A rapidly evolving conflict reshapes global mobility, disrupting assignments, travel, and relocation worldwide.
Since late February 2026, escalating conflict across the Middle East has created sustained disruption to global shipping, aviation, and expatriate living conditions. What began as a regional military escalation has expanded into a complex risk environment affecting international assignments, relocation logistics, and employee safety across multiple destinations.
For organisations with internationally mobile employees, the crisis presents immediate operational challenges alongside longer-term strategic considerations for assignment planning and, of course, duty of care.
- Ongoing military activity has driven heightened security alerts, airspace restrictions, and government travel advisories.
- Even traditionally stable expatriate hubs in the Gulf are operating under precautionary measures, including remote working guidance and temporary closures.
- While essential infrastructure remains largely functional, the security environment remains fluid.
Global Shipping and Supply Chains
- Severe disruption to the Strait of Hormuz has significantly reduced commercial shipping flows.
- Continued instability in the Red Sea has forced most carriers to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
- Extended transit times and added costs are impacting the global movement of goods, including relocation-related shipments.
Mobility and Relocation Deliverables
- Household goods shipments are experiencing delays, rerouting, and additional surcharges.
- Storage timelines and temporary accommodation periods are being extended.
- More complex relocations (vehicles, pets, specialist services) require longer planning horizons and contingency solutions.
Impact on assignees and their families:
- Airspace closures and flight cancellations have led to widespread disruption to business and personal travel.
- Many organisations have implemented voluntary evacuation options, with some temporary or permanent relocations.
- Reviews of hardship, danger pay, and assignment allowances are underway across global mobility programmes.
- Pause non‑essential new assignments into higher‑risk locations.
- Enable temporary remote or cross‑border work where feasible.
Extend planning timelines and reset expectations for relocations and shipments.
Strengthen crisis management frameworks and escalation protocols.
Maintain close coordination with relocation, logistics, insurance, and security partners.
With no clear timeline for de‑escalation and continued volatility across key maritime and aviation corridors, disruption is expected to persist in the near term. Flexibility, clear communication, and a strong duty‑of‑care posture will be essential as organisations navigate the evolving situation.