Unsurprisingly, the recent survey carried out among The Airforwarders Association’s members revealed that the current Middle East conflict is translating into widespread operational disruption and rising costs for air cargo. Many carriers have rerouted around hotspots, lengthening flight times and reducing sector capacity, while energy‑price spikes and insurance surcharges have pushed up per‑ton costs. This is squeezing margins for U.S: forwarders already grappling with softening general‑cargo demand. More than half of the forwarders have said that they face cost increases amid ongoing global uncertainty. 65+% pointed to measurable cost increases. These were judged as significant increases by 27% of respondents, while 41% spoke of moderate increases. Over 75% of freightforwarding AfA members stated some level of disruption, which 29% classed as having significant impact, while 38 % reported moderate impact.
“Members identified rate volatility, flight cancellations, capacity constraints, and longer transit times as the most common issues, alongside growing customer service pressures and space embargoes,” the press release underlines, going on to emphasize the need for “a resolution to the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been ongoing since 13FEB26, and for policymakers to prioritize payment of Transportation Security Administration personnel to avoid further disruption to aviation operations.” AfA promises continued operational updates and support in pushing for greater supply chain stability and predictability. Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association, commented: “This data shows a sector under sustained pressure from global events beyond its control, with disruption, cost inflation, and uncertainty compounding daily operational challenges. Forwarders are adapting in real time, but they need a stable operating environment to keep goods moving efficiently. Ending uncertainty, whether operational or regulatory, is critical to maintaining the resilience and reliability of the air cargo sector.”
