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ATG TRAVEL NEWS & ALERTS

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

U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY - Deadline approaching for new air travel ID requirements. As soon as January 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin implementing the final phase of the so-called REAL ID Act, which sets standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards acceptable by federal agencies for official purposes. Under the final phase, which will begin "no sooner than 2016," residents of "non-compliant" states will no longer be allowed to present state-issued driver's licenses as identification for air travel, but instead will be required to present "alternative forms of identification - such as a U.S. Passport." As of today, the non-compliant jurisdictions are: American Samoa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire and New York. It is up to those states, working with the federal government, to come up with a solution to this problem. Implementation of REAL ID has been repeatedly delayed over the past 10 years to provide additional time for states to comply, and it is possible that further extensions could be granted. DHS has promised that before this final phase is implemented, it "will conduct an evaluation to inform a fair and achievable timeline. The date for implementing Phase 4 will be set after the evaluation has been complete; this phase will occur no sooner than 2016...DHS will ensure the public has ample advanced notice before identification requirements for boarding aircraft." Given that not being able to use a driver's license to board an airplane for domestic travel could prove extremely disruptive to residents and travel businesses in the non-compliant states, ASTA has created a grassroots portal for members in those states to contact their state legislators and ask them to address this problem. If you live in Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire or New York,. Contact Your State Legislators on REAL ID. For more information on REAL ID requirements, see http://www.dhs.gov/real-id-public-faqs.

DELTA & AMERICAN - Delta and American are no longer cooperating with each other on ticketing, rebooking's or baggage transfers. The airlines' previous interlining agreement expired on Tuesday. The expiration of the deal means that travelers dealing with canceled or disrupted flights on either Delta or American cannot be rebooked on the other carrier. In addition, flight itineraries can no longer be booked with segments on both airlines and the carriers won't transfer baggage from one line to the other. In a statement posted to the Delta website, spokesman Anthony Black said negotiations over a new agreement broke down because the two airlines couldn't reach compensation terms that addressed the number of passengers that American was sending Delta due to operational disruptions. American, Black said, sent Delta five times as many passengers as Delta sent American. "At that rate, the industry agreement was no longer mutually beneficial," Black said. According to DOT data, nearly 84% of Delta flights were on time in 2014, well ahead of the approximately 76% on-time rate achieved by American. Through July of this year, 2.1% of American flights had been canceled compared with just 0.7% of Delta flights. In an email statement Thursday, an American spokeswoman responded only indirectly to Black's comment. "While this is a change, it will not affect our commitment to re-accommodate customers during irregular operations," she wrote. "The new American now has the world's largest and best network and our team is doing a great job of running a reliable airline. With nine hubs and gateways and nearly 7,000 daily flights, we have more ability to reroute our customers during operational disruption than any other airline in the world."

NETHERLANDS (ROTTERDAM) - Authorities evacuated several platforms at Rotterdam Centraal railway station in the Netherlands after a passenger on an international train locked himself in the bathroom on 18 September. As a result, disruptions to services are expected to take place in the coming hours. The affected train was also evacuated. It was due to travel from Rotterdam to France's capital, Paris. Local security forces have stated that there is currently no risk to passengers. Persons intending to utilise Rotterdam Centraal railway station in the coming hours should confirm the status of services, and anticipate disruptions. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and adhere to all directives issued by the local authorities.

UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON) - The UK version of the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) group is expected to protest in the vicinity of Downing Street, located in the UK's capital, London, on 19 September. The protest is expected to commence at 17:00 local time and has been scheduled in opposition to what is perceived as uncontrolled mass immigration into the UK. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in the UK; these often prompt counter-demonstrations by rival groupings. Violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of further confrontations cannot be dismissed. Localised travel disruptions should also be anticipated. Persons in London on 19 September are advised to expect an increased police presence and should avoid the vicinity of the upcoming gathering. Clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions during the protest.

HAITI (PORT AU PRINCE) - An opposition-led protest march, initiated by the National Front for the Democratic Struggle, is expected to take place in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on 18 September. Members are expected to assemble at the Saint Jean Bosco church, located on Jean Jacques Dessalines Boulevard and proceed towards the provincial Electoral Council (CEP), located in Petion Ville. Opposition groups are demanding more electoral regulations and provisions ahead of the country's re-elections after the first round of legislative elections were marred by incidents of violence, alleged disorganisation and low voter turn-out on 9 August. Election-related protests have resulted in incidents of civil disorder, including vandalism and violent clashes between protesters and police in the past. Further clashes between protesters and security forces are possible at the upcoming protest march. In light of this, robust security measures are likely to be employed across the country ahead of the second round of elections scheduled to take place on 25 October. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in violent unrest; however, there is a credible risk to persons in the vicinity of protests. Election-related violence is possible throughout the election period as a result of elevated political tensions. Additionally, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the affected areas. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country are advised to monitor local developments and should avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Clients in Haiti during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and avoid all polling stations, political party offices and other election-related facilities.

THAILAND (MULTIPLE PROVINCES) - On 18 September, Thailand's Ministry of the Interior declared the town of Pattaya, in Chon Buri province, as a disaster zone following days of heavy rain and associated flooding there caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Vamco. Ongoing disruptions to land-based travel have been reported, although thus far, no casualties have occurred. The heavy rain has also caused localised flooding in several districts of the provinces of Tak, Chanthaburi, Si Sa Ket and Surin, while on 17 September, the National Disaster Warning Centre (NDWC) stated that floods and landslides are possible in 14 additional provinces; these include Trat, Rayong, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun and Songkhla. Indeed, flash flooding and associated travel disruptions were reported on the island province of Phuket late on 17 September, where several primary and secondary roads have been inundated, although these have eased somewhat during the course of 18 September. Thailand's south west monsoon season, which generally occurs from mid-May to September, is characterised by warm, cloudy weather with bouts of heavy rainfall; however, this period can at times extend beyond September. Further disruptions to road-based travel should be anticipated for the near-term. The recent heavy seasonal rains have likely resulted in saturated ground conditions, which may exacerbate the risk of flooding in flood impacted areas. Clients currently in the aforementioned provinces, particularly in Chon Buri, are advised to monitor local developments and make provisions for longer travelling times between destinations.

PHILIPPINES (ZAMBOANGA CITY) - At least one person has been killed and up to 28 more were wounded in a bomb explosion in Zamboanga City, in the southern Mindanao region of the Philippines, on 18 September. The blast took place on a bus that was in the city's primary bus terminal, having just arrived from the village of Labuan. There have been no claims of responsibility, although local police have indicated that they believe the incident is related to an extortion attempt, possibly against Biel Transit, the company that owns the bus. However, this has yet to be independently verified. Emergency services are on the scene and the area has been cordoned off. Given the stated motive for the attack, it may have been carried out by a criminal group or by Islamist militants, such as Abu Sayyaf, with a presence in Zamboanga City, the wider western Mindanao region and in the Sulu Archipelago. Abu Sayyaf is ostensibly vying for the creation of an autonomous Islamic state, comprising the administrative regions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. However, it is largely involved in criminal activities such as extortion, bombings and kidnappings, although the bomb attacks are often related to extortion activities. Given the continued presence of the group, such incidents are likely to persist. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, including Zamboanga City, is advised against. However, this advisory does not extend to Mindanao's eastern Caraga and Davao regions, to which non-essential travel is advised against. Persons currently in Zamboanga City are advised to avoid the affected area and implement robust security protocols.

LIBYA (TRIPOLI) - Gunmen attacked a prison facility located at the Mitiga International Airport in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 18 September. Three security force personnel were killed in the assault. Islamic State (IS)-linked militants have reportedly claimed the attack. The incident highlights the persistently high levels of insecurity in Libya, including Tripoli. Mitiga International serves as a major transit hub for commercial and military flights to and from Libya. Disruptions to flight schedules are possible in light of the recent attack. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons intending to travel to the country should only do so following a full itinerary-specific risk assessment from their travel provider. Travellers should be escorted by a close protection officer, particularly when travelling outside of major cities.

INDONESIA (PAPUA PROVINCE) - According to reports released on 18 September, two Indonesian nationals who were kidnapped in Indonesia's Papua province on 9 September have been released. Although details are still emerging, the victims, who were loggers, were taken across the border into an unknown area of Papua New Guinea shortly after their abduction. They were rescued in an operation launched by PNG's security forces after negotiations broke down. They have since been repatriated back to Indonesia. There have been no claims of responsibility for the incident; however, the Indonesian government has claimed it was carried out by separatist militants from the Free Papua Movement (Organisesi Papua Merdeka; OPM), who have contacts and small-scale operational bases in Papua New Guinea, bordering Indonesia's Papua province. The OPM is made up of ethnic Papuans who are culturally and religiously distinct from ethnic Indonesians. The group seeks a separate state, consisting of Indonesia's West Papua and Papua provinces, and has engaged in conflict with the Indonesian authorities over this issue in the past. However, the group is not known to carry out abductions such as these on a regular basis. Nonetheless, the generally poor security situation and relative remoteness of both Papua province and corresponding areas in PNG will facilitate such kidnapping incidents. Clients in Indonesia are advised against non-essential travel to the West Papua and Papua provinces, due the current insecurity. Travel should only be undertaken during daylight hours and in the presence of a security escort. Clients in PNG are advised to exercise heightened vigilance in areas near the shared border with Indonesia.

CUBA (HAVANA, HOLGUIN and SANTIAGO) - Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, is scheduled to visit Cuba from 19 until 22 September. The pontiff is set to be in the capital, Havana, from late on 19 September until early on 21 September, and from there will travel to the city of Holguin. From late on 21 September, the pope will fly to the city of Santiago, and will depart from there during the course of 22 September. As a result of the visit, heightened security measures, including an increased security force presence and road closures, will be put in place. Due to the number of people attending papal events and the increased security measures, localised traffic disruptions and increased demand for transport services should be expected on the day. Clients in the impacted cities in Cuba between 19 and 22 September should make allowances for increased travel times in the city on the day, and are advised to plan accordingly.

ISRAEL (JERUSALEM and WEST BANK) - (Update) Jews in Israel will commemorate Yom Kippur from the evening of 22 September and on 23 September. The period coincides with the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha period. In light of recent violence at the revered Muslim site of Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem's Old City and a precedent of elevated religious and communal tensions during major religious periods, local security forces are expected to maintain an elevated alert posture in Jerusalem and across the West Bank over the short-term. The Israeli security forces may also impose restrictions on Palestinians travelling to and from Israel over this period. Political and communal tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank remain elevated and the risk of associated civil unrest is assessed as high over the near-term, particularly on Friday 18 September following Muslim midday prayers, and during the forthcoming religious periods. Al-Aqsa has been the focal point of recent tensions with regular low-level clashes reported at the site since mid-September, coinciding with the Jewish Rosh Hashanah period. The unrest risk remains elevated in the Old City, in all of East Jerusalem and in particular areas of the West Bank, including near Israeli checkpoints, Palestinian refugee camps, religious sites and in the vicinity of Jewish settlements. During periods of unrest, particularly in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Palestinian protesters have thrown projectiles at private cars and busses. This remains an ongoing risk. Some recent incidents have resulted in casualties to motorists and passengers. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank. Persons in the West Bank and Jerusalem are advised to monitor local developments, exercise caution near protest hotspots and avoid all street protests as a precaution. Clients travelling in the West Bank should consider being escorted by a trusted local who is familiar with the local security environment or a trained security driver. Travel should be conducted during the day and on main routes only.

PAKISTAN (PESHAWAR) - At least three soldiers have been killed as a result of an attack on an air force base located near Peshawar, in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on 18 September. According to reports, a gunfight was reported between the militants and the Quick Response Force (QRF) at the base situated in the Badaber area of the Peshawar district. The Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) have subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces have been deployed to the affected area, where cordons have been set up and security has been considerably increased. The incident highlights the extreme risk of terrorism in Pakistan. The TTP are known to carry out small-scale and mass-casualty attacks, targeting both state and civilian interests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Heightened security, including increased patrols and checkpoints are expected to remain in the affected area for the short-to medium-term. Due to the extreme threat of terrorism, all travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is advised against.

CAMEROON (FAR NORTH PROVIDENCE) - At least eight people have been killed and an undisclosed number abducted, due to an attack conducted by suspected Boko Haram militants in Aisaharde, located in Cameroon's Far North province. According to reports, at least 30 militants are said to have raided the village and killed or abducted residents suspected of cooperating with Cameroonian authorities. The affected area is located approximately 10km from Mora, where a Cameroonian military base is situated. Further details are currently unavailable. Boko Haram, the Nigeria-based militant group, possesses an operational presence in Cameroon's Far North province and has conducted a number of armed attacks and kidnappings in the region. With the Cameroonian government conducting counterinsurgency operations along areas bordering Nigeria, it is likely that Boko Haram will continue to execute retaliatory attacks within Cameroonian territory. Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North (Extreme Nord) province due to the heightened risk of crime, kidnapping and general lawlessness. Persons operating in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements with a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is within secure compounds.

SIERRA LEONE (FREE TOWN) - Flooding, caused by torrential rainfall has resulted in disruptions in parts of Sierra Leone's capital, Free Town, on 17 September. At least nine people have been killed due to flood-related causes and as many as 100 people have sought medical assistance for injuries sustained as a result of the inclement weather. Authorities have advised residents to remain in their homes in the coming days; heavy rain is forecast to affect Free Town until 23 September. Population displacement has been reported after at least 20 neighborhoods experienced severe flooding. Local authorities are said to have erected temporary shelters at Brookfields National Stadium. Infrastructural damages to bridges, homes and vehicles have been reported in the affected area. Road travel in the city has also been subject to major disruptions following the torrential downpour. Military personnel have been deployed in the worst-affected areas in Free Town, including Kroo Bay and Gray Bush, in order to oversee relief operations and facilitate the evacuation of residents in the aforementioned areas. Sierra Leone experiences heavy rainfall between May and October. Flooding and flash flooding, particularly in urban centres such as Freetown where drainage is deficient, is frequently reported. Heavy rainfall can also adversely impact on road, rail and utility infrastructure in Freetown due to the poor rate of maintenance of said infrastructure, particularly outside of the Western Area district, which surrounds the city. Further rainfall and associated flooding are expected to continue in the near-term. The recent flooding may also exacerbate already elevated disease risk, particularly that of cholera. Travel delays, disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are also likely in the coming days.
Due to the current Ebola outbreak, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Sierra Leone. Clients currently in Freetown are advised to exercise caution and monitor local media for updates and advisories from authorities. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases. Furthermore, persons currently in the affected areas should avoid low-lying flood-prone areas, such as rivers and low bridges.

MALI (I-N-AFARAK) - Rival Tuareg armed groups engaged in clashes in the I-n-Afarak area of Mali's northern Kidal region, near the border with Algeria, late evening on 17 September. The confrontation between the rebel Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) and a pro-government militia, The Platform, left 15 people dead. The latest fighting in northern Mali coincides with ongoing attempts to seek a permanent political settlement between the CMA and the government following a peace deal in mid-2015. In light of the recent fighting in I-n-Afarak, tensions are likely to remain elevated and further confrontations are likely. These could occur in the I-n-Afarak area or wider Kidal region. Clients are advised against all travel to the northern and eastern administrative regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu due to various security concerns, particularly the threats of conflict and terrorism. Persons travelling in the area should do so following a full route and personal risk assessment from their security provider.

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