Apr 20, 2026

Middle East Operational Status

Updated 21/04/2026 10:00 UAE LT

This advisory provides the latest operational status of ports, airspace, and shipping across the Middle East, including the Suez Canal. It is updated twice daily using verified local intelligence from our local teams across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, Oman and neighbouring countries. Access insights on which ports remain open, where airspace restrictions apply, and how current conditions may impact vessel movements, crew changes, and transit planning.

The situation remains fluid, and conditions may change at short notice in response to local authority guidance.

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What’s changed since the last update

The operational status has remained largely unchanged since the last report. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) issued a notice to airmen on Monday, the 20th of April, announcing the gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines at Hamad International Airport.

United Arab Emirates

  • Fujairah and Khor Fakkan – The Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal (FOTT) is mostly operational, according to the latest update from the port. Berth 6 is offline and under maintenance. Berths 4 and 5 are reserved for Bulk Carriers.
    Vopak Terminal is operational.
    ADNOC SPM Terminal is operational.
    General cargo and container discharge operations are proceeding as scheduled at both the Fujairah and Khor Fakkan Terminals, without disruption.
    Navigational warning No. 01/2026 has been disseminated, addressing reported incidents of intermittent GPS signal spoofing and jamming in offshore areas of Fujairah. These disruptions may lead to a loss of positional accuracy, erratic vessel movements on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and potentially misleading positional information. Mariners are advised to consider this area as high risk.
    Anchorage services are all normal without interruption.
  • Jebel Ali, Hamriya, and Sharjah Port, all terminal port operations are normal.
  • Khalifa port terminals – Operations resumed, including at CSP AD Terminal.
  • STS operations are resumed in Dubai waters anchorage with tug assistance as of now; each operation will be assessed separately. No underway STS is permitted till further notice.
  • 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.
  • Ras Al Khaimah Ports remain open and are operating normally. RAK Ports Group will implement a Marine Risk Surcharge applicable to all vessels calling at RAK Ports’ ports, harbours, anchorages and approaches.
  • Dubai Airport has resumed operations at 90% capacity.
  • A temporary measure has been implemented to facilitate customs cargo clearance for shipments destined for Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi Ports via the Ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. In response to ongoing circumstances, this initiative allows direct road transport of containers to Jebel Ali, designated Free Zones, or Abu Dhabi, eliminating the need to adhere to traditional customs clearance procedures.

Kuwait

  • All ports are fully operational. No stoppage of operations has been reported, and no official information from the port authorities.
  • Coast Guard notice: Kindly note that entry permits for foreign vessels arriving from Iraqi ports are temporarily suspended until further notice.
  • Shuaiba and Shuwaikh Port ISPS Level: 2
  • Air space closed temporarily

    Oman

    • Current Status: All ports are fully operational.
    • Vessels calling at all Oman ports must submit an official letter stating that they are not carrying any dangerous Goods on board. If any dangerous Goods are found, the type of cargo must be specified in detail, and the vessel must await the Ministry’s approval before entering Omani territorial waters.
    • The Following notification was received from the Mina Al Fahal terminal (Crude Oil) loading facility. All vessels scheduled to call at MAF are to ensure their Doppler log is fully operational. This precaution is necessary due to ongoing GPS interference in the area. Vessels without a functioning Doppler log cannot be berthed due to safety requirements.
    • Qalhat LNG terminal, Sur and Mina Al Fahal, Muscat: ISPS Level 2. All other ports: ISPS Level 1. The instructions are that vessels must inform Port control if any IMDG or Military cargo is on board to obtain permission from the authority.
    • 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.
    • Flights have resumed out of KSA. Emirates is not flying to Dammam. FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways are operating from Dammam. FlyDubai is operating and connecting Emirates passengers from Dubai to onward connections.

    Bahrain

    • Vessel movements in Bahrain have resumed; however, operations remain limited due to the current situation. BAPCO operations remain suspended.
    • APM Terminals operations have resumed from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs.
    • At present, crew changes are not feasible as the airspace remains closed.
    • ISPS security level remains at Level 1.

      Qatar

      • Hamad Port, Doha Port, Al Ruwais Port – Ports are operational; however, activity levels are lower than pre-conflict. Al Ruwais Port is restricted to small craft only, including dhows and barges.
      • Mesaieed Port and Ras Laffan Port – Port operations ongoing. Qatar Energy has ceased production of LNG and associated products.
      • Al Shaheen Terminal and Halul Island Terminal – Operations suspended until further notice.
      • The official security status remains at Security Level 1. However, as a proactive measure, all vessels are requested to exercise heightened caution and vigilance.
      • The Ministry of Transport has advised that, to maintain supply chain continuity, shipping lines may route raw materials and consumer goods destined for Hamad Port via designated alternative ports in Oman and the UAE, with maritime agencies required to coordinate with the relevant port authorities and notify the Ministry accordingly. First Alternative: Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm Port. Second Alternative – Fujairah and Khorfakkan Port.
      • Mwani Qatar (Hamad & Ruwais Ports) has activated the Exceptional Package of Port Tariff Facilities in response to exceptional circumstances that are disrupting supply chains and creating operational and logistical challenges. The decision remains in effect throughout the exceptional phase, until further notice. LINK 1 / LINK 2
      • The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) issued a notice to airmen on Monday, the 20th of April, announcing the gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines at Hamad International Airport, the first such resumption since the disruption of flights following the beginning of the conflict on the 28th of February. (updated)

          Egypt

          • No alerts/notifications have been issued by the local authorities.
          • All ports and the Suez Canal are operating without disruption.
          • (Egyptair) commenced operating some flights to/from Gulf countries.

          Jordan

          • Jordan remains stable. Authorities continue to issue general public awareness guidelines purely as precautionary measures. There are no security incidents inside Jordan.
          • All operations remain normal at Aqaba Port. Terminals, marine services, cargo handling, and gate operations are functioning without disruption. Maritime navigation and cargo operations are proceeding smoothly and without delay.
          • Royal Jordanian and the Jordanian airspace remain open, flights to Qatar, UAE, Syria, Bahrain and Kuwait remain closed.

          Pakistan

          • All ports remain fully operational.
          • ISPS level remains at Level 1.
          • Airspace remains open, with no operational impact reported.

          Iraq

          • Iraqi ports (UQR ports North & South, KAZ) are working normally.
          • Basra Oil Terminal and SPM Somo Terminal have ceased export operations.
          • 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

          • All ports remain fully operational.
          • ISPS level remains at Level 1.
          • Airports and airspace remain open, with no operational impact reported (flight scheduling almost back to normal).

          Lebanon

          • All ports remain operational, with no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities so far. South of Lebanon is in an unstable operational situation.
          • ISPS level remains at Level 1.
          • Airspace remains open and operating only Middle East Airlines flights.
          • Both the private and public sectors are operating normally.

          Israel

          • Eilat, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Hedera and Haifa are fully open for business and functioning at full capacity.
          • Ashdod Port is not accepting RORO vessels due to the previously advised restrictions.
          • No ship has left Israel or was forced to leave outside its schedule.
          • Airspace is now open but restricted. Flights are coming in and out of Israel on a limited basis, with restrictions.

          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.

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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.