Finance
DHL continues to accept middle east orders, but warns of delays
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 5, 2026
Quick Summary
DHL says it continues to accept delivery orders across the Middle East despite the escalating U.S.–Iran conflict, but warns customers that significant delays are likely due to disruptions in air and maritime routes.
DHL Continues Middle East Orders Despite War, Warns of Delivery Delays
Impact of Middle East Conflict on Logistics and Shipping Operations
By Emanuele Berro
DHL's Response to the Escalating Conflict
March 5 (Reuters) - DHL is still accepting delivery orders in the Middle East despite the escalating conflict, its chief executive said on Thursday, but warned there would be delays.
Effects on Regional Deliveries
The escalation of the U.S.-Iran war affects the whole region, including deliveries to Israel that are currently moved via Cyprus, CEO Tobias Meyer told a press conference after the German logistics group's annual results.
Investment Plans in the Middle East
Meyer added that DHL still adheres to its investment plans in the Middle East.
"Those are long-term investments and we're of the opinion that the region is still attractive," he said.
Wider Disruptions in Logistics and Shipping
Logistics and shipping companies are facing mounting disruption across air and sea routes as the conflict entered its sixth day.
Strait of Hormuz Closure and Ocean Carrier Diversions
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday forced major ocean carriers including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM to once again divert vessels around Africa, adding significant transit time and costs.
FedEx Service Suspensions
U.S. parcel giant FedEx said on Monday it was temporarily halting services in five countries in the region.
(Reporting by Emanuele Berro in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
Key Takeaways
- •DHL is still accepting orders in the Middle East and plans to proceed with its long‑term regional investments, despite the conflict.(lemonde.fr)
- •The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and airspace restrictions have forced major carriers to suspend operations or reroute via Africa, leading to extended transit times and surcharges.(lemonde.fr)
- •Disruptions in the region’s logistics network are causing ripple effects through global supply chains: soaring insurance costs, container backlog at alternate ports, and elevated freight rates are all contributing to widespread delays.(apnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about DHL continues to accept Middle East orders, but warns of delays
1Is DHL still operating deliveries in the Middle East?
Yes, DHL continues to accept delivery orders in the Middle East despite the ongoing conflict.
2Are there delivery delays for DHL shipments in the Middle East?
DHL has warned customers to expect slight delivery delays due to regional disruptions.
3How is the U.S.-Iran conflict affecting logistics in the region?
The escalation is causing disruptions across air and sea routes, particularly after Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
4Are DHL's investment plans in the Middle East changing?
DHL still plans to adhere to its long-term investment commitments in the region.
5How are other logistics companies responding to the conflict?
Major ocean carriers are diverting vessels around Africa, and FedEx has temporarily halted services in five Middle Eastern countries.
