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Marken Operational Update: Closely Monitoring Snowstorm in Istanbul
6 February 2023
As extreme winter weather conditions are developing throughout Istanbul and surrounding regions, we expect there may be delays in the...
FAA Experiences Computer Outages Resulting in Impacted Flights Throughout USA
11 January 2023
Update: The FAA has resolved their computer system outagesand normal air traffic operations are gradually resuming across the USA. Due to...
Winter Storm Watch Over Central and Eastern USA
22 December 2022
As extreme weather conditions form over the central and eastern parts of the USA, Marken is closely monitoring the ongoing...
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Stay Ahead with Our Enhanced Middle East Logistics Updates
Marken remains committed to continuous excellence in precision services - and now we're delivering that same standard to you through evolved supply chain operation reports with deeper detail and real-time insights across the Middle East.
Click on the date below to access our latest report:
We're Here to Support You: While geopolitical disruptions constrain others, Marken stays fully operational, delivering precision solutions that safeguard patient safety and product integrity at every step. Our team stands ready - connect with your local rep or info@marken.com if you have questions about a specific shipment or our operations in a
particular area.
Update: 9 March (Click Here)
Update: 6 March (Click Here)
Update: 5 March
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are affecting both regional and international supply chain logistics.
Key Developments
- Qatar Airways: Qatari airspace remains closed. No resumption timeline announced by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
- Emirates: Limited operations to/from Dubai (OMDB) resumed via controlled corridors; full schedules disrupted (repatriation/freighter focus). Check emirates.com for updates.
- flydubai: Partial resumption with limited DXB operations ongoing.
- Etihad Airways: Limited flights from Abu Dhabi (OMAA) resumed; operations restricted pending full airspace clearance.
- Regional NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) remain extended—including Jordan (daily closures through at least March 5) and Iran (extended into early March).
- European carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways) continue avoiding UAE, Saudi, and Qatari airspace into early March (some to March 8).
- Closed airspaces: Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE (partial), Syria, Iran, Yemen (restricted).
- Partially open but disrupted: Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Türkiye, Cyprus, Egypt (heavy rerouting via Egypt-Saudi-Oman or Caucasus routes).
Country-Level Impacts
- Bahrain: Airspace and airports remain suspended.
- Israel (Closed): Airspace restrictions ongoing with few open flights available; limited civilian flights operating to select European cities.
- Jordan (Open/Limited): Limited to local carrier Royal Jordanian (RJ) only for flights into/out of Amman. Flight schedules adjusted to align with the partial daily airspace closure from 06:00 p.m. until 09:00 a.m. (local time), effective 3 MAR until further notice.
- Kuwait (Closed): Airspace and airports remain suspended.
- Saudi Arabia (Open): Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam remain operational, with limited export frequencies. Local transit options are viable, but capacity is strained due to the suspension of most through-connections via key Gulf hubs. Transit via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain on Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad remains suspended for scheduled services, with only limited special or repatriation flights operating.
- Lebanon (Open/Limited): Beirut airport operational with reduced schedules; primarily Middle East Airlines (MEA) serving limited routes. Lebanon airspace remains open.
- Egypt (Open): Airports operational with reduced schedules. Transit times extended due to regional rerouting and cancellations.
- UAE (Partially Closed): Airspace and carrier disruptions blocking most transits; pharma shipments remain in secure storage with partners and airlines. Emirates operating limited repatriation and freighter flights alongside scheduled suspension -customers should check emirates.com for latest status.
- Qatar (Closed): Hamad International Airport restricted to humanitarian and state-authorized flights. Shipments continue to be safely stored pending reopening. Suspensions extended to 6 March.
- Oman (Open): Operations remain near normal with low overall impact. Major carriers (Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad) heavily restricted; Oman Air serving limited availability to key destinations.
Marken’s Ongoing Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Actively coordinating with origin branches, agents and airlines for shipment recovery, storage and re-icing.
- Leveraging alternative routings/carriers for time/temperature-sensitive shipments, noting potential TAT extensions.
- Maintaining daily communication with partners and customers on routing, collections and constraints.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken remains your trusted partner, leveraging a resilient, self-healing network and proven mitigation strategies to protect critical healthcare shipments through this period of disruption.
If you are experiencing any issues related to this situation, please contact your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email info@marken.com.
This situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
________________________________________________________________________________
Update: 4 March
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are affecting both regional and international supply chain logistics.
Key Developments
Airline & Airspace
- Qatar Airways: Qatari airspace remains closed. No resumption timeline announced by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
- Emirates: Suspended to/from Dubai through 4 March (limited repatriation/freighter flights only). Situation continues to evolve; customers should refer to emirates.com for the latest updates.
- flydubai: Partial resumption with limited DXB operations.
- Etihad Airways: Operations suspended from Abu Dhabi pending airspace clearance.
- Regional NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) remain extended — including Jordan (daily closures through 5 March) and Iran (extended through early March). Most European carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways) continue avoiding UAE, Saudi, and Qatari airspace into early March.
- Closed airspaces: Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Syria, Iran, Yemen (restricted).
- Partially open but disrupted: Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Türkiye, Cyprus, Egypt.
Country-Level Impacts
- Bahrain: Airspace and airports remain suspended.
- Israel (Closed): Airspace restrictions ongoing with few open flights available; limited civilian flights operating to select European cities.
- Jordan (Open/Limited): Limited to local carrier Royal Jordanian (RJ) only for flights into/out of Amman. Flight schedules adjusted to align with the partial daily airspace closure from 06:00 p.m. until 09:00 a.m. (local time), effective 3 MAR until further notice.
- Kuwait (Closed): Airspace and airports remain suspended. No material change.
- Saudi Arabia (Open): Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam remain operational, with limited export frequencies. Local transit options are viable but capacity is strained due to the suspension of most through-connections via key Gulf hubs. Transit via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain on Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad remains suspended for scheduled services, with only limited special or repatriation flights operating.
- Lebanon (Open/Limited): Beirut airport operational with reduced schedules; primarily Middle East Airlines (MEA) serving limited routes. Ongoing cancellations affect outbound connectivity. Lebanon airspace remains open.
- Egypt (Open): Airports operational with reduced schedules. Transit times extended due to regional rerouting and cancellations.
- UAE (Partially Closed): Airspace and carrier disruptions blocking most transits; pharma shipments remain in secure storage with partners and airlines. Emirates operating limited repatriation and freighter flights alongside scheduled suspension—customers should check emirates.com for latest status.
- Qatar (Closed): Hamad International Airport restricted to humanitarian and state-authorized flights. Shipments continue to be safely stored pending reopening.
- Oman (Open): Operations remain near normal with low overall impact. Oman Air providing consistent uplift despite limited capacity. Major carriers (Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad) heavily restricted; Oman Air serving limited availability to key destinations.
Marken’s Ongoing Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Actively coordinating with origin branches, agents and airlines for shipment recovery, storage and re-icing.
- Leveraging alternative routings/carriers for time/temperature-sensitive shipments, noting potential TAT extensions.
- Maintaining daily communication with partners and customers on routing, collections and constraints.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken remains your trusted partner, leveraging a resilient, self-healing network and proven mitigation strategies to protect critical healthcare shipments through this period of disruption.
If you are experiencing any issues related to this situation, please contact your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email info@marken.com.
This situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
________________________________________________________________________________
Update: 3 March
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are affecting both regional and international supply chain logistics.
Key Developments
Airline & Airspace
- Qatar Airways: Qatari airspace remains closed. No resumption timeline yet announced by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
- Emirates: Suspended to/from Dubai until 4 March (limited repatriation/freighter flights only). Situation continues to evolve; customers should refer to emirates.com for the latest updates.
- flydubai: Partial resumption today with limited DXB operations.
- Etihad Airways: Brief outbound movements from Abu Dhabi concluded overnight; schedule remains suspended pending further clearance.
- Regional NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) remain extended — including Jordan (daily closures through 5 March) and Iran (~3 March). Most European carriers (e.g., Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways) continue to avoid UAE, Saudi, and Qatari airspace into early March.
- Closed airspaces: Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Syria, Iran, Yemen (restricted).
- Partially open but disrupted: Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Türkiye, Cyprus, Egypt.
Country-Level Impacts
- Israel (Closed): Airspace restrictions ongoing; limited civilian flights operating to select European cities.
- Jordan (Open/Limited): Royal Jordanian is offering limited services to Europe. Expect extended transit and handover times.
- Kuwait (Closed): Airspace and airports remain suspended. No material change.
- Saudi Arabia (Open): Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam operational, with limited export frequencies. Local transit options viable but capacity remains strained due to suspended connections via UAE and Qatar hubs.
- Lebanon (Open/Limited): Beirut airport operational with reduced schedules; ongoing cancellations continue to affect outbound connectivity.
- Egypt (Open): Operating normally. Slight increases in transit times observed.
- UAE (Partially Closed): Airspace/carrier issues disrupting transits; pharma shipments in storage with partners/airlines. Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain heavily impacted by airspace restrictions. Marken continues secure storage of pharma consignments with local partners. Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March.
- Qatar (Closed): Hamad International Airport restricted to humanitarian and state-authorized flights. Shipments continue to be safely stored pending reopening.
- Oman (Open): Operations remain near normal; Oman Air providing consistent uplift, though capacity limited.
Marken’s Ongoing Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Actively coordinating with origin branches, agents and airlines for shipment recovery, storage and re-icing.
- Leveraging alternative routings/carriers for time/temperature-sensitive shipments, noting potential TAT extensions.
- Maintaining daily communication with partners and customers on routing, collections and constraints.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken remains your trusted partner, leveraging a resilient, self-healing network and proven mitigation strategies to protect critical healthcare shipments through this period of disruption.
If you are experiencing any issues related to this situation, please contact your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email info@marken.com.
This situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
________________________________________________________________________________
Update: 2 March
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are impacting regional and international supply chain logistics.
Key Developments
Airline & Airspace
- Qatar Airways operations remain suspended due to Qatari airspace closure. Resumption awaits Qatar Civil Aviation Authority's safe reopening announcement. Next update: 3 March.
- Emirates and flydubai have extended cancellations through Tuesday, 3 March, suspending all Dubai flights due to regional airspace closures. Situation dynamic - check emirates.com for updates.
- Etihad limited window: Brief outbound activity from Abu Dhabi earlier today; now closed.
- Regional NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) extended (e.g., Jordan daily closures to March 5; Iranian airspace to ~March 3); carriers like Lufthansa avoiding UAE/Saudi airspace into early March.
- Closed airspaces: Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Syria, Iran, Yemen (restricted).
- Partially open but disrupted: Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Turkiye, Cyprus, Egypt; land borders critical for evacuations.
Country Level Impacts
- Israel (Closed): Airspace restrictions ongoing with limited civilian flights to select European destinations (availability/confirmation on booking). Collections resuming March 3; land borders with Jordan/Egypt as primary alternatives.
- Jordan (Open/Limited): Royal Jordanian offering select routes to European hubs (expect extended transit times/delays). Land border to Riyadh serves as key exit gateway for onward connections.
- Kuwait (Closed): Airspace/airport suspended; low/zero impact currently.
- Saudi Arabia (Open): Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam airports operational. Saudi Airlines offering limited exports. No transit via Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi/Bahrain (EK/QA/EY suspended); overland access viable with advance visas; capacity strained from lost transit carriers.
- Lebanon (Open/Limited): Beirut airport technically open but heavy flight cancellations; fewer carriers overall. Sea/land routes to Cyprus available as alternatives.
- Egypt (Open): Normal operations continuing. Longer transit times expected via local or European routing options.
- UAE (Partially Closed): Dubai/Abu Dhabi airports disrupted; airspace/carrier issues blocking transits; pharma shipments safely stored with partners. Muscat (Oman) emerging as land evacuation hub via Hatta border.
- Qatar (Closed): Hamad airport limited to humanitarian/state flights only. Land exit to Saudi Arabia required; pharma shipments in secure storage.
- Oman (Open): Oman Air operational (limited); QR/EK/EY restricted. Low impact, near-normal operations.
Marken’s Ongoing Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Actively coordinating with origin branches, agents and airlines for shipment recovery, storage and re-icing.
- Leveraging alternative routings/carriers for time/temperature-sensitive shipments, noting potential TAT extensions.
- Maintaining daily communication with partners and customers on routing, collections and constraints.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken remains your trusted partner, leveraging a resilient, self-healing network and proven mitigation strategies to protect critical healthcare shipments through this period of disruption.
If you are experiencing any issues related to this situation, please contact your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email info@marken.com.
This situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
________________________________________________________________________________
Update: 1 March
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are impacting regional and international supply chain logistics.
Key Developments
Airline & Airspace
- Multiple global carriers have temporarily suspended flights to and from key Middle East destinations, including Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.
- Major transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha are heavily impacted, with leading carriers pausing operations and Qatari airspace currently closed.
- Additional carriers in Europe and Asia have suspended services or are avoiding Middle East airspace, reducing available capacity and routing options.
Country Level Impacts
- Israel: Operations remain severely constrained, with collections widely postponed or cancelled and very limited export/import options dependent on any ad hoc national carrier flights.
- Jordan: Royal Jordanian continues to operate selected routes, providing limited uplift via European hubs, though extended transit times (TAT) should be expected.
- Saudi Arabia: Country remains operational, but loss of key transit carriers requires use of alternative airlines, resulting in constrained capacity and potential TAT impacts.
- Lebanon & Egypt: Operations are ongoing with reduced carrier options; exports/imports are possible via remaining local and European airlines, with longer TAT anticipated.
- UAE & Qatar: Airspace closures and carrier suspensions are causing significant disruption to transit shipments routed via Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha; storage and handling for in-transit pharma shipments are being closely managed with partners.
Marken's Ongoing Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Actively coordinating with origin branches, agents and airline partners to recover shipments at origin where possible and to secure appropriate storage and re-icing for shipments in transit.
- Leveraging alternative routings and carriers where available to maintain movement of critical, time- and temperature-sensitive shipments, acknowledging potential TAT extensions.
- Maintaining daily communication with regional partners and customers to align on routing options, collection planning and local site constraints.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken remains your trusted partner, leveraging a resilient, self-healing network and proven mitigation strategies to protect critical healthcare shipments through this period of disruption.
If you are experiencing any issues related to this situation, please contact your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email info@marken.com.
This situation remains fluid, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
________________________________________________________________________________
Update: 28 February
Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics, is actively monitoring the evolving developments in the Middle East, specifically Israel, Jordan and Lebanon, where airspace closures, flight suspensions, and regional disruptions are impacting regional and international supply chain logistics.
Supply Chain Impacts & Our Response
Our highest priority remains maintaining service reliability and protecting the integrity of critical healthcare and complex secure shipments. While we are implementing mitigation strategies, due to the severity of the ongoing situation, we anticipate potential delays for shipments routed through impacted zones.
Key Developments
Israel:
- TLV airport fully closed through Monday—total inbound/outbound flight shutdown
- Hospitals under emergency protocols with patients shifted to underground facilities
- Government cargo terminals and customs operating in contingency mode
Lebanon:
- Regional airspace restrictions driving broad flight disruptions
- Major carriers suspending Beirut services
- Airport operations severely reduced; minimal inbound/outbound flights
- Cargo/logistics flows severely constrained
Jordan:
- Regional airspace restrictions triggering broad flight disruptions
- Major carriers suspending Amman services
- Airport operations reduced; some local flights persisting
- Cargo/logistics flows significantly constrained
In response to this situation, Marken has taken the following proactive actions:
- Activated contingency planning protocols and business continuity measures to enable rerouting options and adjusted pickups.
- Engaged closely with airline, ground and logistics partners to monitor schedules and secure capacity through alternate routes.
- Deployed rapid-response escalation teams to help ensure end-to-end visibility and protect time- and temperature-sensitive shipments.
- Increased regional communication channels to deliver timely updates and proactive support to clients, partners and stakeholders.
We’re Here to Support You
Marken is your trusted partner - featuring our own self-healing network - for protecting critical, time-sensitive shipments through proven mitigation strategies that ensure supply chain resilience.
If you are experiencing any issues due to this fluid situation, please reach out to your local Marken branch or business professional. For additional information on our capabilities, please email us at info@marken.com.
This situation is fluid and we will provide updates as they become available.
Following a Mexican military operation on Monday, road blockades have been reported across several Mexican states. Some airports remain closed with ongoing flight delays.
Current Status
- Export processes disrupted in key locations including Guadalajara (GDL) due to safety concerns
- Widespread pickup and delivery delays across multiple states
- Situation remains fluid with ongoing monitoring
Our Response
Marken has activated comprehensive contingency plans, risk management protocols, and business continuity measures to minimize operational impact. Our teams are working closely with local authorities and business partners for real-time monitoring. We are proactively collaborating with clients on alternative arrangements.
Service reliability remains our highest priority. Marken is committed to supporting our clients as they navigate evolving regulatory and trade environments. Patient care is our top priority—ensuring service continuity despite these challenges. Note that service delays may impact future shipments.
How Marken Supports You
Marken is your trusted partner—featuring our own self-healing network—for protecting critical, time-sensitive shipments through proven mitigation strategies that ensure supply chain resilience.
For more details on our support capabilities, email info@marken.com. For immediate shipment questions, contact your local Marken branch or business professional.
This situation is fluid and we will provide updates as they become available.
A major winter storm is currently sweeping across the United States and Canada, delivering heavy snow, strong winds, and ice — creating hazardous travel conditions, widespread flight cancellations, and power outages.
While supply chain disruptions are anticipated for both road and air transport, Marken has activated comprehensive contingency plans, risk management protocols, and business continuity measures to minimize operational impact.
Our teams are working closely with local authorities and business partners for real-time storm monitoring. We’ll proactively collaborate with clients on alternative arrangements.
Patient care remains our top priority — ensuring service continuity despite these challenges. Note that service delays may impact future shipments.
We’re committed to reliable delivery and will provide ongoing updates as conditions evolve.
How Marken Supports You
Marken is your trusted partner — featuring our own self-healing network — for protecting critical, time-sensitive shipments through proven mitigation strategies that ensure supply chain resilience.
For more details on our support capabilities, email info@marken.com. For immediate shipment questions, contact your local Marken branch or business professional.
*This situation is fluid — updates will follow as available.
The Terminal de Cargas Argentina (TCA) is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to the recent implementation of a new system that is not functioning as expected.
Since the system went live on August 23rd, the issues remain unresolved with no signs of stabilization. These system failures have resulted in major delays in shipment processing, severely impacting import procedures.
Current Status
- Persistent operational challenges despite ongoing communication and coordination
with TCA - Regularization process underway, however, no timeline for resolution has been provided
- Centro Despachantes de Aduana (CDA) formally requested intervention by General Directorate of Customs (DGA), due to mounting cargo backlogs
- CDA proposed joint meeting with all stakeholders to develop contingency plan
- Delays compounded by adverse weather conditions and the continued arrival of new flights, accelerating accumulation of undelivered cargo
For additional information, please refer to the official CDA communication.
Our Response
We are actively escalating this matter through all available channels to expedite a resolution or secure interim alternatives that enable operational continuity.
Service reliability remains our highest priority. Marken is committed to supporting our clients as they navigate evolving regulatory and trade environments. For further information or inquiries, please contact our team at TradeCompliance@marken.com.
*This situation is fluid and we will provide updates as they become available.
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