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The ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerian air freight operators, with some reporting higher outbound cargo rates while others say their charges have remained unchanged.

Operators who spoke to Nairametrics said disruptions to global aviation networks since the crisis began on February 28 have affected cargo shipments differently depending on the routes they serve and the logistics agents they rely on.

While some logistics firms say they have increased outbound cargo rates, even for destinations outside the Middle East, others report that prices for major routes such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada have remained largely stable.

Some Nigerian air freight operators who spoke to Nairametrics said the Middle East conflict has produced different outcomes for outbound cargo rates depending on the routes they serve and the logistics agents they work with.

Peace Azagba, a logistics professional with Mayckles Cargo Logistics, said the crisis has forced his company to increase outbound cargo charges after airlines and courier companies adjusted their tariffs.

According to him, the adjustments followed disruptions linked to the conflict, forcing his firm to pass part of the increase on to customers. He added that flights and courier services to the Middle East have been suspended for now, affecting shipments meant for the region.

Azagba also recounted instances where shipments meant for the Middle East had to be withdrawn. He said he had twice withdrawn cargo meant for Qatar because of demurrage, highlighting operational challenges that have emerged since the crisis began.

In contrast, based at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, who would not want to be named, said the crisis has had little impact on his business so far.

His main markets are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and shipments to these destinations continue at the same rates as before the conflict.

He explained that the larger cargo agent through whom he sends his shipments has not reviewed its charges since the crisis began.

He currently charges N16,000 per kilogram for shipments to the United States, N7,900 per kilogram to the United Kingdom, and between N18,000 and N19,000 per kilogram to Canada.

Perishables to these destinations typically cost between N8,000 and N9,000 per kilogram.

He added that the Middle East has never been a major destination for his shipments, limiting the direct impact of the conflict on his operations.

A Lagos resident who recently sent food items to a relative in London reported a similar experience.

The resident, who said he typically sends packages abroad about once every six months, shipped a parcel on Tuesday, March 10, and was charged N9,000 per kilogram, roughly the same rate he had paid before the crisis began.

Findings by Nairametrics show that Nigeria’s air cargo market operates through a tiered structure involving large consolidators and smaller logistics operators.

Major freight agents and international logistics companies typically move large volumes of cargo daily, sometimes up to 20 tonnes or more, sourced from corporate exporters and bulk consignments.

Because of the scale of their operations, these firms are able to send shipments directly on outbound flights from Nigerian international airports.

Smaller operators, however, usually handle significantly lower volumes. Under normal circumstances, many deal with less than one tonne of cargo in a week, although this can increase to between one and five tonnes during peak shipping periods.

This structure helps explain why some smaller firms have reported rising outbound cargo rates, while others say their charges remain unchanged.