Global mobility bulletin: Middle East conflict – operational & employee impact (March 2026)
The conflict in the Middle East is continuing to affect transportation networks, regional business activity, and mobility services. The situation remains highly dynamic, with frequent changes to travel routes, logistics availability and costs. As a result, employee mobility and relocation timelines are impacted.
Key disruptions
Air freight and passenger travel
Airspace closures across several countries in the region—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE have led to significant flight cancellations and route diversions. A number of airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and several international carriers, have suspended certain services.
These disruptions have reduced global air cargo capacity by approximately 22%, leaving time-sensitive goods such as fresh produce and aircraft components delayed or stranded. Given the region’s role as a major transit hub, an estimated 21% of global air cargo flows have been affected.
Ocean freight
Shipping routes are also being impacted. Major carriers including MSC, ONE, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz and parts of the Red Sea due to security concerns. Many vessels are now being rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing transit times.
Carriers have also begun introducing additional charges linked to the conflict, including War Risk and Emergency Conflict surcharges.
Port operations
Operations at key regional ports have also been impacted. At Jebel Ali, for example, infrastructure damage and security risks have resulted in operational disruptions.
Impact on mobility schedules
Assignment and relocation timelines
Government offices across parts of the region are currently operating with reduced staffing levels and enhanced security protocols. In some locations, public sector employees have been instructed to work remotely.
As a result, processes that depend on government interaction—such as customs clearance, relocation documentation, and residence permit processing—may take longer than usual.
Shipment delays
Relocation shipments are likely to experience delays due to several factors, including:
- Vessel rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope
- Flight cancellations and diversions
- Longer ocean transit times
- Congestion and equipment shortages as carriers adjust routes and reposition vessels
Air cargo routes between Asia, the Middle East and Europe have seen capacity drop by around 39%, further affecting shipment reliability and transit predictability.
Cost implications
Freight rates
Airfreight rates on Asia–Europe routes have already increased by approximately 5–6%, and further increases remain likely as capacity remains constrained.
Ocean freight costs are also rising, largely due to longer sailing routes, higher fuel usage and additional conflict-related charges.
Conflict-related surcharges
Several carriers have introduced additional surcharges, including:
- War Risk Surcharge (WRS)
- Hapag-Lloyd: USD 1,500 per 20’ container / USD 3,000 per 40’ container
- Emergency Conflict Surcharge (ECS)
- CMA CGM: USD 2,000 per 20’ container / USD 3,000 per 40’ container
Mobility teams should be aware that these charges may change quickly. Costs quoted at the start of a shipment may differ from final billing if new surcharges are introduced at short notice.
Impact on mobile employees
Travel and immigration
Employees travelling into, out of, or transiting through the region may encounter flight cancellations, diversions or longer travel routes.
Administrative processes such as work permits, visa renewals and residency documentation may also be delayed due to reduced government staffing levels. In some countries, remote-working directives for public sector staff are slowing services that normally require in-person processing.
Relocation and household goods
Household goods shipments may be affected by:
- Longer shipping lead times
- Slower customs processing
- Rerouting requirements or temporary storage if port operations are suspended
Mobility teams should factor in longer timelines for move-in, move-out and settling-in services.
Employee wellbeing
The current situation may also create additional stress for assignees and relocating employees, particularly where travel, security or shipment timelines remain uncertain.
Employees may require support with temporary accommodation extensions, flexible working arrangements or access to emergency assistance protocols where necessary.
Recommended actions for mobility teams
Given the ongoing uncertainty, mobility teams are encouraged to:
- Set clear expectations with employees around potential delays and rising costs
- Build additional lead time into services that require government interaction
- Prepare contingency options such as alternative shipping routes, temporary accommodation or short-term storage
- Maintain close communication with relocation partners and carriers, as routing and capacity are changing frequently
- Monitor developments in the region, particularly airspace restrictions, port operations and new freight surcharges