Shipments of garments for major global clothing brands are facing delays due to flight disruptions. The crisis has affected the international fashion supply chain, especially shipments from South Asia.
Several manufacturers say their clothing consignments are currently stranded at airports in Bangladesh and India. These delays happened after airlines canceled flights because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Factories in countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan play a major role in the global fashion industry. Many well-known brands depend on these factories to produce new clothing items regularly.
Manufacturers supply garments like T-shirts, dresses, and jeans to global retailers. These products support the fast-moving fashion market that requires frequent shipments to stores worldwide.
Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, said several of his consignments are stuck at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. His company produces garments for European clients including Inditex, Marks & Spencer, Next plc, and Primark.
Islam said the shipments were supposed to reach the United Kingdom through Dubai. However, operations at Dubai International Airport were suspended after regional airspace closures.
Airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways canceled several flights. These carriers usually handle a large portion of cargo shipments from South Asia.
According to logistics experts, much of the region depends on Gulf airlines for air freight. Over half of Bangladesh’s cargo moves through Gulf hubs. Around 41 percent of India’s air cargo also travels the same route.
The disruptions have also caused a sharp increase in freight costs. Reduced air cargo capacity means fewer available flights for shipments.
Alexander Nathani, managing partner at Mumbai-based Kira Leder, said freight prices have doubled. His company produces leather jackets for Inditex and several Austrian retailers.
One shipment from Pakistan remains stuck at a factory. Another consignment from Mumbai is expected to fly with Swiss International Air Lines soon.
Many global retailers say most of their shipments travel by sea. Companies such as H&M, Primark, and Marks & Spencer confirmed that sea routes handle a large share of their cargo.
However, industry leaders warn that shipping costs may also rise. This could happen if the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions. The strategic route connects the Gulf region with global shipping lanes.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the situation is worrying. He warned that both air and sea logistics could face higher costs.
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Experts say continued disruptions could affect the global fashion supply chain. Retailers may experience delays in delivering new collections to stores worldwide.
