The US Department of Transportation has granted FedEx temporary relief from a dormancy rule, allowing the carrier to bypass Dubai on its Hong Kong-Paris route amid Gulf hostilities, reports New York's FreightWaves.

FedEx had not operated the Hong Kong-Dubai flight in 75 days, nearing the 90-day inactivity deadline that could have cost it route rights. The company cited airspace closures and military operations disrupting activity in Dubai, where it runs a 613,500-square-foot hub.

FedEx operates six weekly flights from Hong Kong to Paris, with one required to stop in Dubai under existing authority. The waiver extends through October 25, giving flexibility to restart service once conditions allow. Iran fired missiles at the UAE earlier this week, underscoring risks.

The US-Hong Kong air services agreement limits fifth-freedom cargo flights to 64 weekly, with FedEx controlling 14, including six to Paris. Fifth-freedom rights allow carriers to operate between two foreign countries if the flight begins or ends in their home country.

Regulators also extended FedEx's authority for Boeing 777 flights from the US to South Africa via Dubai, Nairobi, or Europe for two more years. FedEx said the waiver ensures continuity of operations while Dubai remains unsafe for full schedules.