – Two fire incidents occurred in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ), situated directly across from Fujairah Port. The fire has been effectively contained, and normal operations within the surrounding area have resumed.
LPA released a navigational warning no.01/2026 Mariners are advised that intermittent GPS signal spoofing and jamming has been reported in the vicinity Fujairah offshore areas. These disruptions may result in loss of position accuracy, erratic vessel movements on ECDIS, or false positional information. - Ras Al Khaimah Ports – remains open and is operating normally.
- Ruwais and Abu Dhabi petroleum ports are operational. Ruwais PPA (ISPS level 2) & Abu Dhabi Ports ( ISPS Level 1). Abu Dhabi Ports confirmed that all UAE ports managed and operated by AD ports remain fully open and are operating as usual.
- Airspace remains closed for most of the UAE. Crew changes are possible in most cases, but are limited to movements to and from hotels. Abu Dhabi: Etihad has stopped flights until tomorrow.
Kuwait
- No alerts / notifications / circulars from the Kuwait Port authorities.
- Presently, no stoppage of operations has been reported, and no official information from the port authorities.
- All ports controlled by KOTC MINA TANK, Mina Al Ahmadi, Mina Abdulla and Mina Al Zour are operational.
- All vessels currently bound for Shuaiba Port must redirect to Shuwaikh Port to discharge their cargo. This instruction applies provided that the vessel’s draft does not exceed 9.6 meters. Please note that all manifests will be automatically transferred to Shuwaikh Port. Please note that this applies exclusively to container vessels.
Oman
- Port operations are partially restricted.
- Suspended Port Ops: Port of Duqm, Asyad Drydock – Duqm, Port of Salalah (Both GCT and CT Terminals) suspended operations until further notice.
- Ports working normally: Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Mina Al Fahal, Port of Sohar, Qalhat LNG Terminal – Sur, OMIFCO Terminal – Sur
- ISPS Level: 1
- Airspace remains open, although some international flight routes have been suspended
Saudi Arabia
- There are presently no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities. All operational activities are functioning at full capacity.
- The morning incident at Ras Tanura was contained, and the port remained operational.
- Saudi Arabia’s national carrier confirmed flights suspended for Bahrain, Kuwait, Amman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Russia and Peshawar.
Bahrain
- All port movements are temporarily suspended, including pilotage services.
- ISPS level remains at Level 1.
- Airspace remains closed, and crew changes are not currently possible.
Qatar
- Business as usual with all ports operating.
- Mesaieed Port – Significant GPS signal degradation. Although the majority of channel buoys are operational, with only a few exceptions. Pilotage during channel transit between 18:00 hours and 05:00 hours will be mandatory for all vessels, regardless of size, except for Regular caller vessels and OSVs that are not required to navigate through the channel. In addition, if any vessel master is NOT comfortable navigating due to the GPS signal loss and requests a channel pilot during daytime, MPA will arrange pilotage accordingly.
- Al Shaheen and Halul Island offshore terminals are operational.
- The official security status remains at Security Level 1. However, as a proactive measure, all vessels are requested to exercise heightened caution and vigilance.
- Qatar Airways flights temporarily suspended due to Qatari airspace closure.
- The Ministry of Transport has instructed shipping lines and freight forwarding agents to continue operations without interruption, complete all port and shipment procedures as normal, ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods, and take any necessary organisational measures to maintain business continuity without impacting operational performance.
Egypt
- The Suez Canal and all Egyptian ports remain fully operational.
- ISPS level remains at Level 1.
- Airspace remains open, with no operational impact reported.
- EGYPTAIR announced the suspension of its flights from Cairo to the following destinations: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Beirut, Doha, Amman, Dammam, Bahrain, Baghdad, Erbil and Kuwait until further notice.
Jordan
- Jordan remains stable. Authorities continue to issue general public-awareness guidelines purely as precautionary measures. There are no security incidents inside Jordan.
- Jordan has closed its airspace from 18:00 to 09:00 lt daily, effective immediately and until further notice. This affects arriving, departing, and transit flights within the closure window.
- All operations remain normal at Aqaba Port. Terminals, marine services, cargo handling, and gate operations are functioning without disruption. There are no operational changes for today.
- Flights to Syria, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar remain suspended due to airspace closures in those countries. Royal Jordanian advises passengers to check flight status online before heading to the airport, as schedules may change on short notice.
Wider Middle East aviation remains significantly impacted, with large-scale rerouting and global delays.
Pakistan
- All ports remain fully operational.
- ISPS level remains at Level 1.
- Airspace remains open, with no operational impact reported.
Iraq
- No damage at Umm Qasr.
- No port restrictions or emergency measures in place.
- Fresh water supply available.
- Food purchasing/provisioning available.
- Crew change is available, but there is a delay in issuing the visa.
- Shore leave (for emergency medical treatment, etc.) available.
Cyprus
- No official cancellations for vessel operations.
- Airspace is open; however, flights are being cancelled, impacting crew change arrangements.
Lebanon
- Beirut and Tripoli ports are open and operating as usual.
- Airspace is open.
- ISPS level remains at level 1.
- All private & public sectors are working normally.
Israel
- Besides restrictions on DG, every port is working as normal.
- No ship has left Israel or was forced to leave outside its schedule.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as conditions evolve. Customers are advised to remain alert to further communications, as changes may occur with limited notice.
For port‑specific information or operational support, please contact your local Inchcape representative, or subscribe to receive daily updates:
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Disclaimer: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, the situation described is fluid and subject to change without notice. Information is based on inputs received from local sources and authorities and is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Inchcape Shipping Services, and their respective employees, directors, agents, contractors, and partners accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost, or expense arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, this information, even if advised of the possibility of such outcomes. Any use of the information is at the recipient’s sole risk. No representation or warranty, whether express or implied, is given as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of the information for any particular purpose. Recipients remain solely responsible for assessing the relevance and applicability of the information to their own operations. This communication is intended for recipients of Inchcape operational updates and may not be reproduced, distributed, or published without prior written consent. Parties wishing to receive these updates directly are encouraged to subscribe through official Inchcape channels. For information on how Inchcape collects, uses, and protects personal data, please refer to our Privacy Notice.