Logistics Update: Suspension of International Removal Services in the Persian Gulf

Middle East Conflict: Logistics Update & Impact on International Removals to the Persian Gulf

Due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, sea and air freight transport for personal effects and household goods has been temporarily suspended. As an international moving company, Wisse Moving prioritizes the security of your belongings. For safety and operational reasons, shipping lines and airlines cannot safely perform loading and unloading operations in the affected destination ports and airports until further notice.

Destinations with Suspended Moving Services

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): All international removals from Spain and the rest of Europe to Dubai (Jebel Ali port, DXB airport) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are currently on hold.
• Saudi Arabia: Direct impact on shipping routes and port operations in Dammam and Jubail.
• Other Gulf States: Door-to-door moving services to Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar (Doha), and Oman are suspended.

Disruptions to Air Freight & Relocations to Asia

Major transit hubs, including airports in Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Doha, Qatar (DOH), are experiencing severe operational restrictions. Furthermore, the closure of airspace over Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE is causing significant delays, extensive rerouting, and cancellations for air cargo flights connecting through the Middle East to the rest of Asia and Oceania.

Sea Freight Delays and War Risk Surcharges (WRS)

Major regional seaports remain closed to non-essential civilian cargo. Consequently, ocean freight shipping lines have implemented immediate War Risk Surcharges (WRS) for both shipping containers currently in transit and new bookings. Depending on the carrier and the final destination, these emergency additional costs can range between USD 1,500 and USD 2,000 per TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit).

For official technical updates straight from the shipping lines, please refer to the latest industry notices: Hapag-Lloyd – Shipping News Arabian Gulf.

Global Impact: Rising Fuel Prices and Longer Transit Times

The geopolitical situation has forced major shipping lines to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, directing them around the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa). This massive detour adds thousands of nautical miles and several weeks to standard transit times. As a result, the drastic increase in fuel consumption has triggered a sharp rise in Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) surcharges. These fuel price increments are affecting moving costs not only to Asia and Oceania but also for international road transport within Europe.

Worldwide Container Shortages and Freight Rate Increases

Because cargo ships are spending significantly more time at sea, shipping containers are tied up in transit for weeks longer than usual. This has created a severe bottleneck and a global shortage of available empty containers. As a direct consequence, ocean carriers are implementing unexpected General Rate Increases (GRI) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) across almost all global trade routes.

Therefore, even if you are moving to destinations completely outside the conflict zone—such as North America, South America, or unaffected parts of Asia—you may experience sudden increments in sea freight rates and longer waiting times to secure a shipping container for your household goods.

Advice for Expats and International Relocations

Operational restrictions, rerouting delays, and increased fuel and shipping costs are expected to persist throughout the coming months. At Wisse Moving, our logistics team is monitoring the geopolitical situation daily to resume secure transit as soon as international safety protocols allow.

Is your move affected? If you have a planned relocation, please contact our moving consultants today. We can provide you with the most up-to-date pricing, help you coordinate secure long-term storage solutions at origin, or safely reschedule your moving dates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I still move my household goods to Dubai or Abu Dhabi right now?

Currently, sea and air freight transport for personal effects to the UAE (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is suspended for safety reasons. We recommend contacting us to arrange secure storage solutions in Europe until operations resume.

Why are international moving costs increasing globally?

Because ships are avoiding the Red Sea and taking longer routes around Africa, fuel consumption has spiked, leading to higher Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) surcharges. Additionally, longer transit times have caused a global shortage of empty shipping containers, driving up ocean freight rates worldwide.

How long will the suspension of moving services to the Middle East last?

The duration is currently undetermined as it depends on international safety regulations and the geopolitical situation. Wisse Moving is monitoring the updates daily and will notify our clients as soon as safe transit is guaranteed by the shipping lines.