Airfreight markets have tightened further compared to the previous week, with capacity reductions across key ISC gateways including India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.
Key Market Developments
- Airlines continue rerouting flights due to restricted airspace.
- Middle East hubs—traditionally key transshipment points—are experiencing reduced capacity.
- Airfreight rates are rising steadily week-over-week.
- Carriers are offering very short rate validity, often on a flight-by-flight basis.
- Priority cargo is being given preference; standard shipments may face delays.
Fuel Surcharges (FSC)
Rising oil and gas prices, combined with reduced capacity and strong demand, are likely to drive increases in FSC across most airlines as well as impact inland trucking rates.
Other Charges
Airlines are introducing—or considering—war risk surcharges on cargo moving through affected regions. Carriers such as Air France KLM Martinair Cargo have already begun implementing these fees, which reflect increased operational risk and insurance costs and are expected to further push airfreight rates upward.
Lane-Specific Notes
- A significant portion of international air cargo, which normally transits through Doha, Dubai, or European hubs, is being disrupted by the Iran conflict.
- Middle Eastern airspace closures have reduced Asia–Europe capacity, forcing longer, less efficient reroutes through Central Asia or northern corridors.
- European gateways including Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, and Liege face congestion as diverted cargo is consolidated.
- These disruptions are causing delays, prioritization of high-value or time-sensitive goods, and broader supply chain impacts for importers and exporters.
Recommendations
Given continued uncertainty, we recommend the following:
- Plan shipments well in advance wherever possible.
- Allow additional transit buffers for both air and ocean shipments.
- Remain flexible with routing options.
- Coordinate closely with Laufer to secure priority space and workable solutions.
Laufer Group continues to monitor developments closely and works actively with airlines to secure capacity and maintain service continuity for our partners. For lane-specific updates, urgent shipments, or tailored routing solutions, please reach out to your local Laufer Airfreight contact.
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