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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:

BRITISH AIRWAYS - British Airways will close its lounge in Gatwick's North Terminal in January 2016. The carrier is scheduled to move all flights across to the South Terminal in November 2016, leaving a ten-month period when there will be no BA lounge in the North Terminal. During that time, passengers will have access to the No.1 Traveller lounge instead of a dedicated BA lounge. The BA facility is being closed so that construction work can take place. Easyjet is also due to consolidate its South Terminal operations to the North Terminal in November 2016.A BA spokesperson said: "Our customers are invited to use Gatwick's No.1 lounge from January 2016 when the current British Airways lounge will be closed for building work." Earlier this month, it emerged that No.1 Traveller will double its capacity in both Gatwick terminals over the next year.

MEXICO(GUERRERO, MICHOACAN, COLIMA & JALISCO) - Tropical Storm Marty is forecast to increasingly impact on Mexico's southern states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco over the next 24 to 48 hours. The local authorities have warned of heavy rainfall and associated flooding and landslides in these states. There is an addition risk of adverse sea conditions. In addition to the risk of flooding and landslides, coastal storm surges are also possible. These could lead to further flooding in coastal towns. Disruptions to sea, land and air transport services and the supply of electricity should also be anticipated in the affected area. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low lying areas, such as rivers and near the coast, due to the risk of flooding and in elevated regions due to the landslide threat. Travellers should reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider or the local transport authority. In addition, please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the states of Guerrero, Michoacan and Jalisco due to elevated levels of insecurity.

THAILAND(VARIOUS PROVINCES) - Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has issued a flooding and landslide alert for several provinces in the central, eastern and southern regions of the country. The advisory, which will be in effect between 26 and 30 September, is specifically applicable to the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Chon Buri, Trat, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Ranong, Phangna, and Phuket. 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. The northern, eastern and north eastern parts of the country are often most adversely affected. However, low-lying and coastal areas in the south and west are also frequently affected. The heavy seasonal rains have likely resulted in saturated ground conditions, which may exacerbate the risk of flooding and resultant landslides in the aforementioned locations. In addition, transport disruptions are likely in the coming days as a result of the inclement weather. Clients in the affected provinces are advised to monitor local media for further updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions, due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides.

JAPAN/TAIWAN - (Update) Tropical Storm Dujuan is currently impacting Taiwan and the southern part of Japan's Okinawa prefecture as a Category 4 storm on 28 September. In Taiwan's impacted areas, thousands of people have been evacuated form high-risk areas as a precautionary measure, with thousands more on standby for possible evacuation. Approximately 24,000 members of the military have been placed on standby and 100 evacuation shelters have been erected. Ferry services have been suspended and many flights have been cancelled as of 12:00 local time on 28 September; high-speed rail services will be cancelled from 15:00 local time. There have been no reports of casualties thus far. Given Tropical Storm Dujuan's slow speed, it is likely to produce heavy rainfall over Taiwan, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides considerably, especially in the mountainous interior. Due to this and the cancellation of transport services, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), should be anticipated. The storm is moving in a north westerly direction and given its current trajectory, is expected to impact China's Fujian province late on 28 September or early on 29 September. Clients in Taiwan, and the impacted areas of Japan and China are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides. Travellers should confirm the status of scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure.

NEPAL - Continued disruptions to travel to business are possible in Nepal in the coming days due to ongoing fuel shortages. Authorities have introduced a system that permits vehicles to drive only on alternating days, depending on whether they have odd- or even-numbered licence plates. The measures were introduced in response to protesters blocking a key border crossing with India, the Birgunj crossing, since 24 September, hampering the flow of goods, including fuel, from reaching Nepal from India. Further exacerbating the issue, India's security forces at the crossing are reportedly barring Indian supply trucks from entering Nepal from India. These disruptions are the latest development related to anti-constitution protests that have impacted Nepal's southern Terai region since early August. The recently promulgated constitution, which establishes the state as a secular federal republic with seven regions, has been widely opposed by minority groups, including the Terai region-based Madhesi and Tharu ethnic groups. These groups have initiated violent protests, leaving over 40 people dead since early August. Anti-constitution parties are likely to continue to call for protests over the near-term. Given this dynamic, further blockades of the Birgunj crossing are possible, resulting in continued disruptions to the supply of fuel and other goods in Nepal due to its heavy reliance on India for such imports. In addition, the blockade of the border crossing may also disrupt travel for those attempting to access the crossing. Further to this, all protest action and blockades carry a considerable threat of violence, especially in light of the high probability of additional security force deployments to the border crossing. Persons in Nepal are advised to expect disruptions to transport services while the fuel shortages and vehicular restrictions are in place. Clients, particularly those in the Terai region, are advised to monitor local developments closely. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients operating in the country are further advised to request updates from their security provider. Please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nepal in light of several safety concerns.

COLOMBIA(MEDELLIN) - US national, John Mariani, was shot and killed outside of his hotel in the El Poblado area of Medellin city, Colombia, on 25 September during an apparent robbery attempt. The incident highlights the elevated crime levels in Colombia, including in the country's prominent urban centres. Petty and violent crime is a significant risk. The risk increases further if travelling during the evening and in lower-income areas of major cities. Clients in Colombia should limit travel during the evening. It is advisable to travel with reputable taxi services organised through a trusted local source or trained security driver and limit time spent in or near lower-income areas. Travellers should maintain a low public profile and avoid outward displays of wealth.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD & BASRA) - (Update) Eight Turkish nationals, who were kidnapped in the Sadr City area of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 2 September, have reportedly been released. A large group of construction workers employed by Nurol Construction were abducted by a Shiite militia group, Furaq Al-Mawt, who demanded that Turkey halt the flow of fighters into Syria, stop allowing Kurds to export oil through northern Iraq and Turkey and end the siege of Shiite villages in Syria. Previously, two of the victims were released in Basra in mid-September. It is unclear when and where the larger group was released. The incident underlines the elevated risk of kidnapping in Iraq. The threat stems from multiple quarters, including militia, terrorist and criminal groupings. Motivations also vary considerably. Incidents can be linked to developments in the wider region, as the recent abduction attests too. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central governorates, including Baghdad, and against all non-essential travel to a number of southern governorates, including Basra. Clients in Iraq should travel with a security escort and reside and operate in secure locations. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC(BANGUI) - (Update) Heightened tensions persist in the Central African Republic's (CAR) capital, Bangui, early on 28 September amid reports of renewed gunfire in the city. Further reports indicate that widespread looting took place in the capital overnight on 27/28 September despite a recently imposed curfew. The premises of several foreign aid organisations were targeted in the overnight ransacking, including Cordaid and the French Red Cross (IFRC), prompting the evacuation of staff members. United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) forces and French military associated with Operation Sangaris are reportedly undertaking efforts to stabilise the situation. The CAR has been subject to an increasing number of ethno-religious incidents of violence following the overthrow of former president Francois Bozize's regime in 2013. This latest unrest was sparked by the discovery of the body of a Muslim man in a predominately Christian area of Bangui on 26 September. Retaliatory attacks by Muslim communities ensued; at least 36 people were killed and a further 80 wounded in the violence. In an attempt to quell hostilities, the government imposed an overnight curfew in the city from 18:00 to 06:00 local time on 27 September; this proved to be largely ineffective in light of the aforementioned looting. As the security situation in the country is not expected to improve in the near-term, further incidents of communal violence are likely. Further unrest could prompt the implementation of additional travel restrictions, including curfews, in violence-affected areas. There are currently no indications that flight operations at Bangui M'Poko International Airport have been impacted by the unrest as yet. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons currently in the country, regardless of location, are advised to update all crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) with their security provider, from whom regular updates should also be requested. Clients in Bangui should limit travel in public at present and should regularly check the status of local roads and the airport. All large public gatherings, travel at night, state facilities and concentrations of security forces should be avoided.

LIBYA(BENGHAZI) - Heavy fighting between Libyan National Army (LNA) forces and militants linked to Ansar al-Sharia and the Islamic State has been reported in Benghazi since 19 September. Recent heavy exchanges (25 to 27 September) have been reported in the city's Sabri, Hawari, Leithi and Buatni districts and have resulted in dozens of casualties. Benghazi has been affected by near continuous conflict since May 2014, which has left hundreds of people dead. The LNA reportedly has the advantage and holds most key positions in the city; however, militants maintain a strong foothold in the city. The fighting coincides with ongoing attempts by the UN to broker a peace deal between the country's two rival governments. A draft agreement has been presented; however, the country's major parties have yet to sign it. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country are advised to implement robust security measures, including travelling with a close protection officer. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

AFGHANISTAN(KUNDUZ) - Taleban insurgents launched a multi-pronged assault on Afghanistan's northern city of Kunduz, the administrative capital of the eponymous province, at 06:00 local time on 28 September. Afghan security forces are reportedly engaging in fighting with the attackers on three approaches to the city, specifically the Khan Abad, Char Dara and Imam Sahib districts. Although the death toll is likely to rise in the coming hours, at least 20 insurgents and 14 security forces members have been killed thus far. The latest reports indicate that although the military has repelled the militants, sporadic clashes are ongoing. Further details remain unavailable. These latest developments continue to underscore the extreme threat from conflict in Afghanistan, as well as highlighting the gains the Taleban have made in the previously relatively secure north since the start of its summer offensive in April. The losses come in the wake of the near total withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014, leaving Afghan security forces spread thin across the country. More specifically, Kunduz has been the site of increased conflict during 2015, with militants having made concerted efforts to capture the city from government control. Although militants have thus far been unsuccessful, they have seized control of considerable parts of Chardara district, which lies in close proximity to the provincial capital. Further related conflict should be expected in the near-term. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols should be implemented at all times. All movement should be conducted during daylight hours only and in the presence of a security escort. Travel into conflict areas should be avoided as far as practically possible.

ISRAEL(JERUSALEM) - Low-level clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police have been reported in the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City on 28 September. The confrontations followed a day after similar clashes at the site. The mosque has been a focal point of low-level civil unrest in recent weeks. Clashes have coincided with Muslim and Jewish religious holiday periods. Currently, Jews are commemorating Sukkot. The Israeli security forces have deployed additional forces to the area to contain the violence and have enforced restrictions on both Palestinian Muslim and Jewish persons from entering the affected area, at times. Further clashes are anticipated during Sukkot and over the near-term. The civil unrest may also spread to other areas of the Old City and East Jerusalem. The risk to visitors to the Old City and East Jerusalem is considered largely incidental. Persons in or intending to travel to the Old City and East Jerusalem over the near-term are advised to exercise heightened caution near all major religious sites, security force positions and in Palestinian communities. All street protests and travel at night should be avoided.

COTE D'IVOIRE(ABIDJAN) - Activists supportive of the opposition National Coalition for Change (CNC) have called for protests in Cote d'Ivoire's capital, Abidjan, on 28 September. The protests will centre on the Independent Electoral Commission and the Radiodiffusion-Television Ivoirienne (RTI) headquarters. The gathering at the RTI facility will be preceded by a street march from the roundabout near the Sofitel Hotel. The call to protest follows CNC protest action on 26 September in Abidjan. Participants gathered at the Place Ficgayo, in the Yopougon area, where they were met by hostile security forces who fired teargas into the crowd. According to the authorities, CNC had not obtained the requisite authorisation to host such a gathering. The CNC has called for the rallies in opposition to President Alassane Ouattara's candidacy ahead of presidential elections scheduled to take place on 25 October. Further protests and associated clashes are anticipated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire due to various security concerns. Persons in the country ahead of the elections should monitor local media closely for information on planned protests. All street demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.

PUERTO RICO(SAN JUAN) - Truck drivers in Puerto Rico are set to hold a protest march in the country's capital, San Juan, on 28 September. The protest rally is scheduled to begin at 10:00 local time, when participants will march on the Parliament buildings. Roadways anticipated to be affected by the protest action include the Jose de Diego Expressway, as well as the Expreso Roman Baldorioty de Castro and the PR-1 highways. The protest has been called amid an ongoing labour dispute; although anticipated to conclude peacefully, it could lead to significant travel disruptions in San Juan. Furthermore, the possibility of isolated outbreaks of unrest at the planned gatherings cannot be discounted. Clients in San Juan on 28 September should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate any potential travel disruptions. All protests and related gatherings should be avoided.

CAMBODIA - The 15-day Pchum Ben festival, also known as the Ancestors' Day Festival, will be celebrated across Cambodia from 28 September. A public holiday has been declared on 10 to 12 October and all government offices, banks, shops and restaurants will be closed. Phchum Ben is the most important festival in the Khmer religious calendar. Many businesses and shops are closed during the celebration period. Furthermore, the large influx of festival attendees is likely to result in significant travel disruptions. There is an elevated risk of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft of unattended items, at all large public gatherings. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of religious temples should be anticipated. Clients traveling to Cambodia during this period are advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly in crowded public places and on public transport, and if undertaking road travel. Travel disruptions should also be anticipated.

HONG KONG - Pro-democracy gatherings are possible in Hong Kong on 28 September amid the first anniversary of the Occupy Central protest movement. Precedent suggests that the city's Umbrella Square, Mong Kok area, Kowloon area, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay may serve as gatherings points for both organised and spontaneous protest gatherings. Hong Kong's chief executive elections are set to take place in 2017, in compliance with the ruling Chinese National People's Congress (NPC). Calls for greater political autonomy by pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong have resulted in political tension between China and Hong Kong. In 2014, the pro-democracy civil society organisation, Occupy Central with Love and Peace (colloquially referred to as Occupy Central), staged a civil disobedience campaign throughout Hong Kong, calling for democratic and electoral reforms in the special administrative region ahead of the 2017 elections. Although the Occupy Central movement was well supported, the majority of protests concluded without major incident. Nonetheless, sporadic incidents of violent unrest resulting from clashes between police and demonstrators cannot be discounted at any upcoming events. An increased concentration of security forces and localised travel disruptions is anticipated in the vicinity of all protest sites on the day. Persons in Hong Kong are advised to avoid all related protests and demonstrations as well as concentrations of security forces as a precaution against civil unrest.

SOUTH AFRICA(CAPE TOWN, PRETORIA, DURBAN, POLOKWANE & GRAHAMSTOWN) - The Unite Against Corruption (UAC) coalition has called for anti-corruption demonstrations in several cities in South Africa on 30 September, including Cape Town (Western Cape province), Pretoria (Gauteng province), Durban (KwaZulu-Natal province), Polokwane (Limpopo province) and Grahamstown (Eastern Cape province). The largest gatherings are expected in Cape Town and Pretoria, where participants are set to march towards Parliament and the Union Buildings from 11:00 local time. Several civil society groups and trade union organisations have expressed their support for the upcoming protest campaign against government corruption; the demonstrations are thus likely to be well attended. Localised traffic disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any protest routes. Protests stemming from political issues and labour disputes are common in South Africa. Such gatherings frequently turn violent, disrupting traffic, businesses and service delivery. Consequently, the potential for unrest at the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Persons in the aforementioned cities on 30 September are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any associated street gatherings. Itineraries should be keep flexible in order to mitigate any potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protests.

SOUTH AFRICA(SANDTON & JOHANNESBURG) - Localised traffic disruptions and associated delays are likely during the upcoming EcoMobility World Festival 2015 in Sandton, Johannesburg, from 1 to 31 October. The month-long event has been organised to encourage and emphasise the use of public transport, walking and cycling in the city. Consequently, Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) officials have announced that thoroughfares in Sandton will have regular traffic access regulated; new pedestrian zones, cycling and public transport lanes will also be implemented. Streets that are set to be affected by the aforementioned changes include West Street, Maude Street, Alice Street, Gwen Lane and Rivonia Road. Additional security forces will be deployed during the festival to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. Although the SCMD has implemented traffic management plans to mitigate any traffic congestion associated with the upcoming festival, localised travel disruptions and delays should be anticipated (particularly as motorists become accustomed to new routes). In addition, an increased demand for alternative public transport services is likely during the affected period. Persons operating in Sandton during the aforementioned period are advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for any possible travel delays. Clients are similarly advised to contact their travel provider(s) to enquire about the status of services during the festival. Further details regarding SCMD traffic management plans can be accessed on the EcoMobility World Festival 2015 website (http://www.ecomobilityfestival.org/transport-management-plan/).

CHINA - China is scheduled to celebrate the 'Golden Week' holiday between 1 and 7 October. In addition, 1 October will be commemorated as National Day. An increased demand for road, rail and air transport in the run up to, during and immediately after the holiday period should be anticipated, many government offices, shops and other businesses will remain closed. Public gatherings and festivities will be held in the capital, Beijing, and other urban centres throughout the country. At all such events there will be an increased risk of incidents of petty crime due to the ample cover provided to petty thieves by large crowds. Clients should book their preferred method of transport in advance and ensure that all travel plans are made with allowances for possible travel delays. Clients are further advised to exercise extra vigilance, especially when using public transport or passing through transport hubs, such as train stations and bus stops, as well as when visiting tourist sites.

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