Middle East regional conflict and freight operations impact - customer advisory

At Gosselin Moving, the safety of your shipment and the continuity of your relocation remain our priority.

We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and its impact on global logistics networks. If your shipment or move is affected, your dedicated move coordinator will contact you directly in the coming days with specific updates and any required next steps.

Our teams are actively managing operations by rerouting shipments where feasible, working with trusted partners, and prioritising critical cargo to minimise disruption wherever possible.

In the meantime, we encourage customers to:

• Review shipment timelines where possible
• Prioritise urgent requirements in coordination with our teams
• Maintain flexibility while conditions remain subject to change
• Consider storage of shipments during this period of uncertainty  

Below is a summary of the operational environment we are currently navigating and how it may impact international freight movements.

Current Situation Overview

Due to the ongoing escalation of military activity involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and several Gulf-region states, the aviation, maritime, and freight environment across the Middle East is experiencing significant disruption.

Recent military actions and retaliatory strikes have resulted in:

• Airspace restrictions and temporary closures across parts of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, the UAE, Iran, and neighbouring regions
• Suspension, reduction, or rerouting of multiple commercial and cargo airline operations
• Heightened maritime security alerts across key international trade corridors

Maritime Situation

Industry security advisories indicate elevated risk conditions across the Gulf region:

• Commercial vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have been significantly reduced, with some carriers temporarily suspending sailings or avoiding the area for safety reasons
• Expanded maritime warning zones are in place across the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the North Arabian Sea
• Commercial vessels, including container ships and tankers, are experiencing operational uncertainty and delays
• Several global shipping lines are rerouting services away from affected regions, in some cases reverting to longer voyages via the Cape of Good Hope

These developments are placing increased pressure on global air, sea, and multimodal supply chains.

Force Majeure Notice

Given the evolving military situation, airspace restrictions, maritime security measures, government directives, and related operational disruptions, these circumstances may constitute Force Majeure under applicable international carriage conventions and contractual terms.

As a result, the following may occur without prior notice:

• Transit delays or schedule changes
• Shipment rerouting or service adjustments
• Temporary service suspensions
• Additional operational costs, including:
  • War-risk surcharges
  • Insurance adjustments
  • Fuel increases
  • Congestion-related charges
  • Security and compliance costs

Impact on Freight Movement

Air Freight

• Flight cancellations and diversions are reducing cargo lift capacity across Gulf routing corridors
• Major hubs including Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Kuwait (KWI) are operating under constraints
• Longer routings and reduced frequencies are increasing transit times
• Short-term backlogs and cargo space shortages are expected

Sea Freight

• Disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are affecting vessel schedules and reliability
• Alternative routings via the Cape of Good Hope are extending transit times on certain trade lanes
• Ocean carriers may apply war-risk and insurance surcharges
• Port congestion and container imbalances may develop as cargo shifts between transport modes

Road Freight

• GCC road corridors remain operational and currently provide the most stable regional alternative
• Cross-border trucking continues subject to security clearance
• Enhanced inspections may increase border transit times
• Route diversions may occur depending on local authority advisories

What Clients Should Expect

Transit conditions remain fluid and may evolve rapidly. Customers may experience:

• Continued air freight delays while restrictions remain in place
• Extended sea freight transit times due to rerouting and increased volumes
• Road freight continuity where corridors remain secure, though subject to enhanced controls

Gosselin Moving remains fully committed to supporting your relocation with transparency, flexibility, and proactive communication throughout this period.

We extend our sincere wishes for the safety and well-being of you and your families during this time.

About Gosselin

Gosselin is a leading provider of international moving and destination services. Our clients are  multinationals, relocation management companies, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private persons. With 56 offices in 34 countries, Gosselin has a strong presence in Europe,  the Caucasus and Central Asia.  

Gosselin is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 1,500 that generates more than 450 million euros in turnover.