The Iran Crisis: 450,000 TEUs Stranded, 3,000 Flights Cancelled. Is Your Cargo Protected?

In 72 hours, two of the world's most critical trade corridors have been shut down simultaneously — for the first time in modern shipping history. Let’s take a look to the Middle East situation and the impact on the supply chain.

Protect your shipment against costly delays

The Iran Crisis: 450,000 TEUs Stranded, 3,000 Flights Cancelled — Is Your Cargo Protected?

‍

Ocean Freight: A Chokepoint With No Workaround

Since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz — the world's single most critical maritime passage — has been effectively closed to commercial shipping. The numbers are stark:

‍

• Around 170 container ships with a combined capacity of 450,000 TEUs are effectively trapped inside the Gulf with limited exit options, while at least 150 oil tankers are anchored in open waters outside.
• Vizion estimates approximately 135,000 TEUs were actively in transit when the strikes began, carrying cargo valued at nearly $4 billion — including $877 million worth destined for the US or Europe.
• Unlike the Red Sea crisis, there is no maritime workaround. The Strait of Hormuz is the sole passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. When it closes, cargo doesn't move slower — it stops.
  

‍

Air Cargo: Grounded Across the Region

The skies tell an equally alarming story:

‍

• Around 3,000 flights have been cancelled since the conflict began on Saturday, according to aviation data firm Cirium.
• As of March 2, airspace remains at least partially closed over 10 countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE — with more than 2,000 flights cancelled to and from seven key Gulf airports.
• Global air cargo capacity is down 18%, with Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, IAG Cargo, KLM and others all suspending operations across the region.

‍

Why This Is Your Wake-Up Call

The situation remains extremely fluid, and while Iran's retaliatory strikes are for now isolated to the Middle East, the impact on transportation is widespread and profound — with significant delays ahead for shipments already in transit and for upcoming shipments to and from the region.

This crisis didn't come with advance notice. One weekend changed everything. Geopolitical risk — whether a conflict, airspace closure, or port shutdown — can freeze your supply chain overnight, with no recourse if you're uninsured.

‍

Cargo delay insurance exists precisely for moments like this. It protects you against the financial consequences of supply chain disruption caused by events entirely outside your control: stranded vessels, cancelled flights, rerouting costs, and missed delivery windows. The question is simple — when the next crisis hits, will your business be exposed, or protected?

Don't wait for your shipment to be the one stuck at sea.

‍