Header NEWS
ATG TRAVEL NEWS & ALERTS
  
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

CHINA/NEPAL(CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES) - China Southern Airlines has cancelled its flights to Nepal from Tuesday until October 10, stating that it would not be able to fly without refueling at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). More airlines are likely to follow suit.  Citing that jet fuel crisis is likely to deepen on the heels of the unofficial trade embargo imposed by India, the airport authority has barred foreign carriers to refuel at the TIA from Tuesday afternoon onwards.  The airport authorities on Monday sent a notice to foreign airlines flying the Nepal sector that the cutbacks would come into effect by 12 noon on Tuesday. TIA officials have said that the tough decision was taken in response to requests made to them by the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). "We are sorry to inform passengers that due to jet fuel problem in Nepal, China Southern Airlines has cancelled its flight from Guangzhou-Kathmandu-Guangzhou effective from September 29 to October 10," the airline said in its Facebook page.  More airlines are preparing to suspend flights to Nepal for a temporary period, according to airlines officials.  Dhiraj Chandra Shrestha, deputy sales manager of China Southern, said that they have been flying a 115-seater A319 on the Kathmandu- Guangzhou route and the plane cannot carry a full load of passengers, cargo and a full load of fuel. He said that the airline is also is on a "wait and see" mode after October 10. "We also have been discussing with Bangladesh to provide refueling facilities."

RUSSIA/UKRAINE - (Update) Authorities in Russia announced on 28 September that Ukrainian airlines have been sanctioned from operating in Russia. The ban, which comes in response to Ukraine's 25 September decision to ban Russian airlines, is set to come into effect from 25 October. The ban does not prevent Ukrainian airlines from using Russian airspace. Persons planning travel to, from or via Russia with a Ukrainian airline are advised to contact their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s) and advice for travel alternatives.
 
ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected. 
UNITED KINGDOM(MANCHESTER) - The annual Conservative Party conference is set to be held in Manchester, in the UK, from 3 to 7 October. Increased security measures, additional police deployment and travel restrictions were implemented on 28 September, in preparation of the event. The conference will be held at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Windmill Street, and a security zone has been established around the venue. Resultant road closures and security cordons affecting routes surrounding the event, including Bootle, Portland, Hall, Mosley, Mount, Museum, Oxford, Peter, Southmill and Watson streets, should be anticipated. Associated protests and demonstrations are also expected outside the conference venue, both prior to and during the conference. An estimated 12,000 political delegates are expected to attend the conference. A number of related demonstrations by activist and civic groups are likely to be held. Protests coinciding with the event are expected to centre on austerity policies and other socio-economic and political grievances. Given the emotive nature of previous anti-austerity protests, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. The increased security measures and road closures are likely to cause localised traffic disruptions until 7 October. Persons in Manchester over the affected period should expect increased security measures, travel restrictions and associated delays in the coming days. Clients are advised to avoid all related gatherings as a precaution.
 
FRANCE - Le Monde is reporting that French rail unions CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail have called on workers at national rail company SNCF to strike on 8 October. The industrial action is officially set to begin on 7 October at 7 pm local time and conclude on 9 October at 8 am. Travelers are advised to visit www.sncf.com/en to check the latest train schedules.

CHILE(SANTIAGO) -  Bus drivers affiliated with the Express de Santiago Uno transport company initiated a strike on 28 September in Chile's capital, Santiago. The strike, which affected thousands of commuters, coincided with ongoing talks between the company and workers' representatives. Worst-affected areas of the city included Maipu, Estacion Central, Vitacura, Las Condes and Providencia. There were reports of some confrontations between striking workers and bus drivers who did not join the strike action and security force personnel. Incidents were reported in the Rinconada area of Maipu. It is not clear if the bus strike is ongoing. Persons in Santiago who intend travelling by bus should reconfirm the status of local services with the relevant transport authority prior to travel. Street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

EAST ASIA - (Update) Tropical Storm Dujuan is currently impacting on the south eastern parts of China, including the Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, as a Category 1 storm on 29 September. Authorities in China reportedly evacuated numerous high-risk areas in the Zhejiang province ahead of the storm. On 28 September, the storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to Taiwan, resulting in major transport disruptions countrywide as well as extensive evacuations of high-risk areas; at least two people died and many more were reported injured during the storm. Weather-related transport disruptions, including to flights, are expected to persist in Taiwan on 29 September. The tropical storm could result in localised flooding and coastal storm surges in low-lying areas of China. The risk of landslides in elevated regions also cannot be discounted. Associated travel (air, rail, road and sea) and power disruptions in affected areas remain a possibility. Clients in Taiwan and south eastern China should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding, and in elevated regions due to the landslide risk. Travellers should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of transportation services prior to departure.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - (Update) Tensions remain elevated in the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, Bangui, on 29 September following violent clashes between Muslim and Christian communities in the city on 27 September. A nightly curfew implemented by the government on 27 September remains in place; however, this has proven largely ineffective as incidents of looting and the blockade of important thoroughfares continue to be reported in the city. Further unconfirmed reports indicate that access to the Bangui M'Poko International Airport has been restricted due to roadblocks raised by protesters. The CAR has experienced an escalation in unrest and associated violence since the body of a Muslim man was discovered in a predominately Christian area of Bangui on 26 September. Retaliatory attacks by Muslim communities against Christians on 27 September left at least 38 people dead, prompting the implementation of a nightly curfew in the city from 18:00 to 06:00 local time. The motivation for unrest has since moved from ethno-religious grievances to those of a political nature. On 28 September, thousands of protesters marched towards the Presidential Palace to call for the re-arming of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and the removal of French troops from the country. The majority of demonstrations since then appear to be related to this demand. Efforts to stabilise the situation by United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) forces and French military associated with Operation Sangaris have been largely unsuccessful. The spike in violence has triggered the early return of interim president, Catherine Samba-Panza, from the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Should the security situation in the capital deteriorate any further, the risk of violence spreading to other urban centres in the country cannot be discounted. It should be noted that ongoing insecurity in Bangui may prompt the extension of curfews, border closures or temporary closures of the Bangui M'Poko International Airport in the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons in-country are advised to consider departing, if safe and possible to do. Clients currently operating in Bangui are advised to limit their travel in public and avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. All crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) should be updated with a security provider, from whom regular updates should also be requested.

BURKINA FASO - (Update) According to reports on 28 September, a contingent of officers from the former Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) have refused to adhere to a disarmament condition stipulated in the accord that brought an end to the 16/17 September coup in Burkina Faso. The aforementioned impasse by the now disbanded RSP, led by General Gilbert Diendere, may serve to catalyse further unrest in the country, amid already heightened political tensions. An Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-brokered agreement between the RSP and the regular army of Burkina Faso enabled a return to civilian rule in the country and the reinstatement of interim president Michel Kafando on 21 September. While a positive development, it remains unclear whether the Burkina Faso interim administration and its military will honour their agreement to exempt the RSP from prosecution for the coup. In addition, although it is unclear at this stage whether officers within the RSP will continue to ignore the call for disarmament, Diendere has reportedly asserted that the operation will continue as planned. Clients are advised against all travel to Burkina Faso following a military-led coup in mid-September. Persons currently in the country are advised to update all crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) with their security provider, from whom regular updates should be requested. Persons in Ouagadougou are advised to remain in a secure location and limit movement outside of their accommodation as far as practically possible. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

PERU(APURIMAC REGION) - Farmers protesting against a mining project in Peru's southern Apurimac region clashed with local police forces at the Las Bambas copper mine on 28 September. The violence left three people dead and a number of others wounded. The violent clashes coincided with protests ongoing in the region since 25 September. Protesters are calling for revisions to the mine's environmental plan and that the mining company hire more locals. The protests have also reportedly impacted on Challhuahuacho town. Peru has been affected by a series of protests in 2015 related to its mining industry. These have been led by various local groupings either opposed to the presence of the mines, due to environmental concerns, or agitating for greater economic benefits for the local community. The protests in Apurimac are likely to continue over the near-term, particularly in light of the recent deaths. In addition to protests in Challhuahuacho and at the Las Bambas site, protests in towns across the region are also possible. Further clashes and, possibly, protest road blocks should be anticipated. Persons intending to or currently operating in the Apurimac region are advised to exercise caution in or near mining sites and should avoid all street protests or unofficial roadblocks as a standard precaution.

SOUTH AFRICA(MASIPHUMELELE & CAPE TOWN) - Disruptive protests by residents of the Masiphumelele township, located in South Africa's south western city of Cape Town, have led to localised traffic disruptions in the area on 29 September. The protesters have reportedly blocked all entry and exit points to the township, affecting road travel along the M65 motorway and Kommetjie Road. Police have been deployed to the area and have advised motorists to seek alternative routes; the protesters have established barricades and are reportedly throwing stones at passersby. The protests are reportedly related to the arraignment of a group of Masiphumelele residents in connection to a vigilante killing. Protests and demonstrations stemming from social or political concerns are common in low-income areas throughout South Africa. Such gatherings frequently turn violent, leading to disruptions to traffic, businesses and service delivery. It should be noted that the M65 is an important thoroughfare used by motorists to travel to prominent coastal towns such as Kommetjie, Capri Village and Noordhoek in the greater Cape Town area, as well as the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (also known as Cape Point). Persons travelling to or from Cape Point should exercise heightened security awareness, defer all travel along the violence-affected section of the aforementioned roadways, and ensure that allowances are made for possible travel delays. Clients are further advised to ensure that all visits to Masiphumelele, or any of South Africa's low-income residential areas, are only undertaken as part of an organised tour group.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE) - A number of unions, including the Association of State Workers (ATE) and the Argentine Workers' Central Union (CTA), have called for a general strike across Argentina's Buenos Aires province on 29 September. An associated protest march is also anticipated on the day; participants will gather at Plaza Italia in the provincial capital, La Plata, at 12:00 local time and proceed to the Government House in the city. The strike has been called in response to a wide range of issues, including job security. The upcoming strike and protest march are expected to be well attended; some disruptions to business and travel are possible as a result of the strike. Associated protests may also extend to the national capital, Buenos Aires. 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 Buenos Aires province on 29 September are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Travellers in the region should confirm all scheduled transportation services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority, and adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - A demonstration is anticipated in Istanbul, Turkey, on 29 September. The rally has been organised in protest against the detention of 32 journalists affiliated with pro-Kurdish media, including the Dicle News Agency (DIHA) and Azadiye Welat. Participants will gather outside the DIHA building from 12:30 local time.  Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and police officials cannot be dismissed. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration affected site. Persons in Istanbul on 29 September are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential disruptions.

ROMANIA(BUCHAREST) - Opposition group, National Liberal Party (PNL), is set to stage an anti-government demonstration in Romania's capital, Bucharest, on 29 September. The rally has been called to express dissatisfaction and the lack of confidence in incumbent government administration, led by Prime Minister Victor Ponta. Participants are expected to gather at Izvor Park, Bucharest, from 09:30 local time.  The upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, however, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. The protest is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the area surrounding Izvor Park.  Persons in Bucharest on 29 September are advised to avoid all associated gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential delays.

GHANA(ACCRA) - A demonstration organised by the Let My Vote Count (LMVA) activist group is expected to take place in Ghana's capital, Accra, on 29 September. The rally has been organised to demand the creation of a new voter's register ahead of the 2016 elections. Participants will gather in the vicinity of the Electoral Commission head offices, although the exact time of the demonstration is unknown. The rally is expected to be accompanied by an increased security presence. The previous related rally by the LMVA was marred by clashes between protesters and police. Police forces also made use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. In light of this and despite the increased security presence, the risk of violence at the upcoming demonstration is credible. Clients in Accra on 29 September are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you  
need assistance with your travel plans.
  

Social Media LinkedIN  Social Media Facebook  Social Media Twitter