An airline embargo is a period during which a carrier will not accept AVI cargo on a specific route or at all. Embargoes can be route-specific, species-specific or apply to an entire network.
Why embargoes happen
- Extreme temperatures — most carriers suspend live animal acceptance when temperatures at origin, transit or destination exceed safe thresholds
- Seasonal restrictions — peak travel seasons when belly cargo space is at a premium
- Disease outbreaks — carriers may embargo specific species or origin countries
- Operational constraints — changes to aircraft type or route structure
Temperature embargoes
The most common type. Most carriers have rules based on ambient temperature at origin, transit hub and destination. Dubai in summer is the clearest example with Emirates applying restrictions during peak summer months.
Brachycephalic breed embargoes
Many carriers have seasonal embargoes specifically for flat-faced breeds during summer months when heat and stress-related breathing issues create welfare risk.
How to manage around embargoes
The key is knowing about embargoes before booking. AVIBooking checks embargo status against the travel date for the specific carrier, route and species before confirming any booking.