Houthis continue Red Sea attacks; shipping risk remains elevated as of 5 Nov 2026

As of 5 November 2026, industry monitors report the Houthi group is still carrying out missile, drone and other attacks on commercial shipping in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, keeping traffic below pre-crisis levels and sustaining elevated war-risk insurance and route diversions around the Cape of Good Hope.

Ongoing Houthi attacks raise the cost and risk of Suez–Asia-Europe container trades by sustaining higher insurance premia and encouraging continued use of the longer Cape of Good Hope detour. That lengthens voyages by about 10–14 days, ties up ship capacity and can keep freight rates and delivery times elevated; effects will depend on carrier routing choices and naval escort operations.

Monitor UKMTO advisories and major carriers' routing announcements over the next 14 days.