Dubai Customs extends transit times, opens corridors to ease crisis Last updated: May 06, 2026 | 17:59 A file image of Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, used for illustrative purposes. WAM Industry officials said freight costs have surged sharply — in some cases rising four to six times — as shipping lines divert away from traditional routes. This has triggered congestion at alternative ports and increased reliance on road transport. According to maritime and IMO-linked data, up to ~2,000 ships were affected at peak and about 20,000 sailors are stranded at sea as the US-Israel- Iran war enters its 67th day. Rashid Darwish Almuhairi, Senior Consultant at Dubai Customs, said the challenges span global, regional and local levels, with rising fuel costs, insurance premiums and operational risks adding to pressure on the sector. Shipping line disruptions have also led to capacity mismatches, as vessels shift to ports that are not equipped to handle the volumes handled by major hubs like Jebel Ali.…