Port of Salalah operations suspended following drone strike – update 2

On 28 March 2026 at approximately 0400 local time, a drone strike hit the Port of Salalah, damaging a terminal crane and injuring one worker. Maersk confirmed full evacuation and immediate suspension of operations at the APM Terminals facility. Estimated downtime is currently 48 hours, subject to security clearance.

The disruption is operationally significant. Since the Strait of Hormuz instability began on 28 February, Salalah and Port of Sohar have functioned as key east-of-Hormuz discharge hubs. Gulf-bound cargo was being diverted to Oman and moved inland to UAE and regional destinations.

This corridor is now directly impacted.

The attack follows a widening risk pattern across regional logistics infrastructure, including earlier incidents affecting Port of Fujairah and Port of Duqm. While Iran has denied involvement, escalation beyond maritime routes into port assets is evident.

Operational impact:

• Cargo at Salalah: expect extended dwell time; reassess inland movement plans

• Cargo enroute: confirm revised discharge instructions with carriers

• Planned routing via Salalah: treat as high risk until stability returns

• Alternative routing: Port of Khor fakkan currently remains the most stable east-coast UAE option

The 48-hour recovery estimate remains provisional. Further delays are likely if security conditions deteriorate.