UPDATE ON AIR CARGO SUPPLY CHAIN AND THE MIDDLE EAST SITUATION
Singapore, 6 March 2026 – SATS is closely monitoring the war in the Middle East, which has impacted people on both sides of the Persian Gulf.
Our heart goes out to people in the Middle East who have been affected by the prevailing situation. In particular, we commend staff at airports in the Gulf States whose courage, resilience and professionalism under difficult conditions is praiseworthy.
As a leading provider of air cargo handling services, we are deeply concerned with the unprecedented airspace closures in some Gulf States that are affecting the global air cargo supply chain.
While flight disruptions may temporarily delay some shipments, air cargo typically moves through alternative routes as supply chains adjust. SATS’ global presence positions our network to mitigate or manage supply chain disruptions, and to serve changing trade flows.
We are in close contact with our airline customers and will continue to adjust our operations in line with how trade lanes evolve.
SATS presence in the Middle East
SATS operates facilities in Saudi Arabia and Oman. Our staff in the Middle East, including Singaporeans deployed there, are safe. Operations at our Middle East stations continue under the appropriate safety and security protocols. Since 28 February 2026, SATS has not experienced any material interruption to our Middle East operations.
SATS regards the Middle East as a fast-growing and opportunity-rich region, buoyed by robust demand for e-commerce and specialised cargo services such as pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive, and time-critical/express cargo. While SATS stations in Saudi Arabia recorded a 12 per cent increase in air cargo volume handled from 2024 to 2025, this amounts to a small part of our global tonnage.
Alternate gateways to GCC
SATS facilities in Saudi Arabia and Oman give the company a presence in countries where the airspace remains open and can serve as alternate gateways to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries affected by airspace closures. SATS stands ready to support the movement of emergency supplies from air hubs in Saudi Arabia and Oman to GCC.
Conflict-driven disruptions tend to make shipments more time-sensitive, which historically supports a shift to air cargo. This offers faster deliveries compared to land or sea transportation. Faster reaction times for air cargo makes this mode of transportation a preferred means for moving time-critical shipments in a quickly evolving environment.
As the situation in the Middle East adjusts to a new dynamic, we will leverage SATS’ global network to minimise disruptions to customers. SATS will work closely with airline and logistics partners to facilitate the safe handling, storage and onward movement of cargo as routes and schedules evolve.
