Kamal Ghorui
As regional conflict persists in the Middle East and aviation remains disrupted, airlines have been dedicating flights to fly in fresh fruits and vegetables in Kuwait. The move has been aimed at maintaining stocks of fresh produce in supermarkets and ensuring a streamlined supply of food to the citizens. Recently, Jazeera airways set up an alternative supply route into Kuwait, highlighting how airlines shift to adapt to pressure on traditional logistics channels.
A corridor through Saudi Arabia
The airline flew in 4.5 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables from Chennai to Kuwait using a combined air and land route through Saudi Arabia. The cargo was routed into Qaisumah airport in Saudi Arabia before being transported overland into Kuwait. The operation helped maintain access to perishable goods that depend on speed and reliability. It also helped continue supply chains despite the direct routes being affected.
Why are food imports flown into Kuwait?
The decision to schedule chartered cargo flights arrives as aviation across the Middle East remains disrupted due to the ongoing Iran vs US-Israel conflict. Moreover, countries in the region have been defending attacks from Iran while also maintaining public safety and security. Numerous passenger flights have been cancelled or diverted, reducing the cargo capacity that typically moves into the Gulf from the global market. In this situation, retailers have been forced to figure out alternative routes to import large volumes of fresh produce into the market. Previously, LuLu Group International airlifted 80,000kg of fresh produce from India into Abu Dhabi aboard a freighter operated by Etihad Airways on March 7. Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways said the move goes beyond the standard airline operations. “In the current environment, connectivity is not only about moving people, it is also about ensuring the continued flow of essential goods into Kuwait. Establishing this supply chain corridor via Qaisumah allows us to support the national food reserves at this critical time. This is a responsibility we have embraced as Kuwait’s national carrier, and one we will continue to build on,” he said.
What does this mean for Kuwaiti customers?
Ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce is not only aimed at continuing the supply chain but also helps limit the risk of shortages. Moreover, it helps avoid the sharp fluctuations in prices at local markets. Recently, residents in the UAE had reported facing a sharp rise in prices of commodities with tomatoes being sold at Dh10 per kg and onions at Dh7. However, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism stressed that affected commodities had been supplied to markets in “abundant” amounts to ensure a stable supply. Operations such as these ease pressure in the short term, particularly for essentials like fruits and vegetables that depend on uninterrupted movement.
More food imports planned
With the disruptions expected to continue as long as the war persists, such corridors are likely to be used consistently to keep the supply chains stable and ensure consumers have access to everyday food items without significant disruption.
