Israel-Hamas War: impact on deliveries
The international delivery expert ParcelHero says the conflict in Israel is continuing to disrupt some deliveries and exports to the country – but a number of express air freight services continue.
Flights to Tel Aviv International Airport are still entirely suspended by some major airlines and other operators have rescheduled and cancelled many flights. For example, Reuters reports the US airline Delta has taken the decision to suspend all flights to Israel until 31 October. British Airways also took the decision to suspend flights to Israel on Wednesday evening, after turning back an aircraft shortly before its scheduled landing at Tel Aviv because of safety concerns.
ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘These cancellations have impacted some express parcels and airfreight. Not only are some cargo flights disrupted, but so are freight shipments to and from Israel that make use of the belly hold of passenger aircraft.
‘However, while there may be delays, some major international couriers say their express services continue to operate in and out of Israel. Couriers are also advising they are following contingency plans to move shipments that are already in Israel to their destinations as quickly as it is safe to do so. Our international listings will reflect all changes as they are confirmed with us.
‘Other Middle East destinations are also likely to see delays in deliveries as couriers and airlines adopt a cautious approach to flight plans to ensure their crews’ safety. Many services are likely to be re-routed.
‘It appears some container shipments are still arriving in Israel via sea routes. Adani Ports, operator of the Haifa Port in northern Israel, says the port is currently operational although the situation is being closely monitored.
‘Israel is an increasingly important market for the UK following a post-Brexit trade partnership agreement. UK-Israel trade increased by 42% in 2022 over 2021. The UK’s total trade with Israel is now worth over £7bn, of which £3.8bn are exports and £3.6bn are imports. It remains likely this market will be disrupted.’
