DHL’s chief executive said on Thursday that it continues to accept delivery orders in the Middle East despite the escalating conflict, but warned that delays may occur. The escalation in the US-Iran war is having an impact across the region, including deliveries to Israel that are currently being routed through Cyprus, CEO Tobias Meyer said at a press conference after the German Logistics Group’s annual results.
Meyer added that DHL remains committed to its investment plans in the Middle East. “These are long-term investments and we think the region remains attractive,” he said.
As the conflict enters its sixth day, logistics and shipping companies face increasing disruption to air and sea routes. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday forced major international carriers such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM to once again make detours around Africa, significantly increasing transit times and costs.
US parcel giant FedEx announced on Monday that it would temporarily suspend services in five countries in the region.
(Reporting by Emanuele Bello in Gdańsk; Editing by Mila Nissi Prusak)
