AUSTRALIA/INDONESIA - Jetstar says three flights today and more scheduled to depart tonight will bring home more than 2,000 Australians stranded in Bali, but all Virgin flights still remain grounded. Earlier this morning, Australians trying to get in and out of Bali's international airport in Denpasar were in limbo after a raft of flights were cancelled or delayed due to volcanic ash from the erupting Mount Raung. But three Jetstar flights will tonight bring home hundreds of travellers who have been stranded on the island for days. Chief executive David Hall said another two 300 seat planes would be sent to Bali on Tuesday to bring more passengers back. "That's back into Australia, then if they're not getting back to their home then we'll get our customers to their capital of destination," he said. "There'll be still quite a number stuck [in Bali], it's in the order of thousands. "Assuming safe conditions to fly, we'll get another 3,000 back over the next 24 to 48 hours. "We're working hard around the clock to ensure our customers are informed through Facebook, through Twitter, through news feeds and throughout the hotel community across Bali." Mr Hall said the situation was being reviewed every few hours. Virgin Australia has sent an observation flight to the region to assess flying conditions and its pilots have decided that conditions are clear enough to allow scheduled flights to go ahead. Two Virgin flights will depart Denpasar for Perth and Brisbane this evening with another 18 flights to and from Bali and Australia tomorrow planned to help clear the backlog. Both airlines are offering travel credits to customers affected by the delays. The ash cloud has been disrupting hundreds of flights for days and has seen holidaymakers, including more than 1,000 Australians, stranded in Bali.

 

GUAM/NORTHERN MARIANAS - United Express/Cape Air today announced the resumption of its Guam, Saipan and Rota service on Sunday evening, July 12, 2015. Regularly scheduled Cape Air flights between Guam, Saipan and Rota had been cancelled due to the interruption in communication services between Guam and the CNMI.  Subject to the restoration of communications service, Cape Air is planning to resume all scheduled flights effective, Monday, July 13, 2015. On Sunday, July 12, 2015, Flight UA5077 is scheduled to depart from Guam International Airport at 7:15 p.m. and arrive at Saipan International Airport at 8:05 p.m. Additionally, Flight UA5078 is scheduled to depart from Saipan International Airport at 8:35 p.m. and arrive at Guam International Airport at 9:25 p.m. United continues to urge customers to check the latest status of their flights operated by Cape Air at united.com.

 

ROMANIA - Air traffic controllers in Romania are set to stage a countrywide work stoppage from 11:00 to 13:00 on 15 July. Authorities have reported that only 30 percent of scheduled flights will operate during this period.  The protest organisers have stated that the upcoming action is a warning strike, following a breakdown in negotiations with the employer, the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA). The strike is set to affect both international and domestic flights at airports across the country. Flight disruptions are should be anticipated for the remainder of 15 July due to the resultant backlog of flights.  Persons intending to make use of air transport services in the country on 15 July are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).   

 

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Severe delays are currently being reported on the London Underground's Victoria line following an earlier suspension of services, on 13 July, due to an unconfirmed incident. Although services have resumed, Victoria station itself remains closed. Emergency services personnel are on the scene; however, further details regarding the nature of the incident remain unclear. Persons in London intending to make use of the Victoria line are advised to use alternative routes. Please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ for service updates and potential alternatives. Clients should also anticipate increased demand for other routes and modes of transport as a consequence of the disruption.

 

FRANCE(PARIS) - Security is expected to be increased in France's capital, Paris, ahead of the French national day, Bastille Day, on 14 July. In Paris, the day will be celebrated with a large military parade proceeding from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, via the Champs-Elysees avenue. Related public gatherings will take place in major cities and towns across the country.  Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 and thus the start of the French Revolution. Most of the associated commemorative events are expected to pass without incident; however, festivities in Paris have in the past been followed by isolated incidents of vandalism in suburbs outside of central Paris. Such violent outbreaks cannot be ruled out entirely. In addition, significant traffic disruptions in central Paris should be anticipated as thousands of spectators are expected to attend the military parade. Road closures along the parade route will be implemented on the affected day. Persons in Paris are advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly in outlying areas of the city after dark. In addition, clients should prepare for travel disruptions in Paris' city centre throughout the day.

FRANCE(PARIS) - There are unconfirmed reports of a hostage situation in the Villeneuve-la-Garenne area of Paris, France, during the morning of 13 July. The incident, which reportedly started as an armed robbery, occurred at a Primark store. Media citing local police indicate that there are at least two, and possibly three, gunmen at the scene. Police are at the scene.  An increased police presence, including patrols and checkpoints, should be anticipated in the affected area over the immediate-term. Closures to roads may also be enforced should the incident continue.  Clients in Paris are advised to avoid the affected area until the situation stabilises. Persons in the Villeneuve-la-Garenne area should maintain a heightened level of personal security awareness and should abide by the directives of the local authorities.

ITALY - Maritime workers represented by the USB labour union are set to stage a 12-hour work stoppage on 16 July. The industrial action is expected to disrupt domestic freight and ferry services operated by Fedarlinea and Confitarma from 00:01 to 12:00 on the day.  Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strikes. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as specific labour disputes. The ferry operators have stated that they will implement contingency plans in order to maintain minimum services; nonetheless, significant delays are expected.  Persons intending to utilise Fedarlinea or Confitarma services on 16 July should anticipate disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.

 

PANAMA - Panama's largest public transport union, Cantara, has called on its members to observe a 24-hour countrywide strike on 14 July. The work stoppage is set to affect selective public transportation services on the day.  The upcoming strike has been organised to pressurise the government into addressing several ongoing grievances related to the public transport sector; Cantara claims that the government has thus far disregarded their calls for resolution. The current head of Cantara, Dionisio Ortega, has asserted that the work stoppage could only be averted by way of scheduled talks with President Juan Carlos Varela. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to public transport services should be expected across Panama. This could increase the demand for alternative forms of transportation, creating additional travel disruptions. Persons in Panama on 14 July should anticipate travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.

INDIA(MUMBAI) - An ongoing leptospirosis outbreak in India's city of Mumbai has resulted in at least 53 confirmed cases and a further 16 deaths since mid-June. Ten deaths were recorded in the last week, following heavy rains in the city. The majority of infections have been reported in the vicinity of the Malad and Dahisar areas of the city.  Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacterium and is contracted through contact with contaminated water, food or soil; the disease is not known to be spread by human to human contact. The disease can occur in two phases; symptoms of the first phase include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, vomiting and diarrhoea. In some cases, the patient may seem to recover, only to become ill again later. Symptoms of the more severe second phase, also referred to as Weil's disease, are kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress. In rare cases, death occurs. In order to prevent infection, water and food that is potentially contaminated should be avoided.  Clients in Mumbai are advised to drink water that is bottled or has been boiled or otherwise sterilised, and ensure that fruit and vegetables are washed with purified water or are peeled before consumption. Clients recently or presently in Mumbai who are exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult with a health practitioner immediately.

PHILIPPINES(LUZON) - Heavy rain and associated flooding has left at least eight people dead across the Philippines in recent days, according to reports released on 13 July. The majority of flooding has taken place in the northern Luzon region of the country. Approximately 40,000 people have been impacted by the rain, with 4,000 of these having been displaced. Government authorities are currently assessing the extent of infrastructure damage across Luzon. Authorities have also stated that the death toll is expected to rise in the coming days.  Flooding has been caused by the passage of two recent tropical storms over Luzon, while rain from the current monsoon season has further exacerbated the situation. Given this dynamic, further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is possible in the short-term; as such, flood-related disruptions are expected to persist in the near-term. In addition to travel delays, disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in Luzon and other flood-affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients should maintain contact with their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements for the near-term at least.

 

EGYPT/ITALIAN CONSULATE(CAIRO) - (Update) Consular officials have confirmed that the Italian Consulate in Egypt's capital, Cairo, has suspended all services for an indefinite period of time as of 12 July. The cause of action is due to a bomb explosion which is reported to have destroyed some consular offices, including the buildings visa office. Authorities are said to be working with haste towards restoring services and rebuilding the consulate. An explosion took place at the Italian Consulate early on 11 July. One person was killed in the explosion which has subsequently been claimed by the Islamic State (IS). The incident is the latest in a string of low-level bombings in Egyptian urban centres in recent months. These have been attributed to Islamist extremists, supporters of Islamist political parties and anarchist groups. The spate of bombings targeting state, police and military personnel and facilities is expected to persist for the near-term at least. Increased security measures, including checkpoints, road closures and patrols should therefore be anticipated. Clients in Egypt are advised to exercise heightened personal security awareness and avoid all unnecessary travel near security force and government personnel and facilities as a precaution. Further attacks may target government buildings, security installations, major transport hubs, foreign diplomatic missions, Western interests, high-profile hotels and crowded public areas. In addition, clients should also be aware that the attack will likely prompt a significant increase in security measures across Cairo, with the possible implementation of security checkpoints, random identification checks and vehicle searches. Any suspicious activity and/or packages should be reported to the authorities immediately.

SENEGAL(CASAMANCE REGION) - The local authorities have confirmed the release of 12 sawmill workers who were kidnapped in a forest near the Senegalese town of Kolda, located in the Casamance area, on 12 July. The workers were allegedly abducted by timber traffickers on 8 July. A ransom demand of initially 10 million West African francs (XOF) ($17,000) was made to the employers; this was later reduced to XOF 700,000. It remains unclear if the ransom was paid.  While kidnapping incidents are uncommon in Senegal, there has been an increase in foreign nationals being abducted for ideological or kidnap for ransom purposes in neighbouring countries, including Mauritania and Mali. Many of these incidents have been linked or claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a regional terrorist organisation traditionally known to operate in the mountainous regions of northern Algeria and the Sahara desert in southern Algeria and northern Mali. In recent years, the group's operational area has expanded; as such the possibility of abductions by Senegalese or regional militant groups cannot be dismissed. Persons intending to travel to the country, particularly near the border with Mauritania, should be aware that the risk of kidnapping is higher in remote and rural areas, or along infrequently travelled routes.   

 

YEMEN - (Update) Air strikes by a regional coalition led by Saudi Arabia continue to impact on Yemen, despite the initiation of a humanitarian truce on 10 July. On 13 July, 21 people were killed and 45 wounded in strikes in the capital, Sanaa, alone. Strikes on the day also impacted on Amran governorate. On 12 July, air strikes were reported in the Hajjah, Saada and Lahij governorates. Ground conflict has also persisted in Aden, Marib and Taiz in recent days. In Aden, at least 35 people were reportedly killed on 12 July.  Since March, Yemen has been beset by countrywide conflict between a coalition of forces aligned to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and another led by the Houthis. The Saudi-led air coalition supports Hadi. Fighting is likely to persist across the country over the near-term, and the prospect of a resolution is presently low. In addition, violence attributed to Islamist extremists, including militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), is expected to continue. These forces have not participated in any recent talks nor are they party to the truce.  Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago, due to severe political instability, ongoing heightened conflict levels since March and the elevated risks of terrorism and kidnapping.

NIGERIA(BORNO & YOBE STATES) - According to reports, at least ten people were killed by Boko Haram militants in the village of Ngamdu, in Nigeria's Borno State, on 11 July. The militants also seized control of the highway between Maiduguri and Damaturu, located between Borno and Yobe states, respectively. The local authorities have advised travellers to use alternative routes, as militants are barricading the 25km stretch of road. In a separate incident, two people were killed in a car bomb that detonated in the vicinity of the Shehu Elkanemi College on Airport Road, located in the Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that militants attempted to launch another attack on a bus station in the same area on 13 July. Four militants were reportedly killed in the attempt.  While there have been no claims of responsibility for any of the aforementioned attacks, these have all occurred in administrative states where the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect has an operational presence. Since the beginning of the Ramadan period, there has been a marked uptick in Boko Haram activity in northern Nigeria, despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts by the Nigerian government. Further attacks of this nature should be expected in the near-term.  Due to various security concerns, all travel to Borno and Yobe states is advised against. Clients in northern Nigeria, irrespective of their area of travel, should implement robust residential, personal and travel security measures at all times. Clients are further advised to refrain from travel on the highway between Maiduguri and Damaturu.

 

MOROCCO(INEZGANE) - The trial of two local nationals accused of dressing indecently is expected to continue at the Court of First Instance in Inezgane, located near Agadir in central Morroco, on 13 July. The arrest of the women in June 2015 for wearing skirts has already sparked a number of peaceful demonstrations across the country and further gatherings are anticipated on 13 July coinciding with their court appearance. The protests are likely to proceed without major incident; however, the potential for confrontations at the courthouse on 13 July cannot be discounted. Demonstrations elsewhere in the country are also possible on 13 July. Should these occur, likely gathering points are major government buildings or facilities linked to the judiciary. Finally, the case highlights the continued conservative views held by the local authorities and some members of the Moroccan population towards dress codes. Clients in or planning to travel to Inezgane on 13 July are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Foreign nationals travelling in Morocco should seek to dress and act conservatively, particularly outside of resort areas.

 

BOLIVIA(POTOSI & LA PAZ DEPARTMENTS) - The Potosi Civic Committee (Comcipo), an alliance of unions and other social organisations, has called for a strike in Bolivia's southern Potosi department from 13 July. The strike will continue for an indefinite duration. The agitation has been called to pressure the government into developing the economy of and infrastructure within the region. Organisers have also called for a peaceful protest to the Government Palace in La Paz city, La Paz department, on the same day. Further details regarding the protest are currently unknown.  The strike action is expected to impact on cities and towns in the Potosi department, and may result in business and public transport disruptions. Related protests are also likely in major urban centres and along primary road routes. There is a risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and the police at all related gatherings in Bolivia. In addition, protesters affiliated with Comcipo have been known to erect roadblocks; these may lead to localised road travel disruptions in all affected areas. Clients operating in Bolivia are advised to avoid all street protests and should not attempt to move towards or through any unofficial roadblocks. All scheduled transport services should be reconfirmed with your travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure.

 

CAMBODIA(PHNOM PENH) - Activist and civil society organisations are expected to conduct protest action in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Peng on 13 July. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that protesters are expected to gather in front of the National Assembly building in opposition to the draft Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organisations (LANGO). Further information regarding the planned protest is unavailable.  The controversial law aimed at regulating NGOs, LANGO is scheduled for a vote in Cambodia's National Assembly on 13 July. International human rights organisations and civil society in the country are calling for the withdrawal of the draft law as it is believed to be restrictive on registration processes and allows for the indiscriminate closure of NGOs. On 7 July the Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee, a coalition of 21 NGOs, held a press conference in the capital Phnom Penh to denounce the draft law while sympathetic activists protested outside the National Assembly. The protest gathering concluded without incident and was accompanied by a heavy presence of security forces. Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in Cambodia with several of these gatherings resulting in violent altercations between protesters and security forces. It should be noted that all demonstrations in Cambodia have the potential to rapidly degenerate into violence, as security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics to disperse gatherings, particularly if these are unsanctioned. As a precaution against civil unrest, all large protest gatherings should therefore be avoided, particularly near the National Assembly building and Freedom Park, located in Phnom Penh. Travel disruptions within the vicinity of these locations should be anticipated. Persons in Cambodia on 13 July are advised to avoid the upcoming protest gathering as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore clients should monitor local media for announcements of further related gatherings. Clients should make provisions for travel disruptions and plan accordingly.  

 

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (LA ALTAGRACIA & MONTE PLATA PROVINCES) - Various activist groups have called for a 48-hour general strike in the Dominican Republic's La Altagracia and Monte Plata provinces, from 13 to 15 July. The strike, which is expected to cause disruptions, is expected to commence at 06:00 local time on 13 July and conclude at 06:00 on 15 July. Although related demonstrations are possible, further details regarding these gatherings are currently unavailable.  Members of various activist groups, including the Frente Estudiantil de Liberación Amin Abel (FELABEL) and the Movimiento Popular Dominicano (MPD) are expected to participate in the general strike. The strike action has been called to demand better infrastructure across the provinces. Incidents of civil unrest, related to both political and economic issues, occur frequently in the Dominican Republic. Political demonstrations have turned violent in the past and police tend to be heavy-handed in their response to such incidents. Protest events are reported in urban centres throughout the country, and road blockades between cities are common thus travel disruptions should be anticipated.  Persons operating in La Altagracia and Monte Plata between 13 and 15 July are advised to avoid any protest gatherings, should they occur, as a standard precaution. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements regarding the upcoming strike action.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Activist and opposition groups have called for their supporters to participate in an anti-government demonstration in Yerevan on 14 July. The demonstration is set to take the form of a protest march concluding at the Prosecutor General's Office. The protest march will begin at Moscow Theatre at 18:00 local time and includes Republic Square as well Mashtots and Tumanyan avenues.  The upcoming demonstration is the latest in a series of protests organised by opposition and activist groups against various government actions and policies in recent months. The protest organisers are expected to call for the prosecution of police officials involved in the attempted clearance of a student sit-in protest site, located on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue, on 22 June. The possibility of further confrontations between protesters and police at the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Additionally, localised travel disruptions in and around the protest route should be anticipated. Persons in Yerevan on 14 July are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution and should monitor local media for announcements of further opposition-led gatherings. Clients should make provisions for travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

MEXICO(MEXICO, OAXACA, MICHAOCAN, GUERRERO & CHIAPAS STATES) - Members of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union are set to protest in Mexico's Oaxaca, Michoacan, Guerrero, Chiapas and Mexico states, on 15 July. The main demonstration will take place in the capital, Mexico City. Participants are set to gather in the vicinity of Metro San Cosme at 10:00 local time, from where they will march to the presidential buildings, Los Pinos. The agitation forms part of wide-ranging CNTE protest action demanding political reforms. Since 1 June, demonstrations have been reported in the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Guerrero; participants have blocked roads, damaged private property, looted trucks and disrupted traffic.  The upcoming protests are likely to be well supported; as such localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated. The risk of significant levels of violence at the upcoming protests is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police and the setting up of unofficial roadblocks remain a possibility. The agitation is likely to persist until the government meets the demands of the union. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the states of Guerrero and Michoacan. Persons in the aforementioned areas on 15 July are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate possible localised travel disruptions.

MEXICO(IGUALA, GUERRERO STATE) - A protest march over the September 2014 disappearance of 43 student teachers from the town of Iguala, located in Mexico's Guerrero state, is set to take place in Iguala on 15 March. Participants are expected to gather at the city entrance from 09:00 local time. Specific details regarding the protest route have not been disclosed. The abduction of the student teachers has sparked numerous anti-government demonstrations in Mexico in recent months, with protesters denouncing the government's perceived inaction over the incident. Previous gatherings have been largely peaceful; further demonstrations are likely to remain unaffected by significant acts of violence. Nonetheless, low-level confrontations and localised road traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest gathering, as well as along the protest route. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Guerrero state. Persons operating in Iguala on 15 July are advised to avoid large street gatherings as a standard precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate potential road travel disruptions.

 

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