Freight and relocation movements are experiencing significant disruption following US/Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes on countries including Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Advice issued by Dubai-based FIDI Affiliate Delight International Movers – which has branches across the Gulf States – on March 1, 2026, said logistics hubs across the region have been affected.
‘Due to recent geopolitical escalations in the region, temporary operational disruptions are being experienced across key transport gateways,’ it said. ‘This includes reported suspension of operations at Jebel Ali port and airspace closures across the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.’
Airspace restrictions are in place across the region, with commercial and cargo flight movements affected and restrictions in place in locations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Many flights have been rerouted, increasing transit times, with cargo carrying capacity also restricted.
‘Short-term backlogs and space limitations are anticipated until normal operations resume,’ said Delight.
In Israel, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport is closed to all inbound and outbound passenger flights until further notice.
Israeli Affiliate Ocean said in an update: ‘Israeli carriers, including El Al, have suspended scheduled flights and are preparing for potential evacuation and repatriation operations once conditions and aviation authorities permit.’ However, it added some ‘rescue flight’ operations were taking place for passengers looking to leave or return to the country, subject to availability.
The company said all on-site pre-move surveys had been suspended and are now taking place virtually.
‘Packing, deliveries, and warehouse handling continue to be performed. However, operations are being carried out under reduced staffing levels due to reserve mobilisation and emergency workforce constraints,’ it said, adding that capacity has been reduced and transport schedules may change.
‘We anticipate that some assignees may postpone departures or experience temporary entry restrictions into Israel,’ added the update. ‘This may result in delayed packings, deliveries, or destination services until travel conditions stabilise.’
Ocean has implemented a temporary security surcharge applicable to FCL (Full Container Load) shipments requiring packing and/or delivery services within Israel.
‘This adjustment reflects the additional operational measures required under the present security framework, including workforce limitations, movement restrictions, route adjustments, and operational interruptions during security alerts,’ it said.
Imports and exports by sea have also been affected, with ‘heightened maritime advisories across the Strait of Hormuz influencing vessel scheduling and routing decisions,’ it said. ‘Congestion at ports may affect container availability and clearance.’ Shipping lines including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have begun rerouting shipments to avoid the region.
Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports are operating on an emergency footing. Port terminals remain functional and bookings for container services are still possible as of March 2.
However, while land routes across Gulf countries remain largely in use, stricter border controls may extend transit times, the company warned.
Daniel Drenger, VP Client Services at Ocean, said the company’s team was safe and that the company had started ‘emergency operating procedures in accordance with Home Front Command directives.
‘While certain activities are being conducted under adjusted protocols, we continue to function as an essential service provider and are maintaining operational continuity across our core services,’ he said.
Delight added that customers could expect revised ETAs for ongoing air and sea shipments, scheduling adjustments, possible surcharges levied by freight carriers, and ongoing changes as the situation evolves.
‘We strongly recommend staying in close coordination with your designated move coordinator to review timelines and prioritise urgent consignments where necessary,’ it said, adding: ‘Our team is closely monitoring the situation and working in coordination with airlines, shipping lines, port authorities, and regional partners to ensure minimal disruption to your relocation plans.
‘In these challenging times, we believe more than ever in the strength and importance of the relationships we’ve built with both our valued partners and customers,’ said a statement by Israel’s Globus Worldwide Relocations. ‘We are actively working to find creative solutions and respond to requests to the best of our ability.’