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

9/11/2001 ~ Never Forget ~ UNITED WE STAND

AIR CANADA ROUGE - Air Canada Rouge has announced four new European destinations starting next summer.

The airline will fly to Glasgow from Toronto Pearson airport, where it will also debut routes to Prague, Budapest and Warsaw. And, the carrier will operate its first route to Africa with a four-times weekly Montreal-Casablanca service between June 3 and October 17 under flight codes AC1936/1937. From June 13 until September 25, the Toronto Glasgow service will fly three-times weekly, on Monday/Tuesday, Wednesday/Thursday and Saturday/Sunday. Outbound flight AC1938 will depart Toronto at 1855 and land in Glasgow at 0640 the next day. Return leg AC1939 will leave Glasgow at 0825 and arrive in Toronto at 1050. The three-times weekly Toronto-Prague service will begin on May 29 and end on September 29, and will operate under flight codes AC1922/1923. Toronto-Warsaw will operate three-times weekly between June 16 and September 30 under flight codes AC1926/1927. Lastly, the Toronto-Budapest service will also run three-times weekly from June 10 until October 15 under flight codes AC1910/1911. Benjamin Smith, Air Canada's president, passenger airlines, said: "Air Canada is solidifying its position among leading global carriers by becoming one of only a dozen airlines flying to six continents with today's announcement of non-stop service to Casablanca, our first destination in Africa. "Our Montreal-Casablanca flight will also be the only service to North Africa by a North American carrier and our aim is to transform this new route into a year-round operation... "The European services will be complemented by our Star Alliance partners, giving customers an even wider choice of travel options." Air Canada Rouge is also launching a summer seasonal service between Toronto and London Gatwick next year.

AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - Travelers heading to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport should plan a little extra time to move through security. The bag screening process is temporarily changing for those taking off on a Frontier, Allegiant, Virgin America, Air Canada, Delta, or Southwest flight. The current 8-year-old screening machines are being replaced with more efficient machines. The new process requires travelers to check their bags at the ticket counter, take their bags to a screening machine, and then give their luggage to TSA before being screened themselves. The project is expected to be completed by Spring of 2016.

UNITED KINGDOM(UTTLESFORD DISTRICT, ESSEX) - British trade union, GMB, has called for strike action at London Stansted Airport. Security workers affiliated with the union are expected to participate in the strike action from 12 September at 03:45 to 23:59 local time. A second strike is anticipated on 13 September from 03:45 to 13:00. The strike has been called in response to an ongoing wage dispute. Strikes occur frequently in the UK. These often result in disruptions to public services, including transport systems. The strike action is not anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions; however, delays should be expected. Clients planning to transit through London Stansted Airport on the aforementioned days should make allowances for potential delays to travel.

AUSTRIA/HUNGARY - The train link between Austria and Hungary will remain closed through the weekend because of the continued strain on the system from the large inflow of migrants, the Austrian rail operator OeBB said in a statement on Friday. "This decision to stop traffic to and from Hungary made it possible to stabilise the situation in Vienna's large train stations," the statement said. "This is important to keep train services running."

MALAYSIA - The haze in Sarawak could get worse, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said. His warning came as schools were ordered to halt outdoor activities and hospitals reported a rise in cases of respiratory illnesses. "If the wind direction does not change in the next 48 hours, then the present unhealthy level in Kuching will reach Sarikei and Sibu in central Sarawak," Junaidi said. In the afternoon, three areas in southern Sarawak recorded the highest air pollutant index (API) readings in the whole country for this year. At 2pm, the API was 150 in Kuching, in Samarahan it was 174 and in Sri Aman it was 155. The API was 100 in Sarikei and 91 in Sibu. Up north, it was 64 in Miri. No hotspots were detected in Sarawak and Sabah. Most of the haze is from across the border. Dr Wan Junaidi said "four-fifths" of the Indonesian portion of Borneo was "under a cloud of smoke". The haze is so thick that at least two satellites have been unable to detect hotspots. "The satellites did not get a clear picture perhaps because of the thick haze. We could not discern the number (of hotspots). There's nothing much we can do if the wind doesn't change. This cloud of smoke will keep coming," he said. In one of the last complete passes by the satellite AQUA on September 8, it detected a staggering 951 hotspots in Borneo. Yesterday, the API in Pontianak, the closest Indonesian city to Kuching, was reportedly above 500. Sarawak Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Jerip Susil said there had been a marked increase in respiratory illness cases in hospitals and clinics in the state. "All the hospitals are seeing more asthma patients. In clinics, we are seeing more cases of flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing and red eyes," Dr Jerip said. An Education Department circular has been issued to all schools to stop sporting activities. With visibility in the state capital as low as 400m in the morning, several flights at Kuching International Airport were rescheduled or diverted. Meanwhile in Kota Kinabalu, the situation worsened overnight, with visibility in the city reduced by more than half and more districts enveloped by the smog. State Meteorological Services Department director Abdul Malik Tussin said visibility in Kota Kinabalu dropped to 3.5km as at 2 p.m. Thursday compared to 8km a day earlier.

SINGAPORE(SINGAPORE) - Localised travel disruptions are expected in Singapore on 13 and 27 September due to the country's annual Mid-Autumn Festival. Roads in the vicinity of Chinatown, including Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, Park Crescent, Smith Street, Temple Street, Banda Street and Mosque Street, will be temporarily closed. The closures will be in effect from 14:00 to 23:00 local time on 13 September and from 17:00 to 23:00 on 27 September. SMRT Bus services 61, 190, 851, 961 and 970 will be suspended at stops located along the above-mentioned roads during the affected periods. Additionally, parking restrictions will likely be imposed. Security is likely to be considerably heightened before and during the event; only police and emergency vehicles will be permitted on the aforementioned roads. Localised travel delays are highly probable, especially along peripheral roads. 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 by authorities.

VENEZUELA - There are no known domestic terrorist groups based in the country; despite this, Venezuela has been accused of harbouring regional and international terrorist organisations' personnel. There is no information suggesting that these militants are seeking to perpetrate attacks in Venezuela at this time. There have been no major attacks recently; however, low-level incidents do occasionally occur. These acts of violence are usually associated with incidents of civil unrest. Leftist armed groups from Colombia are also thought to operate in some border areas. The presence of these groups translates into an overall medium terrorism risk in those areas near the border with Colombia. There are no terrorism-specific recommendations for Venezuela. However, it should be noted that due to elevated levels of insecurity, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 80km of Venezuela's border with Colombia. Persons in this area should consider travelling with a security escort.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA - Bosnia and Herzegovina has stabilised considerably since destructive conflicts in the 1990s and is currently pursuing European Union (EU) membership. Security measures have also improved in recent years with the assistance of EU peacekeeping troops. Despite these improvements, the threat of crime in major cities including the capital, Sarajevo, remains a concern, despite the overall low risk. The most common forms of crime are petty in nature. There are no known domestic terrorist groups based in Bosnia and Herzegovina, neither is there information suggesting that militants are seeking to perpetrate attacks at this time. Ethnic tensions between Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs remain a threat to stability in the country; however, incidents of conflict have rarely been reported in recent years, making the overall risk low.

YEMEN(MARIB CITY) - A rocket attack, purportedly initiated by Houthi rebels, struck a market in Marib city, on 11 September. At least 20 people were killed and dozens more wounded in the explosion. This most recent rocket attack initiated by the Houthis, who hold territory west of Marib city, coincides with ongoing conflict in the country. Marib has emerged as a key front in the ongoing civil war. Arab states supporting President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi against the Houthis, have been building up forces in Marib in recent weeks, in preparation of an assault on the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, Sanaa. 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, following a full security review with their security provider.

TURKEY(YENISEHIR & KAYAPINAR DISTRICTS(DIYARBAKIR)) - Unidentified gunmen opened fire on security force officials at a restaurant in Yenisehir district in Turkey's south eastern Diyarbakir province on 11 September. The shooting left one civilian bystander dead and three others wounded, including two security officials. In a separate attack, suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party militants clashed with police officials in Diyarbakir's Kayapinar district leaving two police officers wounded. The PKK has been linked to or has claimed dozens of bomb and shooting attacks in south eastern Turkey since July. Diyarbakir province has been one of the worst-affected regions. The incidents have largely impacted on police, state and military officials. Civilian bystanders have occasionally been affected. The PKK action and Turkish government retaliation (anti-terrorism operations and raids) is expected to continue for the short-term at least. Clients in Diyarbakir province are advised to exercise a heightened level of caution, particularly in rural areas. Travellers should seek to minimise travel near state facilities and personnel due to the incidental risk of being affected by PKK attacks and all travel at night.

PAKISTAN(KARACHI) - Soldiers reportedly killed four militants in a shoot-out during a raid on a property near the Northern Bypass area of Karachi, late on 10 September. Further information remains unavailable. The latest shooting incident underscores the protracted levels of insecurity in Pakistan, including in Karachi. Insecurity in the country stems primarily from Islamist extremist groups such the Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups operating in the north west regions of the country. In addition, targeted killings occur sporadically in Karachi. These incidents are generally considered to be politically motivated and sectarian in nature, split along Sunni-Shiite lines. The aforementioned threats are persistent in Karachi, as such, further attacks cannot be discounted. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential to travel to parts of Pakistan, as well as all travel to other parts, is advised against.

INDIA(MANIPUR STATE) - A 24-hour general strike (known locally as a bandh), initiated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) is currently underway in the Sadar hill area of the Senapati district, located in India's north eastern Manipur state, on 11 September. The strike has been called in opposition to three bills, which have been deemed anti-tribal in nature, in the state assembly. A highway blockade of National Highway 1 has also been imposed for the duration of the strike. Thus far, there have been no confirmed reports of violence associated with the strike, although further details relating to this are currently unavailable. The Protection of Manipur People's Bill, the Manipur Land Revenues Bill, and the Manipur Shop and Establishment Bill have been widely condemned by political groups representing ethnic populations in the state, due to the perceived economic and socially repressive policies therein. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected for the remainder of 11 September due to the strike. Consequently, the possibility remains that any associated protests, agitation or events may rapidly degenerate into violent clashes between separatist activists and security forces. Clients in the affected parts of Manipur are advised to avoid all strike-related activity as a precaution. Due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur and a number of other states in the north eastern region is advised against.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR) - The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a political organisation, has called for a state-wide general strike (known locally as a bandh) in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, on 12 September. The strike is expected to be observed by numerous separatist groups such as the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and Jamaat-e-Islami. The strike has been called in opposition to a newly enacted bill which prohibits the sale of beef on 17, 18 and 27 September due to the Hindu Jain (Paryushan) fasting festival. Critics of the bill have alleged that it is politically motivated as Jammu and Kashmir is a majority Muslim state. The bill has been labelled a direct interference in Muslim religious affairs and in contravention of the tenets of Islam. Unconfirmed reports suggest that select meat vendors within Jammu and Kashmir intend to continue selling beef amid the ban; this may prompt a strong response from authorities in the affected areas thus heightening tensions and increasing the potential for further protests and agitations. In light of this, the possibilities that the strike will result in disruptive action or descend into violent clashes is considered elevated at this time; security forces will not hesitate to use force in quelling any dissent. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected on 12 September due to the strike. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients should avoid all protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

SINGAPORE - General elections are expected to take place across Singapore on 11 September. Voting is expected to take place amid a climate of heightened political competitiveness following the death of long-serving prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in March 2015. The run up to the elections has been marked by mass, although peaceful, opposition rallies, raising questions regarding the continued political dominance of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP).Despite the increased political rivalries, the elections cycle is expected to conclude peacefully. The voting process is expected to cause significant disruptions to transportation, public and business services across the country. Clients in Singapore are advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible on 11 September to accommodate for any disruptions. As a general precaution, travel in and around election-related facilities, such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and political party offices, should be undertaken with caution.

MEXICO - Members of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union are set to hold a series of protests in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, and Oaxaca from 11 September. In the capital, protests are scheduled to be held at the Angel de la Independencia and Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo) areas of the city on the day. On 12 and 13 September, further protests are possible in the same areas, in addition to the CNTE headquarters, which is located in the Centro Historico area of the capital. In Oaxaca, protests are likely to occur in the Zocalo and the state education building, Instituto Estatal de Educacion Publica de Oaxaca, between 11 and 15 September. Protests may also occur in the states of Puebla, Queretaro and Hidalgo on the aforementioned dates. 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. Persons in Mexico City and Oaxaca, as well as the states of Puebla, Queretaro and Hidalgo, are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding planned protests. All protest locations and related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN & GYUMRI) - Demonstrations against planned increases in electricity prices are expected to take place in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, as well as in Gyumri, on 11 September. In Yerevan, protesters are expected to gather in Brazilian Square at 17:30 local time, before proceeding to Freedom Square for a rally. Although details regarding the event in Gyumri are unavailable, precedent suggests protesters will gather at the Charles Aznavour Square, in the city centre. Although the demonstrations are expected to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest, including violent confrontations between protesters and police officials cannot be dismissed. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions in their vicinity should be anticipated. Persons in the aforementioned locations on 11 September are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution and should monitor local media for announcements of associated gatherings. Clients should make provisions for potential travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

POLAND(WROCLAW & WARSAW) - Activist groups in Poland have called for a pro-refugee solidarity protest on 12 September. Participants are expected to gather at the Market Square (Rynek), in Wroclaw, at 18:00 local time. Related solidarity protests are expected at several other locations across the country; however, details are not available. A counter-demonstration has been called by right-wing groups on the same day and is expected to be held at the Parade Square in Warsaw at 16:00. The protests have been called in response to the ongoing refugee crisis. Tens of thousands of asylum seekers from conflict-affected states in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia have travelled into and through Eastern European countries, including Poland. The upcoming protests are expected to conclude peacefully; however, protests and demonstrations have a higher potential for violence when organised by right-wing groups. The country's security forces generally provide sufficient protection and traffic regulation in order to prevent escalation and major travel disruptions. Persons in the above-mentioned areas are advised to avoid all protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

TUNISIA - Two protests have been called and will be held in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 11 and 12 September, respectively. On 11 September, teachers have called for a protest in front of the Ministry of Education in Tunis. Unconfirmed reports indicate that teachers will gather in front of education ministry offices countrywide as well. The protest has been called over various demands and will precede a planned teachers strike on 17 and 18 September. On 12 September, opposition parties and supporters have called for a protest along Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis. The protest has been called to denounce an anti-corruption bill and in support of civil liberties. The government has not given permission for the protest to proceed. Avenue Habib Bourguiba is also reportedly closed. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a statement saying that the road will be closed until 17:00 local time on 14 September. The road and several others were closed in early September in response to a terrorist threat. The protests on 11 and 12 September are likely to attract large crowds. The risk of road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the planned gathering points is elevated. There is also a risk of confrontation between the police and protesters. This risk is particularly elevated at the opposition event on 12 September. The security forces may seek to enforce a ban on illegal gatherings and prevent persons from gathering on Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Clients in Tunis on 11 and 12 September and near education ministry-affiliated buildings countrywide on 11 September are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all protests as a standard precaution.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - (Update) Further unrest is possible in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, following the sentencing of opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, on 10 September. Heightened tensions persist in the city after violent clashes erupted between supporters and detractors of Lopez outside the Palace of Justice during his trial. Unconfirmed reports suggest that several people were wounded during the skirmishes. On 10 September, Lopez was found guilty of inciting violence during anti-government protests in 2014 and was sentenced to serve 13 years and nine months in prison. The initial arrest and detention of the opposition leader has already sparked numerous protests in Venezuela since February 2014; this latest verdict may therefore catalyse an escalation in protest activity. Pre-arranged protests by Lopez's supporters are possible over the near-term in the capital and other urban centres across the country. The risk of violence and travel disruptions at all such protests is considered elevated. Persons operating in Caracas in the near-term are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Clients should also exercise heightened caution in the vicinity of the Palace of Justice and Ramo Verde military prison. Local media should be monitored for announcements of any ad hoc demonstrations in the city.

ISRAEL(WEST BANK & EAST JERUSALEM) - (Update) Palestinian activists have called for a 'day of rage' in the West Bank on 12 September in response to the death of Riham Dawabsha on 6 September. Dawabsha succumbed to her wounds, which were sustained during an attack by Jewish extremists on her residence in Duma, in the West Bank, in late July. In addition, two major Israeli/Jewish holidays will be held in September. From the evening of 13 September until 15 September, Jews in Israel will commemorate Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur will be commemorated on 23 September. Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests are likely across the West Bank and in East Jerusalem and the Old City of Jerusalem on 12 September. Protests, should they occur, are likely to escalate after Muslim midday prayers. The risk of low-level confrontations is elevated at all protest sites. The Israeli security forces are likely to be placed on alert and may impose restrictions on Palestinians travelling in the West Bank until 24 September. Increased security measures are likely to peak over the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur periods. In addition to the civil unrest risk, the Israeli security forces will seek to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack. The risk increases during periods of Israeli/Jewish symbolic national or religious days. Clients are advised against all travel to the West Bank. Persons in the West Bank and Israel, specifically East Jerusalem (and the Old City) over the coming days are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel as a precaution. Persons travelling in the West Bank should do so in the day, on main routes, with a local escort or security escort and in main cities and towns only. Palestinian refugee camps, illegal Jewish settlements and Israeli checkpoints and military facilities should be avoided as a precaution.

EGYPT - Public servant representatives, including the Tadamon coalition, and political activists have called for countrywide protests in Egypt against the Civil Service Law on 12 September. Protesters have called to overturn the law, which was passed in March. The government has stated that it has taken 'security measures' in light of the call to protest. At least one protest venue has been announced. Participants are expected to gather in Fostat Park in the capital, Cairo's, Old Cairo area from 10:00 to 17:00 local time. The protests are expected to attract a large number of protesters in sites across the country. Egypt's civil service is large and millions of people are employed by the state. Likely protest venues include major government buildings and public squares or city centres. The risk of violence at all related events is considered elevated. The protesters have not, to date, been given permission to gather and the authorities could move to forcefully disperse any gatherings that are in contravention of anti-protest laws. Clients in Egypt are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

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