As regional conflicts continue in the Middle East and aviation is disrupted, airlines are dedicating flights to flying fresh fruits and vegetables into Kuwait. The move is aimed at maintaining stocks of fresh produce in supermarkets and ensuring streamlined supply of food to citizens. Recently, Jazeera Airways established an alternative supply route to Kuwait, highlighting how airlines adapt to pressures on traditional logistics channels.

A corridor through Saudi Arabia

The airline transported 4.5 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables from Chennai to Kuwait using combined air and land route via Saudi Arabia. The cargo was sent to Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia before being transported by land to Kuwait. This operation helped maintain access to perishable items on which speed and reliability depend. This also helped in continuity of the supply chain despite direct routes being affected.

Why is food imported into Kuwait?

The decision to schedule chartered cargo flights comes as aviation across the Middle East is disrupted due to the Iran versus US-Israel conflict. Additionally, countries in the region are maintaining public security as well as defending against Iranian attacks. Many passenger flights have been canceled or diverted, reducing cargo capacity that normally goes to the Gulf from global markets. In this situation, retailers have been forced to explore alternative routes to import large quantities of fresh produce to the market. Earlier, Lulu Group International had delivered 80,000 kg of fresh produce from India to Abu Dhabi on March 7 on a cargo ship operated by Etihad Airways. Jazeera Airways Chief Executive Officer Barathan Pasupathi said the move went beyond standard airline operations. “In the current environment, connectivity is not only about moving people, but it is also about ensuring the continuous flow of essential goods into Kuwait. The establishment of this supply chain corridor through Qaisumaah allows us to support the national food stockpile at this critical time. This is a responsibility we have accepted as Kuwait’s national carrier, and we will continue to build on it,” he said.

What does this mean for Kuwaiti customers?

Ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce not only aims to keep the supply chain flowing but also helps limit the risk of shortages. Moreover, it helps in avoiding sharp price fluctuations in the local markets. Recently, UAE residents reported that tomatoes were being sold at Dh10 per kilogram and onions at Dh7 per kilogram, leading to a sharp rise in the prices of the commodities. However, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism stressed that the affected goods were supplied to markets “in abundance” to ensure stable supply. Such operations reduce pressure in the short term, especially for essential commodities like fruits and vegetables that are dependent on uninterrupted movement.

More food imports planned

With disruptions expected to continue as long as the war continues, such corridors are likely to be used continuously to keep supply chains stable and ensure consumers have access to everyday food items without significant disruption.