The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is continuing to disrupt airfreight operations, with the majority of forwarders reporting operational challenges and rising costs, according to new data from the Airforwarders Association (AfA).

The survey shows that more than three-quarters of members are experiencing some level of disruption. Among them, 29% report significant impacts, while 38% describe the disruption as moderate.

Brandon Fried, executive director of the AfA, said the findings reflect a sector under sustained pressure from external global events. He noted that disruption, cost inflation and uncertainty are compounding the daily operational challenges faced by forwarders.

Cost pressures are also intensifying. More than two-thirds of respondents reported measurable increases, with 27% citing significant cost rises and 41% reporting moderate increases.

Forwarders identified rate volatility, flight cancellations, capacity constraints and longer transit times as the most pressing operational issues. Additional challenges include growing customer service demands and the persistence of space embargoes.

Despite these conditions, Fried emphasised that forwarders are adapting in real time. However, he stressed the need for a more stable operating environment to ensure the continued efficiency of global goods movement.

The association is also calling on policymakers to address the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been in place since 13 February, and to prioritise funding for Transportation Security Administration personnel to avoid further disruption.

Fried concluded that reducing uncertainty, both operational and regulatory, is essential to maintaining resilience and reliability across the air cargo sector.

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