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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
GERMANY - (Update)  A German regional court has ordered an end to the Lufthansa pilots' strike which has affected 140,000 travellers, overturning a previous ruling by a lower court. Pilots began action stopping long-haul flights yesterday and extended it to medium and short-haul journeys today. Their union is in a long battle over pay and retirement benefits.The company said the judgement was good news for passengers, but came too late to alter Wednesday's flight schedule. It said flights would be back to normal on Thursday. The strike, which affected 1,000 flights, was the 13th stoppage in 18 months. Lufthansa is trying to restructure to meet increasing competition, particularly from the Gulf airlines and lower-cost operators, and wants to maintain market share through its budget airline. It has insisted it will go ahead with contract changes that bring pilots' pay and conditions into line with colleagues at the lower-cost operations. The German employers' association BDA said the strikes were damaging the entire German economy.   

UNITED STATES - The anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks is expected to be commemorated by events and gatherings, including rallies, and will be characterised by an increase in security at sensitive sites and transport terminals countrywide. Planned commemorative gatherings will take place at the sites of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Washington DC, and western Pennsylvania, as well as in public areas in other urban centres countrywide. Commemorative events associated with the anniversary are expected to conclude without major incident; however, there is an ongoing threat that groups and/or individuals aligned to transnational terrorist groups could attempt to execute attacks, both sophisticated and unsophisticated, on the day due to the symbolic nature of the anniversary. Consequently, an increase in the level of security should be anticipated at commemorative events and other public venues. Increased security checks and a heightened police presence are most likely at major transport hubs, such as subway and train systems, as well as at major airports.  Clients in the US should consult local media for information pertaining to commemorative gatherings in their particular area of interest; it is advised that clients adhere to any directives issued by local authorities. In addition, persons intending to travel on 11 September should make allowances for possible delays, particularly at airports, across the country. 

SINGAPORE AIRLINES - Singapore Airlines has pushed back the rollout of its new premium economy seats on 11 flagship Airbus A380 routes, including the daily SQ221/232 flights between Sydney and Singapore as well as popular connections to Europe including London and Paris.The move will impact bookings for the better-than-economy class beginning from September 9th and spanning through to March 2016. In addition, four A380 routes - to New York (via Frankfurt), London, Zurich and Tokyo - have been scrubbed from the original premium economy upgrade schedule, with Singapore Airlines now stating that "revised dates for the introduction of Premium Economy to be confirmed later." "Due to delays in the seat installation programme for Premium Economy Class on our Airbus A380 fleet, Premium Economy will not be available for some confirmed bookings" the airline said in a statement issued earlier today. Travellers already booked into SQ premium economy on the affected flights "will be contacted progressively by Singapore Airlines or travel agents to offer alternative travel arrangements," the airline added. Eight daily A380 flights will no longer offer a premium economy cabin according to Singapore Airlines' revised schedule, while others will have premium economy only on three to four days per week. The rollout of premium economy on Singapore Airlines' Boeing 777-300ER jets has not been affected. Singapore Airlines launched premium economy on the Singapore-Sydney route in early August and planned to refit its entire superjumbo fleet to include premium economy by the first quarter of 2016.  
 
NEW ZEALAND - A Maori land protest in the Far North has forced the cancellation of flights in and out of Kaitaia airport. The airport land is due to become the property of the iwi Ngai Takoto, after the third reading of the Te Hiku Settlement Bill in Parliament tomorrow. But protesters from Ngati Kahu - the only one of the five Muriwhenua iwi refusing to settle - have occupied the airport, claiming it was taken from a Ngati Kahu family during World War II and never returned. Acting Senior Sergeant Glenn Taplin said the protesters agreed to let the 2pm flight leave, but police had now closed the airport until the problem was resolved. He said there were about 70 Ngati Kahu people gathered in the airport's parking lot, and though the protest was peaceful, police could not guarantee safety at the airport in those conditions. Mr Taplin said police iwi liaison officers were now trying to negotiate with the demonstrators. Barrier Airlines said it would bus Kaitaia passengers to and from Kerikeri airport for as long as the protest lasts.  

JAPAN - Typhoon Etau slammed into Japan on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain and heavy winds that prompted evacuation orders and brought dozens of flights and train services to a halt. Japan's weather agency said the storm, packing winds of up to 125 kilometres per hour (78 miles per hour) landed in central Aichi prefecture shortly after 10:00 am local time (0100 GMT). The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning over floods and landslides on the country's main Honshu island. Television footage showed cars sloshing through flooded streets and houses submerged due to heavy rains, as pedestrians waded through water that reached to their knees. In Mie prefecture, authorities ordered more than 10,000 residents to evacuate due to the risk of landslides, public broadcaster NHK reported. The typhoon also disrupted air traffic, with at least 25 flights cancelled by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, Jiji Press new agency said, while select rail services were delayed. The storm was expected to weaken as it moves out into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) by the end of the day. Last month, powerful Typhoon Goni hit Japan's southernmost main island of Kyushu, leaving at least one person missing who was later found dead, more than 70 others injured and disrupting rail and flight services. More than 600,000 people were advised to evacuate ahead of the storm.
 
EAST & SOUTH ASIA - There has been an increase in confirmed cases of mosquito-borne dengue fever infections across East and South East Asia in recent months. According to regional health authorities, hundreds of thousands of infections have been reported in the impacted countries, which include among others, Malaysia (82,000 infections), Thailand (55,000), the Philippines (55,000), Vietnam (25,000), Myanmar (12,000), Cambodia (7,000) and Taiwan (6,000). The rainy season, which is often associated with an increase in dengue fever, is expected to continue in large parts of East and South East Asia until the end of September. As a result, the current outbreak is expected to continue, and potentially worsen, in the coming weeks. This is particularly true in light of the fact the many of the affected countries have reported a sharp increase in the number of confirmed infections in comparison to 2013 and 2014. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Additional symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of dengue, include marked damage to blood and lymph vessels, bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, and sometimes internal bleeding. This form of dengue disease can be fatal. Persons travelling to the affected regions are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

EGYPT(SUEZ GOVERNORATE) - A sandstorm has led to the temporary closure of the el-Sokhna, el-Adabiya, Petroleum and Tawfik sea ports in Egypt's Suez governorate on 9 September. The storm system has affected large parts of the region since 7 September, resulting in road, air and sea travel disruptions. The storm is expected to persist until the end of 9 September, at least. Further disruptions in northern Egypt should be anticipated. Clients travelling in northern Egypt, particularly via sea ports, are advised to confirm the status of their transport service(s) with their travel provider, prior to departure.

GUATEMALA - Several people have been injured in acts of election-related violence in several provinces across Guatemala. The violence, which involved members of rival political factions, occurred in 23 municipalities in the provinces of El Progreso, Peten and Escuintla on 8 September. Further details remain unclear.  Political tensions in Guatemala remain high following the 1 September resignation of President Otto Perez Molina whose regime faced large-scale civil unrest amid allegations of corruption and maladministration. His resignation from office came days before Guatemala held general elections which saw none of the presidential candidates garner the required 50 percent of the vote to win the elections outright. Consequently, a run-off election will be held on 25 October and it is likely that acts of election-related violence will continue in the lead up to the voting period. Clients currently in or planning to be in Guatemala in the near-term are advised to monitor developments closely, and to avoid all protest action as a precaution.   
IRAQ(DAHUK & ARBIL GOVERNORATES) - Turkish ground forces launched limited incursions into northern Iraq on 8 September in pursuit of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels. The incursions were initiated following a PKK attack in Daglica, in Turkey's Hakkari province, on 6 September. Turkish air strikes against suspected PKK positions in mountainous northern border regions of Iraq, including in the Qandil Mountains and Amedia area, were also reported on 7 and 8 September in response to the Daglica attack and another PKK mass-casualty incident in Turkey's Igdir province on 8 September. In a related development, the Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) border crossing between Iraq's Dahuk governorate and Turkey was re-opened on 8 September. It was closed on 5 September in response to escalating violence in Turkey's south east. In a separate development, the PKK released 20 Turkish nationals on 8 September. The victims, including several customs officers, were abducted in Turkey in August and then transported to northern Iraq. The victims were released in the Niska area of Dahuk governorate. The increasing conflict in south eastern Turkey between the PKK and the Turkish military is likely to continue to impact on northern Iraq over the medium-term. The PKK operates several bases in the mountainous region along Iraq's northern border with Turkey. Further disruptions to cross-border travel are also likely to occur periodically. It should be noted that the Turkish military activity rarely impacts on areas outside of the immediate border vicinity or on towns and cities controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the KRG-controlled regions of Dahuk, Arbil and Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja, due to ongoing conflict and the general threat of terrorism. This region includes core Kurd territory located east of the Green Line and does not include disputed territory west of the Green Line, of which the KRG assumed control in June 2014. Clients are advised against all travel to this disputed area. Persons operating near the shared border with Turkey should do so with a security escort and travel into rural areas and off main roads should be avoided.

YEMEN - The conflict in Yemen continues across a broad front. Saudi Arabian-led coalition air strikes struck targets in the capital, Sanaa, and near Ad Hudaydah, in the el-Khokha area, on 8 September. The el-Khokha strike reportedly killed a number of Indian nationals. The Saudi-led coalition also continues to build up its ground force in Yemen. Thousands of Saudi, Qatari, Sudanese, Bahraini and Emirati troops are reportedly stationed in Yemen and are preparing to launch an assault towards Sanaa. The primary staging area is in Marib governorate. Finally, unconfirmed reports indicate that nine Emirate soldiers were abducted for ransom by suspected Islamist extremists in Marib governorate on 7 September. Coalition air strikes are likely to continue at a high frequency over the coming days against Houthi and pro-Ali Saleh military forces in central and northern Yemen. Clashes along the front line (Ibb and Taiz governorates in the south, Marib governorate in the east and along the northern shared border with Saudi Arabia) are likely to persist as the coalition force prepares to launch a possible ground assault towards Sanaa. Islamist extremist activity may also increase over the coming days as militants seek to take advantage of the coalitions focus on Sanaa. The operational and travel risks in Yemen remain extreme. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons operating in the country should do so with a close protection officer and following a full security review with their security provider. 

EGYPT(NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE) - The military launched a major operation, named Martyr's Right, in Egypt's North Sinai governorate on 7 September. The operation is focusing on the towns of El Arish, Rafah and Sheikh Zuwaid. Media reports indicate that an increased security presence is already in place with multiple additional checkpoints added. The army has claimed to have killed dozens of militants and arrested over 100 since the start of the operation. Egyptian military operations against militants in the Sinai Peninsula are regularly reported and have been a common feature of the local security environment for a number of years. An increase in the frequency of associated clashes and retaliatory attacks by militants are likely during the current operation periods. Clients should note that retaliatory action could occur in the North Sinai governorate or elsewhere in the country. State facilities and personnel remain the most likely target of militants. Non-Sunni Muslim and foreign interests are also occasionally targeted. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Travel in the area should be conducted with a close protection officer and following consultation with a security provider. Persons in Egypt should exercise caution and seek to avoid unnecessary travel near state facilities and personnel. 
 
VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - (Update) The trial of opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, will resume at the Palace of Justice in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 10 September. Lopez, leader of Voluntad Popular (VP), was arrested in 2014 after organising anti-government demonstrations. He is currently incarcerated at the Ramo Verde military prison near the capital. The potential for associated protests in support of Lopez is considered elevated during and after the trial period. The arrest and detention of Lopez has already sparked protests on a number of occasions since 2014. Should the court pass a guilty verdict, the potential for an escalation in protest activity is assessed to be high. Protests could occur immediately following the announcement at the court site or prison site. Pre-arranged protests by his supporters are also possible over the near-term in the capital and cities across the country. The risk of violence and travel disruptions at all protest sites is considered elevated. Clients in Caracas should exercise caution near the Palace of Justice and Ramo Verde military prison and should avoid all street protests as a precaution.

LITHUANIA(VILNIUS) - A number of major trade unions in Lithuania have called for their members and supporters to demonstrate against proposed amendments to the country's labour law, in Vilnius, on 10 September. The demonstration is expected to commence at 12:00 local time, outside the parliament buildings on Gediminas Avenue.  The upcoming demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, disruptions to traffic in the immediate vicinity of the gathering should be anticipated. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of the low-clashes between protesters and police forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Vilnius on 10 September are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution and ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate any localised disruptions to travel. 

SPAIN(CATALONIA) - The National Day of Catalonia of will be commemorated throughout Spain's autonomous region, Catalonia, on 11 September. A number of commemorative events and associated demonstrations will be held prior to the day, with the majority being focused in the regional capital, Barcelona. Spanish authorities are scheduled to hold a commemorative rally in city's Saint James' Square (Plaça de Sant Jaume) from 22:00 local time on 9 September. On 10 September, the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) along with other political dignitaries will stage a rally and wreath-laying ceremony at the Fossar de Les Moreres. The ANC will hold a mass demonstration on 11 September, with participants expected to fill Meridiana Avenue from Rossello I Porcel to Passeig de Picasso streets. Access to roads and bus and tram services are expected to be restricted from 13:00 until 20:00 at least on the day. Other smaller events are also expected in other urban areas, however further details on these are currently unavailable. A heightened security presence is expected to accompany all events. Catalan National Day commemorates the defeat of Catalonian forces during the War of Spanish Succession in September 1714. In recent years, the event has been used to show support for proposed referendums on Catalan independence. This year's celebrations will once again be characterised by independence rhetoric, as the Catalan parliamentary elections will be held on 27 September. Events and associated demonstrations organised to mark the day are generally well attended and result in significant travel disruptions. Strong support for the upcoming events is anticipated in Barcelona and a number of other urban centres in the region. Previous such events have concluded peacefully, however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes at the upcoming events cannot be discounted entirely. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in and around the vicinity of commemorative events. Persons in Barcelona and wider region of Catalonia on the aforementioned days are advised to avoid all large street gathers and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are expected at demonstrations and commemorative sites.   
MALDIVES - The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for a demonstration to be held on Male, capital of the Maldives, on 11 September. The rally has been called to protest against the imprisonment of former president and MDP leader, Mohamed Nasheed. The rally will begin at Artificial Beach at 16:30 local time, from where protesters will march along one of Male's primary thoroughfares, Majeedhee Magu. Associated protests have also been planned on other islands and atolls across the country. Political tensions in the Maldives have escalated sharply following the trial and subsequent imprisonment of Nasheed in March 2015. Although he was released into house arrest two months later, he was sent back to prison in late August. Nasheed's supporters assert that the charges brought against him were politically motivated. Gatherings carry a heightened threat of violence, especially in light of the fact that similar rallies in the recent past have been forcibly dispersed by security forces. Given the expected size of the demonstration, disruptions to travel on Male are expected; however, it should be noted that resort areas are highly unlikely to be affected. Clients in the Maldives, particularly on Male, on 11 September are advised to monitor local developments closely and should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

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