CHRW · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Middle East Conflict Impact

C. H. ROBINSON WORLDWIDE, INC. · 2026-10-30 · Importance 31 · Surprise 32

Conflict in the Middle East affected airspace availability and flight routings during the third quarter of 2026, contributing to significantly higher jet fuel prices and elevated air freight rates compared with the third quarter of 2025. The conflict also contributed to a 4.0% year-over-year decline in the company’s air freight tonnage. Management cites conflict-related disruptions, including potential renewed disruption to Red Sea transits, as a likely source of near-term ocean and air freight pricing volatility, while noting that the extent and duration remain uncertain.

Key facts

• Middle East conflict affected airspace availability and flight routings and contributed to significantly higher jet fuel prices, keeping air freight rates elevated compared with Q3 2025. source
• Air freight pricing and costs remained elevated, reflecting Middle East conflicts' impact on airspace availability and flight routings and a significant increase in jet fuel prices. source
• C.H. Robinson's air freight tonnage decreased 4.0% year over year in Q3 2026, reflecting uneven market conditions and Middle East conflict effects on airspace and flight routings. source