Middle East disruption continues to affect South Asian fashion logistics

Fashion supply chains connecting South Asian manufacturing hubs with European markets continue to face transport disruption linked to instability in the Middle East.

Maersk’s September market update reports that restrictions on affected airline routes are limiting available air-freight space and connections, while garments remain an important source of air-cargo demand from Bangladesh and the wider Indian subcontinent.

Earlier reporting documented the impact on fast-fashion shipments from India and Bangladesh, including delayed cargo and higher air-freight costs. Reuters reported in March that some manufacturers saw air-freight charges from Mumbai to Austria double after flight cancellations.

The logistics picture is evolving rather than static. Ocean freight remains an important alternative for many retailers, but routing, transit time, insurance and fuel costs can all change as regional conditions develop. For fashion companies operating with short seasonal calendars, the disruption highlights the importance of earlier booking, multiple transport options and flexible delivery planning.