Update on March 24th 

Global logistics networks are evolving: new routes to secure supply chain continuity

Global supply chains are undergoing significant change. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are already reshaping international logistics flows and affecting certain air, ocean, rail and multimodal routes between Asia and Europe.

In this context, having reliable, operational and resilient alternatives is essential to ensure supply chain continuity.

The Middle Corridor: a fully operational strategic alternative

While routes via Iran and the Gulf region are facing increasing disruption, the Middle Corridor (Kazakhstan – Caspian Sea – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Turkey) remains fully operational and is rapidly gaining importance as a reliable alternative.

This corridor enables shippers to:

• Completely bypass Russia
• Avoid Iran
• Reduce exposure to congested Middle East air and maritime routes

As a result, an increasing number of European and Asian shippers are incorporating the Middle Corridor as a strategic contingency route within their logistics planning.

XPO Logistics solutions via the Middle Corridor

At XPO, we are already supporting customers with flexible, tailored transport solutions via the Middle Corridor, including:

• Air freight: Optimized alternative air routes to minimize risk and ensure stable transit times.
• Ocean and rail freight: Combined solutions leveraging the Trans-Caspian connectivity for Asia–Europe flows
• Multimodal solutions: Flexible combinations designed to balance speed, cost and resilience, adapted to each shipment’s requirements.

Our Global Forwarding teams continuously monitor geopolitical and operational developments to provide the safest and most efficient routing options at all times.

If your flows may be impacted, our experts are ready to help you identify the best alternative for your shipments. Contact us.

Update on March 6th

The evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the Gulf region and the Red Sea corridor is currently affecting some transport flows between Asia and Europe.

To ensure the continuity of your supply chain, XPO Logistics provides several reliable alternatives.

Ocean Freight

Secure ocean freight routing options avoiding impacted areas, including:

• Cape of Good Hope deviation (approx. +10–14 days transit time)
• Transhipment via Colombo, Mundra or Nhava Sheva
• Mediterranean gateways such as Tangier Med, Algeciras, Valencia and Piraeus

Rail Freight

The Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian route) offers a reliable China–Europe solution with 18–25 days transit time, fully bypassing the affected region.

Air Freight

Air freight operations continue through major unaffected hubs including Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Delhi, Istanbul, Paris and Frankfurt.
Dedicated air charter solutions are available for urgent shipments.

Multimodal Options

Flexible multimodal combinations to balance speed and cost:

• Sea–Airservices via Singapore, Colombo or Kuala Lumpur (12–18 days)
• Air–Truck solutions via Istanbul, Almaty or Tashkent

Our Global Forwarding teams continuously monitor the situation to provide the most secure and efficient transport options.

Speak with our expert to secure the best routing for your shipments.