UNITED STATES(NEW YORK CITY) - (Update) According to reports, a strike by unionised air sector staff set for 22 and 23 July in the US has been suspended. The postponement follows an improvement in mediation efforts between the 32BJ SEIU union and Aviation Safeguards, a security service contractor. The industrial action was set to cause travel delays and disruptions at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York city; more than 1,000 baggage handlers, security guards and wheelchair attendants were expected to participate in the work stoppage. As illustrated by this latest development, strikes in the US may be cancelled or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Should the current mediation efforts fail, further strike action is possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients scheduled to transit through the aforementioned airports in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the status of the strike and ongoing negotiations between 32BJ SEIU and Aviation Safeguards.

SPAIN - Unionised air traffic controllers represented by the Trade Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA) are set to launch a countrywide strike in Spain on 25 and 26 July. The work stoppage is expected to take place between 10:00 and 13:00 local time on 25 July and from 17:00 to 20:00 on 26 July. Disruptions and possible flight cancellations should be anticipated during the industrial action. The work stoppage has been called to protest against the sanctioning of 61 controllers and the firing of one other over a strike in 2010 that, at the time, resulted in the total closure of Spanish air space. The strike is set to affect both international and domestic flights across the country. Airport authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming strike. It should be noted that, as negotiations are ongoing between the union and the government, the upcoming strike may be cancelled or postponed with little to no notice. Persons intending make use of air transport services in Spain on 25 and 26 July are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

KENYA - The Daily Nation reported Kenya will close its airspace to all other flights for 50 minutes to allow U.S. President Barack Obama to land safely at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at around 8 pm on Friday, 24 July. The airspace will be closed between 7:45 pm and 8:35 pm. The airspace will also be closed to all other planes for 40 minutes, between 5:05 pm and 5:45 pm on Sunday, 26 July, the day the U.S. president is expected to leave. A pre-flight information bulletin, circulated to air operators by the KCAA's Aeronautical Information Service Department, warned that both the JKIA and the Wilson Airport will be out of bounds for aircraft flying 20,000 feet and below during the specified hours on both Friday and Sunday. The bulletin indicated that the airspace around Nairobi will be closed up to 20,000 feet. Aviation experts said aircraft overflying Nairobi above that height would not be affected by the closure. "If you are traveling this weekend, please plan to arrive at the airport early enough to ensure you do not miss your flight," the bulletin advised. According to the bulletin, there will be increased traffic on roads in Nairobi as a result of the closure of some major ones and those leading to the JKIA. The length of the airspace closures is only an estimate and depends on arrival and depart times of the U.S. president's plane. Passengers planning to fly into or out of the affected airports should contact their airline well in advance of departure to confirm flight status.
 

INDONESIA - Bali's international airport reopened after the third closure in two weeks caused flight cancellations and disrupted the plans of holidaymakers. The airport began operating at 3:30 p.m. local time as the wind direction shifted to the west, carrying volcanic ash from Mount Raung away from Bali, Transport Ministry spokesman Julius Barata said by phone. PT Garuda Indonesia reinstated 14 flights that were previously canceled while Lion Group, which operates Lion Air and Wings Air, resumed operations in and out of the island, they said in separate statements.

 

ITALY(TUSCANY) - Trenitalia employees are expected to partake in a work stoppage in Italy's Tuscany region on 24 July. The labour action is set to take place from 10:00 to 14:00 local time. The work stoppage is expected to cause disruptions to intercity and regional operations; however, long-distance trains passing through the Tuscany region are less likely to be affected. In addition, New Passenger Transport (NTV) engineering staff are expected to conduct a countrywide work stoppage on 26 July, from 00:01 to 23:59 local time. Labour strikes and work stoppages take place frequently in Italy. These often impact on regional and countrywide transport services. Such action is often in response to wage disputes or other related issues. The above-mentioned work stoppages are likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport. Clients in Italy on 24 and 26 July are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the labour action, and should alter travel arrangements accordingly. Should the strikes proceed, clients are advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance. Furthermore, as the work stoppages are anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected areas, delays should be expected.

 

FRANCE(LYON) - (Update) Protesting farmers have blockaded several primary thoroughfares leading into Lyon on 23 July. According to reports, protesters have set up roadblocks at the A6, A7 and A42 highways; the Fourviere tunnel located on the A6 has been temporarily closed as a result. Authorities have requested that motorists employ alternative routes when transiting through Lyon; however, these detours are expected to result in lengthy travel delays.  Farmers organised the blockades in protest against low meat prices. This latest protest action follows an unsuccessful meeting between farmers and the Minister of Agriculture, Stephane Le Foll, on 22 July. Earlier protests in the Basse-Normandie region on 20 July resulted in similarly significant travel disruptions. Beulin Xavier, president of the National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA), has reportedly announced that the protests will continue until such a time as the farmers' grievances are resolved. It should be noted that these protests have been characterised by disruptions to major roads, tourist sites and transport hubs. Furthermore, farmers have previously dumped large amounts of manure and other farm by-products in major intersections, causing lengthy delays. Clients in Lyon should anticipate and plan for road congestion related to the ongoing protest action on 23 July and over the coming days. Travellers in the area should avoid driving through roadblocks and should rather seek alternative routes.

 

JAPAN(SOUTHERN REGIONS) - Tropical Storm Halola is expected to begin affecting Japan's Okinawa islands and possibly the Ryukyu islands within the coming 24 hours as a Category 2 storm. The storm is currently moving in a north westerly direction, although it is projected to alter course to a more northerly direction before possibly affecting Japan's main island of Honshu. The Category 2 storm is anticipated to bring high winds, torrential rainfall and coastal storm surges. As a result, flash flooding is probable on the affected islands in the coming days. Despite the high level of preparedness of local authorities, disruptions may occur to air and road transport, as well as to utilities such as water and electricity. Furthermore, maritime disruptions are probable. Public transport in the affected areas could be temporarily suspended as a precaution, in line with Japan's government policy relating to tropical storms. In addition, it is possible that flights will be delayed or cancelled at affected airports in the coming days. Clients in the affected areas of Japan are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. Persons intending to travel in storm-affected areas should maintain contact with their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements.

 

UNITED KINGDOM/BOLIVIA - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Potosi. Industrial action in the city of Potosí has led to road closures and shortages of food and water. Transport including tourist buses are affected. There's no indication of how long this industrial action will last. The local authorities have arranged for foreign nationals to leave the city, and most have done so. Monitor local media, avoid any large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities. Protests are taking place in the centre of La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia. There have been reports of violent incidents. You should avoid large gatherings and monitor social media. Social conflict is common in Bolivia and blockades may occur along the main roads. Public transport can be disrupted at very short notice and strikes may result in widespread road blockades, including on roads to and from airports. You should never try to cross a blockade. There is a risk of 'express kidnappings'. Take care when travelling around Bolivia, particularly when you first arrive. If you take a taxi, use a registered company.  There is a low threat from terrorism.  Carry a photocopy of your passport, including the personal details, entry stamp and disembarkation card with you at all times in case it is requested by immigration officials or the police.

 

UNITED KINGDOM/ALGERIA - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to areas within:

• 450km of the Mali and Niger borders, with the exception of Tindouf town and Tamanrasset city
• 100km of the Mauritania border
• 100km of the Libya and Tunisia borders south of the town of Souk Ahras

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

• Tamanrasset city
• In Amenas
• Tindouf town
• the provinces of Boumerdès, Bouira and Tizi Ouzou east of Algiers (the area known as the Kabylie)

There are frequent demonstrations in Algeria. Most are peaceful, but some - including a protest in Algiers on 16 January following the Paris terror attacks, have involved clashes between police and demonstrators. If you're travelling to In Amenas or Tamanrasset city, you should do so by air. You should take great care in the remaining areas of the provinces of Adrar, Tamanrasset and Illizi which are not specifically covered above, and the provinces of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bejaia and Skikda east of Algiers, due to the continuing threat from terrorism. There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. The Algerian Government drew attention to the potential risk from ISIL infiltration following the kidnap and subsequent murder of a French national in the Kabylie area in September 2014.

BRAZIL(PARANA, MATO GROSSO DO SUL, MATO GROSSO & RONDONIA STATES) - Brazil launched a large anti-crime operation (Operation Audit) along its shared borders with Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia in the states of Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Rondonia on 22 July. In these areas, one of the primary focus areas will be the town of Foz do Iguacu. The operation involves 4,200 security force personnel who will seek to confront smuggling, drug trafficking, people trafficking, illegal mining and vehicle theft. Organised criminal activity is pronounced in Brazilian towns and cities near the country's western and northern borders. The issue has led the authorities to launch a number of similar operations in the past. The operation is likely to result in an increased number of security checkpoints and patrols in or near border crossings and urban centres in the operation area. Travellers should cater for additional delays if crossing the land borders or if travelling along major routes in the above-mentioned Brazilian states. Clients operating in the vicinity of the immediate border area in the states of Parana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso and Rondonia over the near-term should cater for potential delays and disruptions. Heightened levels of personal security awareness are advised when travelling in the border areas, particularly at night.

TANZANIA(MKWAJA) - According to reports released on 23 July, a French national was fatally shot by unknown gunmen in an attempted robbery in Mkwaja, a coastal village in north western Tanzania, on 18 July. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the incident occurred after 19:00 (local time); the assailants attacked the deceased during a house robbery. An official investigation has been launched; the assailants remain at large. Crime levels are assessed to be medium in Tanzania; however, the incidence of criminal activities has become a growing concern. Petty crimes, such as mugging and pickpocketing, have become prevalent in urban centres, as well as in areas popular with foreign nationals. Although less common, violent crimes, including armed robbery and carjacking, remain a concern in both rural and urban areas. Although non-violent theft remains the most significant concern to travellers in the country, this latest incident serves to illustrate the latent threat that violent crime poses to foreign nationals, who may be targeted due to their perceived wealth.  Persons in Tanzania should remain aware of the prevailing risks of petty and violent crime. Robust security precautions should be implemented at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour, being prepared to let belongings go in the event of someone trying to steal them, and avoiding walking around alone or after dark.

ISRAEL(WEST BANK) - Israeli security forces shot and killed a Palestinian in Beit Omar, near Hebron in the West Bank, on 23 July. The shooting coincided with an Israeli raid in the area. The incident follows a similar shooting on 22 July, when Israeli security forces shot and killed a Palestinian during clashes with Palestinian protesters in Birkin, near the West Bank town of Jenin. Israeli security force raids in the West Bank are regularly reported. During these operations, clashes with local residents, who typically initiate protests in response to the Israeli action, are commonly reported. The shooting and killing of Palestinian residents carries the potential to further escalate protest activity in the affected areas and across the West Bank over the immediate-term. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to the West Bank due to the risks of civil unrest and terrorism. Heightened caution is advised near Israel security force checkpoints and closed military zones. Persons travelling in the West Bank should do so with a trained security driver and during the day only. All street protests should be avoided.

TURKEY(CEYLANPINAR, ISTANBUL & ISKENDERUN) - The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) claimed a shooting which left two security force officials dead in the town of Ceylanpinar, in Turkey's southern Sanliurfa province, on 22 July. The group claimed that it had targeted the two officers for their alleged involvement in a suspected Islamic State (IS) suicide bombing in Suruc on 20 July. The attack followed a shooting targeting a police station in Istanbul's Sultangazi area on 21 July. There were no casualties. A low-level bomb blast was also reported outside a building run by the ruling Justice and Development Party in Iskenderun, Hatay province, on 22 July. The incident did not result in casualties. The violence coincides with an ongoing and increasing level of anti-government protest action following a suspected IS suicide bombing in Suruc (Sanliurfa province) on 20 July, which left 32 people dead. Opposition parties, including Kurdish groups, have blamed the government for the attack. These protests are likely to continue over the near-term across the country. In addition, the potential for an escalation in armed attacks against state or government facilities and personnel over the near-term is considered high. Should attacks occur, these are likely in the restive south east or in major cities, such as Istanbul. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces (except Sirnak, see below) due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Van, Sirnak and Hakkari due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. In addition, heightened caution is advised in all eastern and south eastern provinces of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime and Kurd rebel-related conflict. These provinces include Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli, Diyarbakir and Erzurum. Travel near state or government facilities and personnel should be avoided.
     

BOLIVIA(LA PAZ & POTOSI) - (Update) A strike and related protest action, initiated earlier in July, led by the Potosi Civic Committee (Comcipo), an alliance of unions and other social organisations in Bolivia's Potosi department, are ongoing. In Potosi city, road closures and shortages of food and water have been reported. Public transportation has also been severely disrupted. Many foreign nationals in Potosi have left the city. Protests in Potosi are also ongoing but are largely peaceful. The capital, La Paz, was affected by violent and disruptive protests on 22 July. Hundreds of miners from Potosi clashed with police. During the altercation, miners detonated sticks of dynamite and the police fired teargas. Dozens of miners were arrested and one police official wounded. Parts of the Ministry of the Government and the German Embassy were damaged during the rioting. Protests in support of Comcipo by other persons also continue in La Paz. These have largely impacted on the El Prado, Mariscal Santa Cruz, Montes and Camacho Avenue areas and on streets in the vicinity of Murillo square. The main access to El Alto is blocked. Protesters are calling for economic development in Potosi department. The strike action is expected to persist as the government and protesters have yet to reach an agreement. Further disruptions to traffic and the supply of essential services and goods should be expected in Potosi department. Protests have been relatively peaceful to date; however, the frequency of acts of violence and the scale of clashes may increase the longer the strike and protest continue. Protests, which have largely centred on Potosi city and La Paz, may also increasingly spread to other cities over the near-term. Clients in Bolivia are advised to monitor related developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Heightened levels of personal security awareness are advised near all prominent government buildings in La Paz and Potosi. Persons in or planning to travel to Potosi department should do so after consultation with their security provider. Persons in Potosi department should ensure that their crisis management plans (contingency and evacuation) are regularly reviewed and updated.

 

BANGLADESH(DHAKA) - Khaleda Zia, leader of the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is scheduled to appear in court in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, during the course of 23 July. The court appearance is in connection with an ongoing corruption trial. According to local reports, opposition BNP and ruling Awami League (AL) party supporters have gathered outside the temporary court, which has been set up at the Alia Madrasa grounds, in the Bakshibazar area of the capital. A security force deployment is in attendance due to the heightened risk of violent unrest. This is the latest court appearance in the long-running corruption case against Zia. She is accused of embezzling several hundred thousand US dollars from a charitable trust. Previous court appearances resulted in violent clashes between BNP and AL protesters, as well as between demonstrators and police, outside the courthouse. As such, the possibility of clashes in the vicinity of the Alia Madrasa grounds cannot be discounted. Persons in Dhaka on 23 July are advised to avoid the vicinity of Bakshibazar, as well as any associated protests, due to the high risk of violence. Allowances should also be made for travel disruptions.

 

BULAGARIA - Grain farmers in Bulgaria are expected to partake in countrywide protest action on 24 July. The farmers are expected to gather at service stations at various locations across Bulgaria, including in the cities of Plovdiv and Dobrich and the coastal town of Balchik. According to the National Grain Producers Association, participating farmers plan to use agricultural machinery to block the roads leading to the service stations. The protest has been called by the National Grain Producers Association, in opposition to agricultural machinery fuelling regulations. The regulations currently force farmers to install several requirements on agricultural machinery, including fuel level gauges, which the association and its members believe have financial and administrative implications on production. Although the planned protest is expected to conclude peacefully, related gatherings should be avoid as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the protesters intend to block roads leading to service stations, significant travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Bulgaria on 24 July are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. As the protest action is expected to cause significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

 

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Civil servants affiliated with the Trade Union Federation of Interior Ministry Employees are expected to protest in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, on 25 July. The protest action is set to take place in front of the Ministry of Interior building, on Shesti Septemvri Street, from 16:00 local time. Among those expected to participate in the protest action are police officers, firemen and prison guards. The Trade Union Federation of Interior Ministry Employees has called for the protest in opposition to proposed pension reforms, working conditions and what it terms a breakdown in dialogue between the union and the government. Protests and demonstrations take place frequently in Bulgaria, especially in Sofia, and are typically prompted by domestic and/or political developments. Although the majority of protests in Bulgaria conclude without incident, skirmishes have occurred on occasion. Travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest location. Persons in Sofia on 25 July are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Due to anticipated travel disruptions, clients are advised to make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

SINGAPORE(KALLANG) - Road closures, leading to travel disruptions, will be in place in Singapore's Kallang area on 26 July due to the Shape Run 2015 taking place then. The first road closures will come into effect from 02:00 local time and the majority will end by 10:30. Maps of the affected roads can be found here: http://goo.gl/UwvXlN. Bus routes in Kallang will also be impacted on the day. Persons in the area are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to parking restrictions as vehicles found parking indiscriminately and causing obstruction will most likely be towed away by authorities.  

 

MALDIVES - Independence Day will be marked in the Maldives on 26 July. The day commemorates the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from the United Kingdom. Although details are currently unavailable, commemorative events and festivities are expected, especially in the capital, Male. In addition, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for protest action on the day. However, following recent reports that former president and MDP leader, Mohamed Nasheed, may be released on 26 July following his imprisonment in March, it is unclear of the protest action will proceed. Regardless of whether the MDP protests take place, localised disruptions are expected due to the commemorative events for the Independence Day celebrations. Should protests take place, the possibility of confrontations between protesters and police cannot be discounted. It should be noted that neither the commemorative events nor the possible protests are likely to have any impact on resort islands. Clients in or planning to be in the Maldives on 26 July should monitor local developments closely and anticipate disruptions in Male. All possible protest action should be avoided as a precautionary measure.
 

 

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