Tobias Meyer

Due to the Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, air cargo capacity is reduced, especially on Asia-Europe routes, leading to tight markets and elevated freight rates. DHL, with its own fleet and network, is well-positioned and expects high freight rates to persist until the Middle East situation is resolved.

DHL CEO confirms airspaces are closed and costs are rising. Maersk (AMKBY) is suspending cargo bookings to UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain. 23,000 flights canceled. This is a direct revenue hit. Suspending bookings to major hubs means lost volume, while closed airspace forces expensive rerouting for air freight. Insurance costs for war zones will skyrocket, compressing margins. SHORT/AVOID. Logistics firms with high exposure to global trade routes through the Middle East face immediate operational headwinds. Companies may successfully pass 100% of costs to consumers via surcharges.