How Ramadan impacts logistics – Key dates, challenges & solutions

As Eid al-Fitr 2025 approaches, businesses in Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia, the UAE, and other Muslim-majority countries are preparing for extended public holidays. For logistics managers and supply chain professionals, this means potential disruptions: longer transit times, flight capacity shortages, and customs delays.

Whether you need urgent spare parts, last-minute samples, or time-sensitive deliveries, proper planning is essential to keep your supply chain moving smoothly during this period.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Which countries will be affected and key holiday dates
• Common logistics challenges during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
• How to secure fast air freight solutions before and after the holidays

Ramadan Logistics – Key holiday dates to know

Public holidays vary by country, but here are the expected closures in major markets:

• Morocco: March 31 – April 1
• Tunisia: March 30 – April 1
• Algeria: 31 March – 1 April
• Egypt: 30 March – 1 April
• Turkey: March 29 – April 1
• United Arab Emirates: March 30 – April 1
• Malaysia: March 31 – April 1
• India, Singapore: March 31

During these periods, business operations slow down or stop entirely, affecting production, customs clearance, and transportation. If you have critical shipments planned for late March or early April, it’s essential to act fast.

How Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr affect logistics?

Reduced working hours & business closures

During Ramadan, employees work shorter hours to accommodate fasting. Customs offices, suppliers, manufacturers, and freight companies operate at reduced capacity, slowing down production and shipment processing.

As Eid al-Fitr begins, businesses shut down completely for several days. Warehouses and logistics hubs pause operations, and customs services are either unavailable or working with significant delays.

Supply chain disruptions in manufacturing & distribution

Manufacturers and suppliers in Turkey, North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia may experience delays in production and distribution. This affects industries that depend on just-in-time logistics, including:

• Automotive & Aerospace – Production lines may halt due to delayed spare parts.
• Electronics & High-Tech – Longer lead times for components and hardware.
• Pharmaceuticals – Temperature-sensitive goods need urgent, fast transport to avoid spoilage.
• Retail & E-Commerce – This type of mass-market shipment represents large volumes that compete with industrial shipments for available space on flights, leading to price surge.

Limited flight availability & increased air freight demand

Air cargo capacity shrinks around Eid al-Fitr due to high demand. Many businesses rush to ship urgent orders before the holidays, reducing space on commercial and cargo flights.

Solution: If your industry relies on time-sensitive deliveries, plan ahead and ship urgent goods before the holidays start. If a last-minute shipment is unavoidable, consider emergency logistics solutions to ensure minimal disruption. On Board Couriers (OBCs) and Next Flight Out (NFO) services provide the fastest transit times for urgent shipments.

Fast logistics solutions before & after the holidays

If you need to transport last-minute orders, Air Time Critical® provides tailored emergency logistics solutions to minimize disruptions.

On Board Courier (OBC): The fastest option for urgent shipments

For critical deliveries, our On Board Couriers (OBCs) carry your shipment as hand luggage on the next available passenger flight. This is the best option for:

• Prototypes and pre-series / deliveries of urgent R&D projects
• Aerospace and automotive spare parts (AOG)
• Medical equipment and urgent pharma shipments, dry ice
• Confidential documents, contracts, calls for tender

Why OBC?

Fastest possible transit time – Your shipment flies on the next available commercial flight.
Bypass cargo delays – No need for warehouse handling or cargo terminal queues.
Safe & secure delivery – Personal handling reduces the risk of damage or loss.

Next Flight Out (NFO): Express air freight for larger shipments

For larger palletised cargo or high-volume shipments, our Next Flight Out (NFO) service ensures the fastest possible air freight solution.

• For shipments up to several pallets
• Priority booking on the earliest available commercial flight
• Express customs clearance and fast last-mile delivery

Key takeaways: How to avoid logistics disruptions during Ramadan & Eid

• Check holiday dates – Know when suppliers, factories, and customs offices will be closed.
• Book shipments early – Secure air freight space in advance to avoid capacity issues.
• Plan around production slowdowns – Account for reduced working hours before and during Eid al-Fitr.
• Consider fast transport solutions – Use On Board Couriers (OBCs) or Next Flight Out (NFO) for urgent deliveries.
• Work with an expert logistics partner – Air Time Critical® specializes in handling time-sensitive deliveries with the fastest solutions available.

Need to secure an urgent shipment? Contact us today!

Don’t let Eid al-Fitr holiday closures delay your shipments. Whether you need to ship urgent spare parts, critical documents, or high-value goods, Air Time Critical® has the fastest and most reliable transport solutions.

Contact Us Now to get a quote and secure a spot on the next available flight!