FIDI Affiliates have reported disruption to international shipping, flights, and relocation operations following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the region. Since the attacks began on February 28, Affiliates have issued a series of industry advisories, detailing restrictions announced by governments, shipping lines, airlines and logistics providers. These include:
Dubai Arabian Shipping Agency (DASA) – Dubai
Craig Reilly, CEO of the Dubai Arabian Shipping Agency LLC, told FIDI Focus: ‘From a moving and relocation perspective… we are still seeing postponements and the use of storage/holding patterns, while clients wait for more predictable schedules and a clearer view of the wider conflict.’
The company’s advisory said:
- UAE airspace is gradually reopening with a far reduced capacity of up to 48 flights an hour.
- Office staff are returning or moving to hybrid models from March 4, following a work-at-home directive from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation remote-work instruction for March 1-3.
- Airlines are still rerouting via Saudi/Omani corridors, adding time and cost to many routes.
‘Our overall assessment hasn’t changed: short-term pause and risk-management focus, with the beginnings of a carefully managed operational restart rather than a full return to normal.’
Four Winds Saudi Arabia
‘Until further notice, we strongly recommend contacting our Operations or Customer Service Team prior to scheduling any shipments to or from Saudi Arabia or Bahrain. This will enable us to provide the most current routing options, documentation requirements, cost implications, and realistic transit expectations,’ said a notice issued by the FIDI Affiliate.
- Some shipping lines have suspended or adjusted vessel calls to Jeddah and Dammam.
- Emergency war-risk surcharges have been introduced by some carriers.
- Air freight is currently stable, with Saudia and Turkish Airlines continuing to operate from Riyadh and Jeddah.
‘Please be advised that some shipping lines have temporarily suspended or adjusted vessel calls to Jeddah and Dammam ports, and certain carriers have introduced emergency risk or war surcharges. These developments may affect transit times, routing options, and overall freight costs.’
The company said it is coordinating with ports, airlines and logistics partners to monitor developments – and advised customers to consult with it on changes to routing and cost before scheduling shipments to Saudi Arabia or Bahrain.
ISS Relocations – Dubai
‘ISS Relocations remains in continuous communication with carriers, port authorities, airport operators, and regulatory agencies. Every shipment under our care is closely monitored, and our Move Managers will proactively share confirmed updates and alternative solutions where necessary.
‘ISS Relocations’ offices, warehouses, and operational facilities across the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives remain fully operational, secure, and functioning without internal disruption. Our infrastructure, workforce, and service capability remain intact and responsive.’
Homepack Freight International – Pakistan
Farhat Irfan, CEO of Homepack Freight International in Pakistan, said: ‘We are keeping calm and managing packing on a prescheduled basis. Storage in transit until the situation becomes conducive and relocation services within the country and outside where there is no potential cause of concern. However, only westbound overseas shipments, whether by sea or by air, could/are facing delays and extra costs.’
- Some carriers have suspended Middle East bookings and rerouted ships via the Cape of Good Hope.
- War risk surcharges between US$1,500 and $3,500 per TEU have been introduced.
- Freight costs on some routes could rise by up to 300 per cent, while air shipments are also facing surcharges and delays.
‘We are constantly monitoring the situation by keeping in touch with and being updated by our colleagues in the region and the most reliable global news agencies.’
AMJ Campbell – Canada
- MSC has suspended export bookings from Canada to multiple Gulf destinations and declared ‘End of Voyage’ for cargo already en route to Arabian Gulf ports.
- Hapag-Lloyd has imposed a booking stop for cargo to the Upper Gulf region.
- A general rate Increase of up to $4,000 per container on Canadian exports to the Middle East and Red Sea is scheduled to take effect.
- Road transport across the GCC remains operational, though border inspections and documentation checks have increased transit times.