Header NEWS
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   

UNITED STATES (VIRGINIA) - Two members of a local TV station's news team were fatally shot Wednesday during a live TV broadcast near Roanoke, Virginia WDBJ7-TV said.A manhunt is underway in Franklin County, Va., after multiple shots were fired. WHSV-TV reported that a suspect was being pursued on a nearby interstate. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is participating in the manhunt, while the ATF and FBI are participating in the investigation. Area schools are on lockdown. Clients in the area are advised to monitor local media for updates and anticipate localized travel disruptions.

ISRAEL/ UNITED STATES(AMERICAN AIRLINES) - American Airlines is pulling out of Israel, saying its US Airways-operated service was never able to consistently make money on flights between Philadelphia and Tel Aviv. US Airways, which is now part of American, does not serve Tel Aviv from any other city. The service will end Jan. 4. "We really tried to make a go of it. We were hoping that with the merger ... and, more recently, with the significant reduction in fuel prices, the route would turn to the black. Unfortunately, that has not been the case," Workman adds to the newspaper. Launched in 2009, the Philly-Tel Aviv route had been the longest in US Airways' route network prior to the company's 2013 merger with American.Beyond the flight on merger partner US Airways, American does not fly to Israel. That means the end of the Tel Aviv route will essentially leave Israel off the carrier's post-merger route map. US Airways' last flight is set for October, after which all of the combined company's flight will operate as American Airlines flights. American is the world's biggest carrier following its 2013 merger with US Airways. Bloomberg News notes that US Airways' Philadelphia-Tel Aviv flights faced "competition from New York-based flights operated by United Airlines and El Al Israel Airlines." Regardless of the cause, American's decision to end the US Airways flights to Israel was not warmly received by the city of Philadelphia. "[Halting the flights] sends the wrong message about our city and region as an open and business friendly locale and damages American Airlines reputation as an international business," Mayor Michael Nutter's office said in a statement quoted by the Philadelphia Business Journal. "Convenient air travel between the Middle Atlantic States and Israel is an important factor in sustaining future business growth." TheStreet.com adds additional perspective, noting that the 2009 addition of US Airways' Philly-Tel Aviv route "was considered a sign of Philadelphia's growing importance as the carrier's primary international hub as well as of US Airways' expanding international reach." Despite the continuation of that route, American said it remains committed to continuing Philadelphia's role as an international hub - even after the merger. "PHL remains a critical hub and this decision doesn't change that," American told its employees via its newsletter. 'PHL is a prime hub for connecting customers to and from destinations throughout Europe, and will continue to be an important, strategic hub for our partners through the Atlantic Joint Business."
 
KENYA AIRWAYS - Kenya Airways has cancelled weekend flights to Juba, South Sudan following the closure of its international airport's runway for repairs. The airline said South Sudan authorities had announced the closure of the airport every Saturday and Sunday until April 30, 2016, affecting all airlines operating into Juba. "The airline has blocked bookings on these two days since last month to minimise impact on passengers," KQ said in a statement on Tuesday. "Passengers who had already booked to travel on the affected days have been rebooked to weekdays and notified by the airline." Weekday flights to continue as normal, KQ said. Kenya Airways operates twice daily to Juba on weekends, on the Embraer 190.
 
AUSTRALIA(MELBOURNE) - Unionised tram drivers employed by Yarra Trams are set to launch a work-stoppage between 10:00 and 14:00 local time in Melbourne, Australia, on 27 August. The strike action, which has been called by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) in response to work-related grievances, is expected to cause significant disruptions to services on the day. The industrial action is expected to be well observed; the strike is likely to cause localised travel disruptions amid an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. It should be noted that, as negotiations between RTBU and Yarra Trams are ongoing, the strike action may be postponed, cancelled or extended on short notice. Persons in Melbourne on 27 August are advised to anticipate significant disruptions to tram services on the day and should plan accordingly. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the status of the strike and potential associated demonstrations.  

ITALY(ROME) - Unionised employees of Roma TPL, which operates approximately one fifth of the bus routes in Italy's capital, Rome, are expected to stage a four-hour work stoppage from 08:30 to 12:30 local time on 27 August. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. Persons in Rome on 27 August are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus services and plan accordingly.  

CYPRUS(LIMASSOL PORT) - Port workers at the Limassol port are set to embark on a 48-hour strike in the southern coast city of Limassol, Cyprus, on 27 August. The strike is expected to affect commercial and ferry services. Previous strikes by port workers in Cyprus have been well observed and resulted in disruptions to port services, including commercial activities and ferry services. Precedent indicates that associated protests are likely; as such, the possibility of protests during the upcoming strike cannot be discounted. Previous related protests in the city have centred on port areas in Limassol. Protest gatherings, should they occur, will likely take place in this area. While these are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Persons operating in Cyprus on 27 and 28 August should anticipate disruptions to port services at the affected port. Clients should consider organising and/or booking other means of sea transport in advance. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. 

ARGENTINA - (Update) A strike organised by train drivers affiliated with La Fraternidad union in Argentina has been averted. The strike was expected to commence on 26 August, following failed negotiations over wage increases with the ministries of labour and transport; however, the strike was called off due to an agreement being reached with the Ministry of Labour. Transport sector strikes over labour- and wage-related issues are regularly reported in Argentina; these have the potential to cause significant disruptions to travel. Clients in Argentina intending to make use of public transportation are advised to contact their travel provider to confirm the status of services of all modes of transport prior to travel.

NORTH KOREA(RASON) - At least 40 people have died as a result of flooding in North Korea's north eastern city of Rason, located in the Rason Special Economic Zone, on 22 and 23 August. Reports also indicate that as many as 11,000 people have been displaced. The flooding was caused by heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Goni. Local authorities have indicated that 153 houses have been destroyed. Emergency services have been deployed and are currently assisting with rescue and relief efforts. Although Tropical Storm Goni did not make landfall in North Korea, heavy rains accompanying the storm caused significant flooding. The country is prone to tropical storms, with the season generally running from June to November; these can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. The resultant flooding can cause significant damage and travel disruptions, particularly in rural areas. Meteorological agencies have forecast further inclement weather in the coming days; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by the rainfall. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in Rason and surrounding areas in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories and abide by the directives of the authorities. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the respective threats of flooding. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases.

HUNGARY(ROSZKE, SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS REGION) - Police have clashed with a large group of people attempting to gain access to the country via the Roszke border crossing, approximately 170km south of Budapest, on the Hungary-Serbia border, on 26 August. Security forces reportedly fired teargas when the large crowd threatened to break police lines. Although the gathering is reportedly increasing in size, the situation appears to have stabilised. Several hundred additional police have since been deployed to the border station. In addition, Hungarian authorities have stated that they intend to increase the number of police stationed at the country's southern borders by 2,100 personnel. Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants have travelled into and through Eastern Europe from conflict zones in Asia and the Middle East in 2015. Local authorities across the region have struggled to cope with the influx, and a number of states have or are taking steps to secure their borders. Although authorities in Hungary are currently constructing a fence along the country's southern and eastern borders, the influx of illegal immigrants is not expected to abate. Clients should anticipate a continuation of this trend and further related low-level clashes at border crossings over the near-term. Large immigrant flows and security measures could also result in delays at crossing points. Clients in the affected areas should exercise heightened caution and avoid all large gatherings as a precaution. The status of border crossings should be checked prior to departure. Itineraries should also be adjusted for potential delays and disruptions. 

INDIA(CHITRAKONDA(ODISHA STATE)) - Suspected Maoist rebels detonated a landmine and then opened fire on a security patrol in the Chitrakonda area of India's eastern Odisha (formerly Orissa) state on 26 August. The attack left three officers dead and six wounded. The authorities have initiated an operation against the suspected gunmen in the area. Maoist rebels, also known as Naxalites, are active in large parts of several of India's central and eastern states. Maoist terrorism rarely affects large urban centres. Attacks are regularly reported in remote rural areas against security force personnel and facilities. In light of the recent attack and the operation in the area, further clashes are possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the rural and remote areas of Odisha due to an ongoing Maoist insurgency. Persons travelling in this area should avoid state facilities and personnel, travel with a local escort familiar with the security environment and travel during the day only.  

LEBANON(BEIRUT, HASBAYA BAALBEK & NABATIEH) - (Update) Further violent protests over the government's waste management policy were reported in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, during the evening of 25/26 August. The violent unrest was reported in the vicinity of Riad el-Solh Square and left two people wounded. A further protest has been called at the square on 26 August by the 'We Want Accountability' movement. The 'You Stink' movement has called for a protest in Beirut during the evening of 29 August. In addition to protests in Beirut, recent demonstrations over the issue were also reported in Hasbaya, Baalbek and Nabatieh on 25 August. Central Lebanon has been affected by a waste management crisis since mid-July when the Naameh landfill was closed. Waste has accumulated in Beirut and elsewhere, prompting disruptive protests in downtown Beirut and a number of communities across the country in recent weeks. The government has promised to address the issue; however, an ongoing political malaise, linked to the government's failure to appoint a president, has undermined its ability to find a swift solution to the issue. Further protests are likely in Beirut and other towns across the country over the short-term. Public squares and prominent government buildings are likely gathering points. The risk of further low-level violence is considered elevated. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of areas of the country, including Tripoli, Palestinian refugee camps, areas south of the Litani River in the Ej Jnoub and Nabatieh governorates, and to areas within 15km of the shared border with Syria, due to numerous security concerns. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to the rest of the country, including Beirut. Persons operating in Beirut and other recent protest-affected cities are advised to monitor related developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of public squares and prominent government buildings. 

INDIA(GUJARAT STATE) - Civil unrest in India's north western state of Gujarat on 25 and 26 August prompted the local authorities to implement a curfew in a number of areas. Earlier on 25 August members of the Patel community (Patidars) linked to the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) organisation arranged protests across the state to demand government benefits. The largest event occurred in Ahmedabad. The police later detained the group's leader, Hardi Patel, sparking clashes between protesters and the police across the state. The worst-affected cities and towns included Surat (Kapodara and Althan areas), Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Rajkot. During the unrest, private and public property was attacked. In response, the authorities declared an overnight curfew in parts of Ahmedabad, Surat, Mehsana, Unjha and Visnagar. It is unclear if the curfew is still in place. PAAS has since called a state-wide general strike in Gujarat on 26 August to push for its demands. The state-wide general strike is likely to result in disruptions to business, government operations and transportation in places on 26 August. Associated public gatherings or protests are also possible in cities and towns throughout Gujarat. In light of the violence on 25 August, tensions are likely still elevated and the risk of further associated violence is high. Clients in Gujarat are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities, particularly with regard to the curfew, and should liaise with their security provider for updates on the security situation in the state. All large public gatherings should be avoided. Persons travelling in Gujarat state on 26 August should reconfirm the status of their service with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure. Please note that due to insecurity, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared border with Pakistan. 

NICARAGUA(MANAGUA) - A protest led by opposition groups, including the Independent Liberal Party (PLI), is expected to take place in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, on 26 August. Such protests have taken place every Wednesday in recent weeks; precedent suggests that the demonstration will commence at 09:00 local time in the vicinity of the Supreme Electoral Council building (Pista Juan Pablo II). In addition, unconfirmed reports indicate that related gatherings will take place at the Lozelsa traffic lights in the Altamira area at 09:00, as well as near Funeraria Monte de los Olivos (Avenida Miguel Obando y Bravo) at 10:00. The protests form part of a weekly campaign to demand fair elections and a change of electoral magistrates ahead of the 2016 presidential vote. Further such demonstrations are anticipated in the near-term. Previous related demonstrations in the city have been marred by low-level clashes. In light of this, the risk of low-level clashes at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Additionally, localised road travel disruptions are expected in the protest-affected areas.  Persons in Managua on 26 August are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a precaution and plan for possible localised travel disruptions in the aforementioned areas.

GUATEMALA - (Update) The Social and Peoples' Congress (ASP), an alliance of approximately 72 civic groups, is scheduled to take part in a countrywide general strike across Guatemala. The three-day strike will take place on 25, 26 and 27 August. It has been called to voice opposition to the upcoming 6 September general elections, amid an ongoing corruption scandal implicating incumbent president, Otto Perez Molina. More specifically, the strike has been called to press the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (FSE) to call off the elections and for Molina to resign. The strike action is expected to be well supported; as such, disruptions to business operations and transport services should be expected. Moreover, large-scale demonstrations associated with the strike are also likely in urban centres, particularly in the capital, Guatemala City. As with all protest action in Guatemala, there is a credible risk of violence between police and protesters, which poses a clear incidental threat to bystanders. Clients in Guatemala on 25, 26 and 27 August are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions due to the strike. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.  

ECUADOR(QUITO) - The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) has called for a Grand National Assembly in Ecuador's capital, Quito, on 27 August. The meeting is set to be held at the CONAIE headquarters, located at the intersection of Avenida Los Granados and 6 de Diciembre, at 10:00 local time. Associated gatherings and protests are possible in the vicinity of the headquarters on the day. Ecuador has been affected by anti-government protests in recent weeks; many of these have been organised by CONAIE. The events have generally related to calls for the resignation of the president, Rafael Correa, and a number of issues, including a draft constitutional amendment relating to presidential term limits, inheritance and capital gains taxes, as well as large-scale mining projects in the country. Recent protests organised by CONAIE in the cities of Macas (Morona Santiago province) and Saraguro (Loja province) resulted in violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The violence led to the arrests of a number of protesters and CONAIE leaders. In addition, unconfirmed reports suggest that the group is no longer in possession of the legal permit required to stage demonstrations in public areas in Quito, following a sit-in since 13 August. In light of this, should protests take place on 27 August, the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces is considered elevated. Clients in Quito on 27 August are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding any possible associated protests or civil unrest and avoid large street gatherings as a standard precaution.  

ANGOLA(LUANDA) - Family members and groups sympathetic of 15 detained activists are set to hold an unsanctioned protest march in Angola's capital, Luanda, on 28 August. Participants are expected to gather at the city's Independence Square (Largo da Independencia) at 13:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards Largo da Maianga. The demonstration has been called to demand the release of the aforementioned activists; supporters claim that they are political prisoners of the government. The upcoming demonstration has been scheduled to coincide with the birthday of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. Organisers of the event reportedly chose this date as a means of garnering greater attention for their cause. Should the protest proceed, there is an increased risk of violence, as the police may move to disperse the gathering in light of the government's banning of the event. Angolan security forces often respond to demonstrations forcibly, increasing the risk of violent unrest and the indiscriminate threat such actions pose to bystanders. A similar demonstration in Luanda by supporters of the detained activists was forcibly dispersed by Angolan security forces on 8 August. Clients in Luanda on 28 August are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and any associated large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and should plan accordingly.

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