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Middle East War Strands South Asia’s Fast Fashion Cargo

• By  Textile Excellence
• March 15, 2026

Shipments of garments from South Asia to Europe and beyond are stuck as the Middle East conflict shuts key air routes. Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, the backbone of global fast fashion, are facing supply chain chaos. Factories producing for Inditex, H&M, Primark, and other brands report consignments stranded at airports, with Dubai’s operations suspended and Gulf carriers cancelling flights.

Shovon Islam, MD of Sparrow Group in Dhaka, said, “Some of my apparel consignments are stuck at Dhaka airport. They were supposed to fly to the UK via Dubai. We are trying to find alternatives, but none are simple or cost-effective.”

South Asia relies heavily on Gulf airlines for cargo: more than half of Bangladesh’s air freight and 41% of India’s moves via Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. With the airspace closed, available capacity is shrinking, and freight costs are surging. Alexander Nathani of Mumbai-based Kira Leder reported that airfreight charges to Europe have doubled.

The disruption is not limited to air cargo. Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would also hit sea transport, further driving up costs and delaying shipments.

The crisis threatens production schedules, export commitments, and the livelihoods of millions of workers in South Asia. Factories are struggling to store finished goods, while brands face delays in replenishing retail shelves. If air and sea routes remain disrupted, the fast fashion supply chain could face its most serious interruption in years, exposing the region’s heavy dependence on Middle East transit hubs.

With no immediate resolution in sight, South Asian exporters are racing against time to reroute cargo and manage rising costs, while the global apparel market braces for delayed deliveries and price shocks.

The crisis threatens production schedules, export commitments, and the livelihoods of millions of workers in South Asia. Factories are struggling to store finished goods, while brands face delays in replenishing retail shelves. If air and sea routes remain disrupted, the fast fashion supply chain could face its most serious interruption in years, exposing the region’s heavy dependence on Middle East transit hubs.