This page is no longer being updated. Since late February 2026, this hub tracked airspace closures and maritime disruptions across the Middle East. As operators have established clearer protocols for managing crew changes in the region, we are closing active updates here. The content below reflects conditions as of mid-May 2026 and remains available for reference.

For ongoing support, reach out to your Tilla contact directly.

Background

• On 28 February 2026, a significant geopolitical escalation occurred involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with subsequent knock-on effects across several Gulf states including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Governments and aviation authorities across the region responded by declaring emergency measures.
• As a direct consequence, airspace across the Middle East was closed by multiple countries, major international hub airports suspended operations, and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply transits, came to a near halt.
• The situation remains active and unresolved as of the date of this publication. No diplomatic resolution has been announced.

Current Situation & Crew Operations Impact

• Below you’ll find a consolidated overview of the current status of key airports, airlines, and airspaces across the Middle East - giving you a clear, up-to-date view in one place.
• For full filtering and interactive navigation, you can access the extended version here.

https://crewchanges-liveimpacthub.lovable.app/

Middle East Port & Maritime Status

• Most regional ports remain operational, with no systemic closures. Security levels are generally at ISPS Level 1–2, with Shuaiba/Shuwaikh (Kuwait), Ruwais PPA (UAE), and Qalhat LNG, Sur and Mina al Fahal (Oman) currently at Level 2. Risk posture remains elevated and conditions can shift rapidly.
• The Suez Canal and Egyptian ports are operating without disruption, but transit volumes remain below historical levels as operators continue to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope. "Normal operations" is technically true, but commercial usage is still disrupted.
• Gulf ports (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) are open and functioning, but throughput and vessel calls remain uneven depending on operator risk appetite, insurance constraints, and voyage economics. Qatar confirmed the full return of maritime navigation activities for all vessel types as of May 2.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint but is not closed. Flows are reduced and risk-managed rather than severely constrained.