The Iran war disrupts air freight routes, exposing vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain, warns London's European Medical Journal.
The Iran war is disrupting vital air freight routes, exposing vulnerabilities across the pharmaceutical supply chain from biologics to generics, reports London's European Medical Journal.
The industry faces one of its toughest stress tests in years after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026 triggered retaliatory attacks. The region has been thrust into active conflict, deepening geopolitical instability and threatening worldwide drug supplies.
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, stated that until late February, operations were essentially business as usual. Since then, closures and restrictions at major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have forced rapid shifts away from established routes.
The Gulf represents a critical choke point, accounting for about 11 percent of global air cargo. Rerouting flights around the region adds up to two hours of flying time, raising fuel costs and potentially drug prices. Mr. Van Gelder warned that while companies may absorb some costs, patients will ultimately pay.
Firms are now diverting shipments through Istanbul and Oman or trucking supplies from Saudi hubs such as Jeddah and Riyadh. These alternatives are complex, slower, and riskier for time-sensitive medicines, Mr. Van Gelder said.
