SATS offers reassurance in time of Middle East crisis

Air cargo handler SATS has moved to reassure customers and partners as conflict in Iran and across the wider Middle East continues to disrupt regional and global supply chains.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, the company said it was closely monitoring the war in the Middle East and expressed concern over the unprecedented closure of airspace in several Gulf states, warning that these developments are affecting the global air cargo supply chain.

SATS acknowledged that flight disruptions may temporarily delay some shipments, but said air cargo generally adapts through alternative routings as logistics networks adjust. The company added that its global footprint places it in a strong position to manage disruptions and respond to changes in trade flows.

It also said it remains in close contact with airline customers and would continue adjusting its operations as trade lanes evolve.

SATS currently operates facilities in Saudi Arabia and Oman, and said stations in both countries remain operational under the appropriate safety and security protocols. According to the company, there has been no material interruption to its Middle East operations.

The handler noted that its presence in Saudi Arabia and Oman is particularly important because these are countries where airspace remains open, allowing them to serve as potential alternative gateways to Gulf Cooperation Council markets affected by closures elsewhere.

On that basis, SATS said it stands ready to support the movement of emergency supplies from air hubs in Saudi Arabia and Oman into GCC markets.

The company also described the Middle East as a fast-growing and opportunity-rich region, supported by strong demand for e-commerce and specialist cargo sectors including pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive freight and time-critical express shipments.

As conditions continue to evolve, SATS said it will use its global network to reduce disruption for customers and work closely with airline and logistics partners to ensure the safe handling, storage and onward movement of cargo as routes and schedules change.

Following its acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services in 2023, the combined SATS-WFS network now operates more than 225 stations in 27 countries, covering trade lanes that account for over 50% of global air cargo volume.

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