EXPD · 8-K · 20260804PR332198

Middle East Conflict Impact

EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON INC · 2026-08-04 · Importance 37 · Surprise 42

The conflict in the Middle East reduced passenger flights and constrained belly capacity during the second quarter of 2026, particularly late in the quarter. Expeditors said air buy and sell rates were highly elevated because demand exceeded available space, while rising fuel costs and routing challenges placed carriers under strain. Asia-U.S. and Asia-Europe trade lanes were relatively unaffected, helping drive a 14% year-over-year increase in airfreight tonnage. Management said these geopolitical and capacity pressures may continue for some time.

Key facts

• Constrained belly capacity was driven in part by the conflict in the Middle East, which impacted some of the world's largest commercial air cargo operators. source