DHL Express Bypasses Air Blockade with Sea-Air Route via Cyprus

DHL Express has begun operating under a special format combining sea and air routes, aiming to maintain supply chain continuity to and from Israel under security restrictions. It was further reported that the move actually began last Sunday but reached its peak this past weekend, when the company concentrated operational efforts on receiving import shipments and sending out export cargo via an alternative "logistics bridge."

According to the company's announcement, the model currently being implemented is based on contingency plans formulated in June 2025. Under the new system, express cargo is flown to the DHL logistics hub in Cyprus, and from there, it is transported via sea freight, with the assistance of the shipping arm DHL Global Forwarding, directly to ISP-Port in Haifa. Upon unloading at the port, the cargo is transferred for distribution through the company's national sorting center in Airport City. The addition to business days is estimated at only about 4 days, it was reported.

Yonatan Ivgi, CEO of DHL Express Israel: "We have been operating at full capacity since the beginning of the campaign with the goal of meeting the economy's import and export needs. We formulated operational solutions in advance that allow for flexibility and connection to global trade routes even during emergencies. Our top priority remains the safety of the teams and couriers in the field, and therefore, despite efforts to maintain continuity, there may be delays of about four business days in the original schedules. We are committed to continuing operations as long as required."

DHL emphasizes that despite the use of bypass routes, the service is currently available throughout the country. However, the company notes that schedules are subject to security situational assessments and Civil Aviation Authority directives, and may change according to developments on the ground.