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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:

QATAR AIRWAYS - Qatar Airways is continuing its rapid growth and responding to increasing demand within Europe with a substantial increase in flight frequencies to Stockholm in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark and Brussels in Belgium. From December 1st 2015, flights from Doha to Stockholm, Sweden, will expand from a ten-times weekly service to 13 flights per week, a capacity increase of 30 per cent on the route. The increase is seasonal and valid until March 25th 2016. A double-daily service will be operated every day except Wednesday by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering customers 254 seats across its Business and Economy Classes. With the launch of these additional frequencies, customers from the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa in particular will benefit from improved connectivity to the Swedish capital via Qatar Airways' Doha hub. Qatar Airways' flight network to Scandinavia will be further enhanced with the expansion of flights to Copenhagen from December 2nd 2015. The airline will increase frequencies from an 11-times weekly service to double daily flights, representing an increase of almost 30 per cent in additional seats to Copenhagen every week. All flights will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and customers flying from the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa can look forward to even smoother connections via the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport. On December 4th 2015, five years after the introduction of the route, flights from Doha to Brussels will also be increased from seven to eight times weekly representing a 14 per cent increase in capacity on this route and enhanced connectivity for both leisure and corporate customers, particularly from the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: "We are delighted to offer our customers wishing to travel to and from Sweden, Denmark and Belgium an even greater choice of connection opportunities and this further network expansion is evidence of the growing demand on these routes. "Qatar Airways continues to expand rapidly, not only in terms of our global network but also in terms of the service we offer our customers. "Complementing our five-star service in the skies on board one of the youngest fleets in the industry are our transfer facilities at the state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport in Doha." Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 18 years of operation and today flies a modern fleet of 166 aircraft to 152 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

FRANCE(PARIS) - The US Embassy in France's capital, Paris, has warned of a strike by ground personnel at Charles de Gaulle Airport on 23 September. Further details are unknown. A related demonstration is also anticipated at the RER stop for Terminal 1, at 10:00 local time. No delays to flights have been reported at the airport as yet. It should be noted that the strike may be averted or escalated at short notice. Should the strike proceed, disruptions and delays to airport services should be anticipated on the day. In addition, while the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of disruptions and low-level confrontations cannot be discounted. Clients intending to transit Charles de Gaulle Airport on 23 September are advised to reconfirm all flights with their travel provider, airline or the airport.

POLAND(POZNAN) - According to reports released on 21 September, maintenance and construction works are set to disrupt services at the Poznan-Lawica Airport, in western Poznan, Poland. The airport was closed on 21 September and will remain closed until 11 October, at least. All international and domestic flights scheduled to transit through the airport have been suspended for the duration of the scheduled work. Clients intending to transit Poznan-Lawica Airport over the aforementioned period are advised to contact the airport or their airline directly to confirm the status of their flight(s).

SPAIN - RENFE rail workers affiliated with the CGT, UGT and CCOO unions have called for countrywide strikes across Spain on 25 September. The work stoppages form part of a series of countrywide rail strikes called for by unions every Friday between 18 September and 23 October. The work stoppages are expected to be in effect between 00:00 and 02:00, 13:00 and 15:00, as well as 20:00 and 22:00 local time on the affected days. The industrial action has reportedly been called to denounce the loss of jobs in the industry as well as the privatisation of services. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, disruptions to rail services should be anticipated. The above-mentioned work stoppages are also likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport on the affected days. It should be noted that negotiations between RENFE and the respective unions may resume in the coming days. As such, the strike action may be postponed, cancelled or extended on short notice. Persons in Spain are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action, and to contact their travel providers for updates on the status of their transport service(s). Should the strikes proceed, clients are advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance.

INDONESIA(JAKARTA) - Disruptions to rail services in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, are likely in the coming hours following an earlier collision between two trains at Juanda station on 23 September. At least 35 people were injured in the incident, which involved Commuter Line K115 and Commuter Line K1156; one of them serves the route between Jakarta and Bogor, on the southern outskirts of the capital, while the other serves the route between Jakarta and Bekasi, to the immediate east of the capital. The cause of the accident is under investigation. It is currently unclear when normal services will resume as continued delays are possible when the affected lines re-open. Clients planning to utilise the aforementioned rail services should consider alternative travel options and monitor local media for updates regarding the status of rail services.

GREECE(THESSALONIKI) - Significant disruptions to bus services in Thessaloniki have been reported on 23 September due to an ongoing 24-hour strike. Related traffic disruptions have been reported in the city centre and on major roads. The strike has been called in response to a number of key austerity reforms which, if implemented, are set to affect workers, and may result in public sector redundancies. As the call to strike has been well observed, further public transport disruptions should be anticipated. Clients in Thessaloniki should anticipate disruptions to bus services on 23 September, as well as an increased demand for alternative modes of public transport.

FRANCE(PARIS) - The CGT union is currently leading its members and supporters in a major demonstration at Place de la Republique, in central Paris, on 23 September. The gathering is expected to conclude at approximately 16:00 local time. The demonstration is being held in support of existing labour legislation. The rally has been well attended and localised disruptions to travel are expected, especially at Republique metro station, due to an elevated security force presence. The rally is expected to pass peacefully; nonetheless, the risk of low-level scuffles between demonstrators and police cannot be discounted entirely. Clients in Paris on 23 September are advised to avoid the vicinity of Place de la Republique as a precautionary measure. Localised travel delays should be expected.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - Heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional police and the cordoning off of roads, have been implemented in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 23 September, following a bomb threat that triggered the evacuation of the Palais de la Nation (Belgian Federal building), located on de la Loi Street. Further information regarding the origin of the threat is currently unknown. Security operations are still ongoing; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected around de la Loi Street and Brussels Park in the coming hours. Increased traffic should be anticipated on alternative routes. Persons in Brussels are advised to anticipate traffic disruptions and an increased security force deployment at this time. In addition, clients are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious packages, persons and/or activity to the relevant authorities.

CHINA(KYRGYZSTAN - Officials in Kyrgyzstan have announced the temporary closure of the country's shared border with China from 24 to 28 September. Affected border crossings include Torugart, located in Naryn province, and Irkeshtam in Osh province. According to reports, the border will be closed to ensure security during China's Mid-Autumn Festival and the commemoration of Eid al-Adha (or 'the Greater Eid'), which falls over these dates. Significant travel disruptions should be anticipated during the closure, as the Torugart and Irkeshtam are the primary land border crossings between the two countries. Persons intending to travel via the affected land border crossings should contact the local authorities prior to departure to confirm the status of the crossing. Clients should further anticipate that journeys utilising the aforementioned border crossings may need to be rescheduled. Alternatively, air travel should be considered.

CHINA(BAICHENG COUNTY, AKSU PREFECTURE, XUAR) - According to reports on 23 September, an elevated security force presence remains in place in Aksu prefecture's Baicheng county, located in China's north western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), following an armed attack and resultant security operation. The local authorities have reported that knife-wielding militants attacked security guards stationed outside a local coal mine, Sogan Colliery, on 18 September. After several hours of clashes between militants and security forces, at least five policemen were killed and dozens more injured. The authorities have attributed the attack to Uighur militants. Further details regarding the incident are unavailable. The incident is illustrative of pervasive insecurity in the XUAR region. Insecurity in the region stems from the ongoing tensions between the Chinese central government and the predominately Muslim Uighur population. Incidents of violence, including armed clashes and knife attacks, between Chinese security forces and Uighur militants are periodically reported. It should be noted in this regard that Chinese authorities heavily restrict access to information on security incidents; consequently, as is the case with this incident, reports of such attacks may only emerge several days after the incident. As a result of the heightened security measures, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Clients in Baicheng county and the greater XUAR region are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and make allowances for travel disruptions resulting from the possible increased security measures.

AFGHANISTAN(BAGRAM, PARWAN PROVINCE) - According to reports released on 23 September, at least one security official was killed in a suspected militant attack in Bagram, located in Afghanistan's Parwan province, on 22 September. Militants reportedly launched an attack at the Bagram Airfield, targeting NATO security forces stationed there. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. Further details regarding the incident are unavailable. The incident underscores the extreme threat of terrorism throughout Afghanistan. Attacks on NATO personnel, Afghan security forces, state infrastructure and related military and police facilities are common across the country, including in Parwan province. Islamist extremist terrorist organisations and other non-state armed groups, most notably the Taleban, regularly claim responsibility for such attacks. Due to the ongoing conflict between Afghan forces and militant groups, further such attacks and clashes are likely to persist. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. All travel after dark should be avoided. Finally, clients are advised to request further updates from their security provider.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - (Update) The preliminary hearing of the Mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, which was scheduled to take place in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 22 September, was postponed for the sixth time. A new date for the trial has been provisionally set for 21 October. 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 initial arrest and detention of Ledezma has sparked numerous protests in Venezuela, particularly around the time of his arrest in February, as well as in recent days. In light of the recent postponement, further protests by Ledezma supporters and other human rights activists are possible in Caracas, over the trial period, including up to and on 21 October. 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 are advised monitor developments pertaining to the trial and related protests. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

BELARUS(MINSK) - Opposition activists are set to stage a demonstration against the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko in Freedom Square, in central Minsk, from 18:00 local time on 23 September. Groups opposed to the autocratic regime of the country's long-serving president, Aleksandr Lukashenko, have held anti-government demonstrations in the past; these have been violently dispersed on occasion. Although the upcoming event has reportedly been sanctioned, authorities in Belarus tend to respond to dissent with heavy-handed tactics. Any attempts to deviate from the agreed upon event schedule are likely to be dealt with. The event is expected to be accompanied by a large security force presence. Clients in Minsk are advised to avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces in the capital as a precaution, and to expect localised traffic disruptions in the vicinity of Freedom Square.

PANAMA(PANAMA CITY) - An anti-government protest march organised by the Frenadeso social movement is expected to take place in Panama's capital, Panama City, on 24 September. Participants will march to the Presidential Palace on Avenida Eloy Alfaro at 16:00 local time; although the exact starting location is unknown. The demonstration has been organised in response to various human rights and labour-related issues. The protest march is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route and particularly in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of isolated clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Panama City on 24 September are advised to avoid all street protests. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any potential localised disruptions.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA) - Bosnia and Herzegovina's Association of Pensioners has called for an anti-government demonstration in front of the Parliament building, on Hamdije Kresevljakovica street in central Sarajevo, on 24 September. Related protests are also possible in Tuzla, Zenica and Bihac. It should be noted that all protests in Bosnia and Herzegovina carry an elevated risk of violence; as such, the possibility of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the Parliament building. Persons in Sarajevo on 24 September are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the Parliament building.

MEXICO - Protests are expected to take place across Mexico in the days leading up to the one-year anniversary of the kidnapping of 43 student teachers from the town of Iguala, Guerrero state, on 26 September 2014. A parliamentary debate on the case is scheduled to take place from 13:00 local time on 23 September, after being suspended on 22 September. Protests are likely to coincide with the debate, with demonstrators possibly gathering in the vicinity of the Senate of the Republic (Paseo de la Reforma). Furthermore, large-scale protests are anticipated across the country, particularly Guerrero state and including Acapulco, on 26 September. The main event will take place in Mexico City; participants will march from Angel of Independence monument to Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo). Further details pertaining to the protests are unknown. The 2014 abduction of the student teachers has sparked numerous anti-government demonstrations in Mexico in recent months. Protesters have denounced the government's perceived inaction over the abduction. Unions and activist groups have taken advantage of this prevailing anti-government sentiment to demand the resignation of President Enrique Pena Nieto, among other political demands. In recent related protests, violent clashes were reported between protesters and police near Guerrero state's capital, Chilpancingo, on 22 September. The protesters have also vandalised the office of the prosecutor in Chilpancingo on the previous day. In light of this, the possibility of isolated acts of vandalism as well as confrontations between protesters and security forces at any upcoming events cannot be ruled out. The risk posed to foreign travellers is largely incidental. Clients in Mexico are advised to monitor media in their area of travel for further information regarding possible related protests. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Due to high levels of crime and kidnapping, all non-essential travel to a number of Mexican administrative states, including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas, Durango, Sinaloa, Jalisco, Michoacan, Guerrero and Veracruz, is advised against.

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