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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:

UNITED STATES(INDIANA) - The Indianapolis Airport Authority announced Tuesday that American Airlines will in January start offering three new weekday nonstop flights from the Indianapolis to LaGuardia Airport. Already, American offers flights to Kennedy International Airport. Southwest, Delta and United offer non-stop flights to the New York area using Kennedy, Newark Liberty or LaGuardia airports. American will also be offering three return flights from LaGuardia on weekdays and additional flights will be offered on the weekends. Customers can book tickets for the new flights now, but the service won't start until Jan. 5, 2016. The airline's new weekday nonstop flights will leave Indianapolis at 7:15 a.m., 11:50 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. Return flights will leave New York at 9:10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:55 p.m. The airline will also offer flights on weekends to and from New York.

AUSTRIA/GERMANY/HUNGARY - German rail operator Deutsche Bahn is suspending key services to Austria and Hungary until October 4th, citing border controls introduced to manage a record influx of refugees. The route from Budapest via Salzburg, Austria to the southern German city of Munich has been taken by tens of thousands of refugees in recent weeks. "As a result of administrative measures (border controls) the long-distance routes of Deutsche Bahn will be suspended, initially until October 4th, 2015, between Munich-Salzburg (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary)," Deutsche Bahn said in an online statement. Overwhelmed by the record influx, and seeking to register the

asylum-seekers as they enter the country, Germany temporarily reintroduced border controls on September 13th. All regular passenger services have been cut between Salzburg and Munich, DB said, although passengers could travel "There will be no rail replacement service," Austrian Railways spokesman Rene Zumtobel told the APA press agency. "Customers who wish to travel from Salzburg to Munich will have to take a bus or taxi to Freilassing." Trains from and to Innsbruck, Bregenz and Zürich will be running as normal. This comes as Austrian officials say nearly 10,000 refugees arrived in Nickelsdorf on the Hungarian border on Monday. A police spokesman said most of the arrivals were taken to emergency shelters. Refugees are continuing to cross into Austria from Hungary, even after Hungary sealed its southern borders to Hungary and Serbia. A train from Hungary carrying an estimated 1,000 people is expected on Tuesday. Many refugees arriving in Austria wish to continue their journey to Germany, via Salzburg. EU interior ministers are meeting to try and resolve the dispute over how to re-locate the 120,000 refugees who have recently arrived in Europe. The meeting comes ahead of an emergency meeting of EU leaders tomorrow. A group of central European states - Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland - are resisting calls for mandatory quotas. Reports from Brussels say countries which refuse to take in refugees may face financial penalties, while those accepting refugees may receive €6,000 per person.

BRAZIL(RIO DE JANEIRO) - Rio de Janeiro has been affected by mass robberies (known locally as arrastoes) in recent days. On 19 September, approximately 50 people attacked pedestrians and motorists in traffic along Rua Voluntarios da Patria in Rio de Janeiro's Botafogo area. The suspects stole bags and other valuables. On the same day, mass robberies were also reported on the nearby Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. The mass robberies continued on 20 September in the areas listed above and in the Barra da Tijuca area, located further west. Among the affected persons were a number of tourists. The police reportedly arrested 61 people in connection with the mass robberies. There is a high crime risk in Brazilian cities, including in Rio de Janeiro. The crime rate increases at night and is assessed as being elevated in lower-income areas (favelas). In addition to traditional forms of violent and petty crime, Rio de Janeiro's South Zone is prone to mass robberies. These attacks are typically perpetrated during the summer months and on weekends when local beaches are full of holidaymakers. The perpetrators tend to be youths from favelas located throughout the city. The youths swarm an area and steal valuables. During the robberies victims are occasionally assaulted and wounded. Police have increased security considerably to prevent the incidents; however, the large crowds offer the criminals a degree of cover and anonymity. Persons travelling in Rio de Janeiro should ensure that they do so during the day and if travelling into or near favelas, with a trusted local contact who is familiar with the security environment. Clients in the city are further advised to avoid carrying valuables or displaying valuables publicly. Travel documents and other essential travel or business sensitive data and valuables (watches and other jewellery) should be secured in a hotel or guesthouse safe while touring the city. This is particularly relevant for persons travelling on foot or on public transportation.

LIBYA(SIRTE) - (Update) One of two Indian nationals abducted by Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in mid-September in the Ibn-e-Sina area of Sirte in northern Libya has reportedly escaped. Reports of his release were received on 17 September. The status of the remaining hostage is unclear. There is an elevated risk of kidnapping in Libya, specifically in areas controlled by non-state armed groups. Both locals and foreign nationals are targeted for political and financial reasons. IS has been responsible for a number of high-profile abductions of foreign nationals over the past year and poses an ongoing significant threat in most of the country. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons intending to operate in the country should obtain full route risk assessments prior to departure. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - Two Ukrainian tourists were recently kidnapped for ransom in Istanbul, Turkey. The exact date of the abduction is unclear. The kidnapper was captured by the local authorities on 21 September and the victims were freed unharmed. The kidnapper had demanded a ransom of US$150,000 from the victims' families on 31 August for the release of the couple. He was arrested after the victims' families notified the Ukrainian Consulate in Istanbul which, in turn, notified the local authorities. The local police then initiated an operation and seized the perpetrator as he was collecting the ransom. The kidnapping risk in Turkey is rated as medium. Criminal groups pose a kidnapping threat in urban centres, including Istanbul and Ankara; however, the majority of incidents take place in the south east of the country, where Kurdish separatist militants operating in the region occasionally use kidnapping as a tactic, often targeting security forces or government employees. Clients operating in Istanbul should exercise basic precautions to safeguard their person and property. Travellers should maintain a heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly at night.

TURKEY(VAN PROVINCE) - Two separate roadside bombings were reported in Turkey's south eastern Van province, on 21 and 22 September. A bomb detonated near a military transport vehicle along the Baskale-Hakkari Road late on 21 September, injuring 13 soldiers. The following day, a roadside bomb detonated along the Van-Hakkari Road near a military vehicle, wounding a further 11 soldiers. The incident is the latest to impact on the south east, where confrontations between the Turkish military and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have escalated since July. PKK attacks against state facilities and personnel have included bombings and shootings. Turkish military forces have responded with ground military operations and air strikes against PKK positions in south eastern Turkey and northern Iraq. The violence is expected to continue. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Van, Diyarbakir, 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. Persons travelling in the area should avoid state facilities and personnel, particularly military and police interests. Travel should be conducted with a trained security driver or trusted local contact and during daylight hours only.

YEMEN(SANAA) - A Saudi Arabia-led coalition air strike hit Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on 22 September. The strikes resulted in at least 20 fatalities, the majority of which were civilian. Reports indicate that the Marina Hotel, in the capital's southern al-Asbahi district, was hit in the air strikes. Further details are currently unavailable. The air strikes coincide with ongoing conflict in the country between military forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthis. The air strikes have accompanied ground assaults in recent days. These strikes continue to cause both combatant and civilian casualties. 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.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE) - A number of rockets were fired towards the western periphery of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 21 September. The rockets, which were reportedly fired from the Taji area, landed in the Ameria district of Baghdad and near Camp al-Nasr. These areas are located immediately north east and north of Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), respectively. The target of the rocket attack is not clear. The rocket assault left at least nine people dead and a number of others wounded in Ameria. Operations at BIAP have not been disrupted. The incident highlights the ongoing elevated risk to key military and state installations in the country, including facilities which are heavily guarded. Non-state armed groups have the capability to fire rockets and other ordnance considerable distances towards these sites. BIAP and other major military complexes are key targets of militant groups, like the Islamic State (IS). IS maintains positions in close proximity to the capital and has cells operating in the Baghdad governorate. It is regularly implicated in or claims attacks in Baghdad. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad. Persons operating in the governorate should travel with a close protection officer and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. Travellers should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) through BIAP with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

BURKINA FASO(OUAGADOUGOU) - (Update) According to latest reports, the Regiment of Presidential Security (RSP), which has staged a coup in Burkina Faso, released interim Prime Minister Isaac Zida from detention in the Presidential Palace, early on 22 September. Interim President Michel Kafando was released from house arrest on 21 September, and is currently secured in the residence of the French ambassador. The release of the two senior officials came as regional units of the country's regular military reached the capital early on 22 September, with the stated aim of seeking the peaceful surrender of the RSP. In other developments, Bobo-Dioulasso International and the Ouagadougou Airport are both expected to resume regular operation on 22 September, however, this has not been confirmed by local authorities. Military units have been stationed at several locations throughout the Ouagadougou capital city while talks continue between military chiefs, the RSP leadership and representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Despite the presence of numerous military units in the capital, RSP commander General Gilbert Diendere, has indicated he would resist handing over power if the coup plotters are not guaranteed amnesty. An earlier proposed agreement which promised amnesty sparked further disruptive protests on the streets of Ouagadougou. Further clashes between security forces and protesters, which have already left 10 people dead and dozens more wounded since 16 September, are possible, as are clashes between the regular military and the RSP. Should insecurity persist, the government may reinstate closures or restrictions to airport operations and border crossings. Irrespective of the latest developments, the situation remains volatile and prone to deterioration at short notice. Clients are advised against all travel to Burkina Faso following the military-led coup. Persons in Ouagadougou are advised to remain in a secure location and limit movement outside of their accommodation as far as practically possible. Persons in Burkina Faso, regardless of location, are advised to update all crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) with their security provider, from whom regular updates should be requested. Clients remaining in the country should avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

EGYPT(GIZA GOVERNORATE(EL-BAHARIYA OASIS)) & (NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE) - At least ten militants were killed in a military operation conducted by security forces in the el-Bahariya Oasis area of Egypt's Giza governorate in the Western Desert. Reports indicate that the targeted militants were planning to conduct attacks in various provinces in Egypt during the upcoming Eid al-Adha commemorations on 22/23 September. In a separate incident, unconfirmed reports indicate that at least nine militants were killed in the ongoing Martyr's Right military operation in North Sinai. The Egyptian military periodically conducts security operations and patrols targeting militant and criminal groups in a number of areas in Egypt, including those located in the Sinai Peninsula and western areas of the country toward the shared border with Libya. These operations often result in casualties, with the risk to foreign nationals being incidental. An increase in the frequency of associated clashes and retaliatory attacks by militants are possible. Clients should note that retaliatory militant action could occur anywhere 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. Due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism, heightened caution is advised in the western half of Egypt, extending towards the shared border with Libya, particularly outside of major cities. Persons in Egypt should exercise caution and seek to avoid unnecessary travel near state facilities and personnel.

PERU(AREQUIPA REGION) - A number of anti-mining agitations are expected to coincide with a mining conference being held at the national University of San Agustin, in Peru's Arequipa city, between 21 and 25 September. A 72-hour general strike against the Tia Maria mining project is expected to take place in Islay province from 23 to 25 September. In Arequipa city, a protest march will be led toward the conference venue, on 23 September, although further details are unknown. On 24 September, protesters will gather at Plaza Espana at 09:00 local time, from where they will again march to the conference venue. Related protests are possible in the wider Arequipa region until 25 September. Peru has been affected by anti-mining unrest since March. The epicentre of the protests has been Islay province, where local farmers and activists have previously held numerous demonstrations in opposition to the Tia Maria mining project. It should be noted that protesters have regularly blocked both major and minor roads, including the Pan American Highway (Peru Highway 1); further such disruptions are possible. The risk of violent clashes between protesters and security forces at related gatherings cannot be ruled out. Clients in the Arequipa Region in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike in Islay province and possible protests in the wider region. All street protests and unofficial roadblocks should be avoided as a precaution.

AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN - Muslims in Afghanistan and Pakistan will commemorate Eid al-Adha or the Greater Eid, from sunset on 23 or 24 September, dependent on location in these two countries. There is an extreme threat from terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and bomb attacks, both actual and attempted, are regularly reported in both countries and may occur during the forthcoming religious period. Sectarian tensions between the majority Sunni Muslim population and the more conservative Shiite minority are particularly acute during periods of religious significance, such as Eid al-Adha, and security is likely to be significantly increased in and around mosques and other sensitive religious sites in anticipation of any violence; additional security checkpoints along major routes are also likely. Sunni extremists have taken advantage of Eidal-Adha in the past to conduct attacks. In addition, during the Eid al-Adha commemoration, clients should anticipate an increased demand for public transport and hotel accommodation. Eidal-Adha is celebrated with a public holiday in both countries during which business and state operations are reduced. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, and all non-essential travel to other parts of Pakistan. Clients currently in either country are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and vigilance and avoid all religious sites and processions, which are susceptible to attacks by extremists. Finally, clients should anticipate reduced business hours and transport availability, and should adjust their itineraries accordingly.

KENYA(NAIROBI) - Security forces have used teargas to disperse unruly protesting students in the capital, Nairobi, on 22 September. The students, who are protesting against increased tuition fees, remain gathered in areas near the University of Nairobi, in the city centre, including University Way, Uhuru Highway and State House Road. Police in Nairobi are known to use robust methods in dealing with unruly demonstrations. As such, an escalation in the use of force by local police is likely should teargas and other dispersal methods fail to break up the gathering. In this regard, the potential escalation in violence between the two groups poses a discernible, albeit indiscriminate, threat to persons in the immediate area. Clients are advised to defer all travel to the affected area of Nairobi at this stage and should anticipate travel disruptions along roads leading to and from the University of Nairobi. All related gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

KENYA(NAIROBI) - The opposition party, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is expected to hold a political rally in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on 23 September. The gathering is planned to be held at the Uhuru Park, from 12:00 local time. The demonstration has been called to in response to the government's refusal to pay public school teachers a court mandated salary increase. The Kenyan government has asserted that it does not have the finances to honour the court mandated pay increase. The salary dispute has prompted several strikes and associated demonstrations in Kenya since late July, most notably by employees affiliated with the Kenyan National Union of Teachers (KNUT). In response to the persistent industrial action, the government ordered the closure of all private and public schools from 21 September; as such, the ODM is demanding that the schools be re-opened. While intended to be peaceful, the anti-government nature of these events suggests that gatherings could be forcefully dispersed by security personnel. Persons in Nairobi are advised to monitor local developments closely, and to avoid all protests and related demonstrations. Clients should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate any localised travel delays.

URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - The Trade Union of Taxis (Suatt) has called for strike action in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo on 22 September, to demand wage increases and improved working conditions. Affiliated taxi operators are expected to conduct a work stoppage from 17:00 local time. Suatt has not yet indicated when the strike action will conclude. A related protest is expected to be held outside union headquarters on Clemente Cesar Street. The anticipated strike action is likely to cause significant travel disruptions across the city and delays should be expected. Due to the strike there will likely be an increased demand for alternative public transport. The related demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, however, the possibility of the outbreak of violent clashes with police cannot be discounted. Persons in Montevideo on 22 September should monitor local developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should consider organising/booking other means of intra-city transport in advance and plan for possible travel delays.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - The preliminary hearing of Caracas metropolitan Mayor Antonio Ledezma is scheduled to take place in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 22 September. The trial, which has already been postponed five times, will resume at 08:30 local time at the Palace of Justice. Ledezma was arrested on 19 February for conspiracy against the government, and is being held at the Ramo Verde military prison, outside the capital. The potential for demonstrations in support of Ledezma is considered to be elevated over the trial period. The initial arrest and detention of Ledezma has sparked numerous protests in Venezuela, particularly around the time of his arrest in February. The most recent protests took place on 21 September, and largely centred on Plaza Venezuela, Sabana Grande Boulevard and Prados del Este Highway. Further protests by Ledezma supporters and other human rights activists are possible in other areas, including the Palace of Justice, over the near-term. The risk of violence and the potential for travel disruptions in the vicinity of all such protests is considered to be elevated. Clients in Caracas should exercise caution near the Palace of Justice and should avoid all street protests and related demonstrations as a precaution.

BRAZIL - Several unions, including the Movement of Landless Workers (MST) and Unified Workers' Central (CUT) have called for countrywide protests on 23 September. The exact details pertaining to the protests are unavailable; however, participants are expected to gather in the country's main urban centres, including Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte. Public squares and major government buildings in cities are considered possible protest points. The gatherings have been called in opposition to proposed budget cuts and tax increases. The Brazilian government has proposed the implementation of budget cuts in 2016 which are expected to affect the country's social welfare programmes. The proposal has not been well received by the public and trade unions. A related protest was well attended on 17 September; as such, the upcoming protest is expected to be well attended and associated disruptions cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the affected areas. Although precedent suggests that the planned protest is likely to conclude without incident, the threat of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Persons in Brazil on 23 September are advised to monitor local media or contact their security provider for updates on the location of the planned protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BRAZIL(BUENOS AIRES) - The ATE public sector union has called for protest action in Argentina's province of Buenos Aires on 23 September. The demonstrations have been called in opposition to a number of grievances in addition to a wage increase demand. Further information regarding the gatherings is unavailable. The upcoming demonstrations are expected to be well attended and state operations are likely to be disrupted across the Buenos Aires province. The disruptions are likely to extend to the national capital, Buenos Aires, and provincial capital, La Plata. The events are likely to occur near major government offices in the above-mentioned cities. The risk of significant acts of violence during any associated protests is considered low; however, minor confrontations and localised road travel disruptions are possible. Clients in Argentina on 23 September are advised to monitor local media for further updates on the anticipated demonstrations. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

POLAND(WARSAW) - A taxi strike and an associated protest are scheduled to take place in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 24 September. Taxi drivers' associations have called for the action in protest against illegal carriers. Taxi drivers will stage a 'go-slow' protest between 07:00 and 12:00 local time, on the day, with taxi drivers set to proceed from Aleje Jerozolimskie, Gorczewska, Grochowska, Pulawska and Radzyminska streets and march toward the city centre. The strike actions are expected to be well observed and to cause significant disruptions to road travel in the city. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Warsaw on 24 September are advised to anticipate travel disruptions and to use alternative forms of transport. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

EAST ASIA - The annual Mid-Autumn festival will be celebrated across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan on 27 September. The festival is referred to as 'Zhongqiu' in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; 'Tsukimi' or 'Jugoya' in Japan; and 'Chuseok' in South Korea. In some of these countries, the event will be celebrated as a multi-day festival, of which some of these days will be public holidays, although this will vary by country. The Mid-Autumn festival is commemorated by the holding of outdoor celebrations. An increased demand for road, rail and air transport over this period should be anticipated. Many government offices, shops and other businesses will close over the festival period. It should be noted that China regularly restricts access to its restive regions during festive events, and as such, there is a possibility that access into the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) could be restricted during this time. It should be noted that there is an increased risk of petty crime in the crowded events commemorating the festival. Clients travelling to the impacted countries and territories during the festival should anticipate travel disruptions due to large crowds and increased traveller volumes. In addition, persons in the vicinity of commemorative events are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness due to the increased risk of petty crime. Finally, individuals travelling to the XUAR and TAR are advised to confirm the status of relevant services with their travel provider due to possible access restrictions.

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