As of 13th March 2026, there are significant disruptions to transport and logistics services across the Middle east due to ongoing regional developments. At UK Postbox we are monitoring postal and courier deliveries to the region.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including missile exchanges and airspace closures, are causing major delays and disruptions in international shipping. Thousands of flights have been cancelled or rerouted, affecting global air cargo capacity, including for freight that would connect to international mail/courier routes.
Even if Royal Mail/Parcelforce/DPD/DHL have not posted formal service suspensions, actual downstream routing capacity is constrained (air freight availability, schedules, widebody capacity). This often leads to delays, longer transit times, road surcharges and surge pricing without formal published services suspensions.
Widespread airspace closures and a high presence of military activity have led to the suspension of nearly all commercial flights. The following areas are likely to be affected:
Do you use DPD? From 12th March, DPD introduced temporary emergency surcharges for the following countries:
All volume to these countries will incur the below airline surcharge:
£1.88 per kg (with a minimum charge of £1.70)
Further to this, due to alternative routing requirements, the below destinations will also incur additional surcharges on top of the initial airline charge:
All surcharges are to be applied based on deadweight on the DPD Air Classic service and volumetric weight on the DPD Air Express service.
The Middle East sits at the crossroads of several major global trade routes. Two of the most important are:
These corridors connect Europe with Asia and the Gulf region, meaning that a large portion of global cargo passes through them every day.
When disruptions occur in these areas, the impact can spread far beyond the region. Global supply chains can be affected, shipping routes may be diverted, and international delivery times can increase.
Airspace Restrictions & Flight Closures: Conflict and security alerts have forced airlines to adjust or suspend routes across parts of the Middle East. This reduces air cargo capacity and can delay international shipments.
Rerouted or Diverted Cargo: Some shipping companies are avoiding high-risk areas such as the Red Sea and nearby maritime corridors. Ships may take longer alternative routes, which increases transit times and logistics costs.
Security Concerns: Courier companies sometimes suspend deliveries to high-risk zones if local transport infrastructure becomes unsafe.
Ground Transport Delays: Additional security inspections, infrastructure disruption, and customs processing delays can slow parcel movement once shipments reach the region.
Expect delays on international parcels and mail to/from the Gulf, Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa.
Even when destinations reopen, allow 2–4 extra weeks for delivery.
Plan for Delays: Build extra time into your shipping plans to account for ongoing disruptions.
Contact UK Postbox Support: Our team can hold your items or suggest alternative shipping options when possible.
If you need assistance with shipping to the Middle East or have questions about current services, reach out to UK Postbox. We’re here to help you navigate these disruptions and ensure your mail and parcels are managed safely.
