Middle East Operational Status

Updated 15/03/2026 17:00 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.

What’s changed since the last update

The overall port operational situation remains unchanged since the last update.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be severely disrupted, and many shipping companies are still avoiding transits due to elevated security risks.

Airspace across most Gulf countries is reopening on a restricted basis. While some countries remain closed, the majority have resumed limited operations with a reduced number of flights. As a result, crew changes may be possible in certain locations but remain constrained and subject to local conditions. Customers are advised to contact Inchcape for location‑specific guidance and support.

United Arab Emirates

• Jebel Ali, Hamriya, and Sharjah Port, all terminal port operations are normal.
• Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, Local port authorities have not issued any alerts at this time. However, 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.
  The Fujairah Oil Tanker Terminal (FOTT) has resumed operations. OTB #4, #5, #6 and #7 berths are presently not operational.
  Vopak terminals have suspended operations at their SPM until further notice. They are performing operations through FOTT (OTB) berths.
  ADNOC SPM Terminal – unable to confirm operational status. Authorities not disclosing any details to agents. Awaiting a port announcement.
  General cargo and container discharge operations are proceeding as scheduled at both Fujairah Terminal and Khor Fakkan Terminal without any disruption.
• 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.
• Limited airport operations have resumed with a small number of flights operating. Passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have received a confirmed departure time directly from their airline, as schedules remain subject to change.
• 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. This strategy aims to enhance operational efficiency and streamline logistics processes.

Kuwait

• No alerts/notifications/circulars from the Kuwait Port authorities.
• Presently no stoppage of operations reported, and no official information from the port authorities.
• Shuaiba and Shuwaikh Port ISPS Level: 2
• Air space closed temporarily

Oman

• Current Status: No alerts/notifications have been issued by the local authorities.
• Ports working normally: Port of Sohar, Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Mina Al Fahal, Qalhat LNG Terminal – Sur, OMIFCO Terminal – Sur, Port of Duqm, Asyad Drydock – Duqm.
• Port of Salalah (CT and GCT) resume operations. However, liquid cargo ops are still suspended.
• Vessels calling the Port of Duqm 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.
• 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 3 as a precautionary measure. All other ports ISPS Level 1
• Airspace remains open, although some international flight routes have been suspended

• Click here to view the latest UAE in transit cargo clearance procedures through Oman, confirming current guidelines, 24/7 documentation operations, updated Transit Bayan processes, and specific operational requirements following coordination with Omani authorities.

Saudi Arabia

• There are presently no alerts or warnings issued by the local port authorities. All operational activities are functioning at full capacity.
• Saudi Arabia’s national carrier confirmed flights suspended for Bahrain, Kuwait, Amman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Russia and Peshawar.

Bahrain

• Currently, vessel movements in Bahrain have gradually resumed; however, operations remain limited due to the restricted availability of pilots. BAPCO operations remain suspended.
  APM Terminals has resumed operations.
• 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.
• Following the temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a partial resumption of air flight movement, Hamad International Airport will operate a limited number of repatriation flights for stranded passengers. The temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace remains in effect due to the current situation in the region, which is and remains beyond our control. Passengers are reminded not to proceed to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest flight information.

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 (some flights are being cancelled on a daily basis). Potential issues with crew changes due to limited number of flights.

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.
• 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.

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.