Latest Update 12th March 2026 – Shipping Disruption Escalating
Since our previous update, disruption across global shipping routes linked to the Middle East conflict has begun to intensify.
Several ocean carriers have now started introducing war risk and emergency operational surcharges, reflecting the increased security risks for vessels operating in or near the region. These charges are often introduced with little notice and may affect shipments travelling to or through affected areas.
Shipping lines are also taking additional operational measures to manage risk and adjust vessel routing. In some cases, carriers have declared force majeure on certain services, diverted vessels away from affected shipping lanes, or discharged containers at alternative ports or transhipment hubs outside their intended destination.
When this happens, containers may remain at these ports until onward vessel space becomes available. This can create delays while shipping networks reorganise their schedules and routing.
Industry experts are also warning that continued vessel diversions could lead to wider knock-on effects across the global shipping network. When containers are discharged at unexpected locations or vessels are rerouted, congestion can quickly build at major transhipment hubs, which may impact container availability and extend transit times on some routes.
International moves and shipments are still continuing, but customers may experience longer transit times, revised sailing schedules or additional surcharges introduced by shipping lines while the situation develops.
John Mason International continues to monitor the situation closely and will always work with our global partners to minimise disruption wherever possible. However, some delays or additional charges introduced by shipping lines, ports or authorities remain outside of our control.
Update 2nd March 2026
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is now causing wider disruption across global freight, logistics and relocation movements.
Following military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran, several countries across the Gulf region have been affected, including Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
These developments are beginning to impact both sea freight and air cargo routes, which may affect international shipments and overseas moves.
Disruption at Key Logistics Hubs
According to updates from relocation partners operating in the region, several major transport gateways are experiencing temporary operational disruption.
Reports indicate that operations at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, one of the world’s largest container hubs have been temporarily suspended, while airspace restrictions have been introduced across parts of the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.
Airspace restrictions have affected both commercial passenger flights and cargo aircraft, including flights operating through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
As a result:
• Many flights have been rerouted
• Cargo capacity has been reduced
• Transit times may be longer than usual
Short-term backlogs and space limitations are expected until normal operations resume.
Shipping Routes Being Diverted
The situation is also affecting global shipping routes.
Container shipping lines have halted vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted vessels away from the Suez Canal due to heightened security risks in the region.
Major shipping lines, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, have already begun rerouting vessels to avoid affected areas.
These adjustments may lead to:
• Delays to vessel schedules
• Rerouting of shipping services
• Congestion at certain ports
• Changes to transit times
Port congestion and container availability may also be affected as shipping networks adjust.
Impact on Israel
Operations in Israel have also been affected.
Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv has been closed to passenger flights until further notice, although some limited rescue and repatriation flights are operating when conditions allow.
Relocation providers in the region have reported that:
• Pre-move surveys are currently being conducted virtually
• Packing, deliveries and warehouse handling continue
• Operations are being carried out with reduced staffing levels
This is due to reserve mobilisation and emergency workforce constraints.
Transport schedules may also change as security conditions evolve.
Ports Operating Under Emergency Conditions
Despite the disruption, Israel’s Haifa and Ashdod ports remain operational, although they are currently functioning under emergency procedures.
Container bookings remain possible, but delays may occur depending on port activity and vessel routing decisions.
Land transport across Gulf countries remains largely operational, although stricter border controls may extend transit times in some cases.
Possible Surcharges and Delays
Due to the evolving security situation, some shipping lines and logistics providers have begun introducing temporary security or war risk surcharges.
These charges reflect the additional operational measures required in affected areas, including:
• Security protocols
• Route changes
• Workforce limitations
• Temporary operational interruptions
Customers may also see changes to estimated arrival times (ETAs) for ongoing air and sea shipments.
Additional Shipping Cost:
Shipping lines have also begun introducing War Risk Surcharges in response to the escalating security situation in the region. Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed an immediate surcharge of USD $1,500–$3,000 per container for shipments to the Middle East, with no end date currently announced. These charges reflect the increased insurance and operational risks associated with vessels travelling near conflict zones. Other shipping lines are widely expected to introduce similar surcharges in the coming days, meaning freight costs for shipments to the region may increase as the situation continues to develop.
Planning an International Move
While the situation remains fluid, global shipping and relocation services are continuing to operate.
Customers planning an overseas move may experience:
• Revised shipping schedules
• Longer transit times
• Possible freight surcharges
• Temporary delays in some regions
If you are planning an international move, it is important to stay in close contact with your move coordinator and allow flexibility where possible.
At John Mason International, we closely monitor global shipping developments and work with trusted international partners to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Our team remains committed to ensuring that every international move continues as smoothly as circumstances allow.
Latest Middle East Shipping Disruption – Timeline
The situation in the Middle East is evolving rapidly and is now affecting several global transport routes.
Key developments so far include:
Late February 2026
Military escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran increases tensions across the region.
1 March 2026
Relocation partners across the Gulf report operational disruption affecting key logistics hubs, including airspace restrictions and reduced cargo capacity.
Early March 2026
Shipping lines begin diverting vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal due to security concerns.
Current Situation
Airspace restrictions, port disruption and vessel rerouting are continuing to affect some international shipments while carriers monitor developments.
Frequently Asked Question
Is the Middle East conflict affecting international shipping?
Yes. Several shipping lines have paused or rerouted vessels travelling through key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal due to increased security risks.
This can lead to delays, longer transit times and adjustments to shipping schedules.
Will my international move be delayed?
Most international shipments are still moving, but some routes may experience longer transit times or vessel changes as shipping companies adjust their operations.
Your moving company will normally provide updates if any changes affect your shipment.
Why might shipping costs change?
Shipping lines may introduce war risk surcharges or operational fees to reflect increased security, insurance and route adjustments. These charges can sometimes be introduced with little notice.
Are flights affected in the region?
Yes. Airspace restrictions have been reported across parts of the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, which has led to rerouted flights and reduced cargo capacity.