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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:

SPAIN - (Update) A strike organized by unionized air traffic controllers employed by ENAIRE in Spain has been averted. The strike was expected to commence on 3 October from 06:00 to 18:00 local time, resulting in significant disruptions to international and domestic commercial air services countrywide. The work stoppage was reportedly called off by the Trade Union of Air Traffic Controllers (USCA) following a successful dialogue with ENAIRE; however, the union has stated that not all their grievances were addressed by the company and that the possibility for further strike action remains. Spain's aviation sector is frequently affected by strike action. The aforementioned work stoppage was called to protest against the sanctioning of 61 controllers and the firing of one other over a strike in 2010 that, at the time, resulted in the total closure of Spanish air space. Persons intending make use of air transport services in Spain in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).
 
ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected. 
BAHAMAS - Tropical Storm Joaquin is expected to affect the Bahamas from 30 September. The storm system is currently south of the Bahamas and is forecast to move in a northerly direction past the east coast of the archipelago in the coming hours. The New Providence island, in which the national capital, Nassau, is situated is expected to be affected by the storm. Associated heavy rainfall and strong winds have the potential to cause flooding in the Bahamas over the coming days. The possibility of resultant disruptions to transport, including flight services from Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport, as well as utilities, such as water and electricity, cannot be discounted. Clients in the Bahamas should follow any advisories issued by the authorities. Persons intending to utilise air travel in the region in the coming days, should contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly to Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport who were ticketed through ATG.
TURKEY(ANKARA) - Travel disruptions have been reported in the Dikimevi area of Turkey's capital, Ankara, on 1 October, following a bus accident. The incident is said to have occurred near the Dikimevi metro station, where a bus driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a bus stop; at least 12 people are said to have been killed and a further eight have been wounded. Emergency services are on the scene and have cordoned off the area, affecting travel along Cemal Gursel and Tanyeli streets. Disruptions are expected to continue in the coming hours as cleanup operations and initial investigations conclude. Persons in Ankara are advised to avoid the affected area and monitor local media for updates on the status of road travel. Localised travel disruptions should be expected and travellers should plan accordingly.

LIBERIA(GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY) - Local authorities imposed a curfew in the city of Ganta, located in Liberia's northern Nimba County, on 30 September. The curfew is expected to remain in place from 16:00 to 06:00 local time on 1 and 2 October. The curfew was declared in response to recent violent unrest in the city on 30 September, which was sparked by the discovery of the body of a motorcyclist who was believed to have been murdered. At least one person was reportedly killed and several others wounded during the unrest. Protesters reportedly looted and vandalised several properties, including a local hotel. Protesters also raided the Ganta police station, and released 22 suspected criminals who were being held there. It is unclear if any arrests have been made; further details are unknown.  The incident follows a spate of alleged murders in the region in recent weeks and underscores the high risk of crime, including violent crime, prevalent throughout the country. Further exacerbating the issue, law enforcement in Liberia is weak; the Liberian National Police Force (LNP) is ill-equipped, inadequately trained, poorly managed and generally unable to provide adequate law enforcement. An increased security presence, including security checkpoints, is likely to remain in the city over the near-term. Despite these measures and the curfew, the risk of further violent unrest remains a possibility over the coming days.  Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Liberia due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. Persons operating in Ganta are advised to abide by the directives of the authorities and adhere to the curfew. All large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BAHRAIN(NUWAIDRAT DISTRICT) - On 30 September, Bahrainian authorities announced that they had seized approximately 1.5 tonnes of explosives, rifles and ammunition from an illegal weapons cache in Nuwaidrat, following a security operation in the district. Additionally, an unconfirmed number of arrests were made, with security forces claiming that those arrested have been linked to the Lebanon-based and Iran-supported Hezbollah Shiite militant group and political party. Further details are not available. This latest incident highlights the medium-level, yet persistent, risk of terrorism in Bahrain. It is not likely that the recent counter-terrorism operation will reduce the overall threat; anti-government sentiment among the Shiite population remains elevated, allowing militant groups the opportunity to recruit and expand further. The alleged connection to militant groups in the wider region is a point of concern. Attacks have been relatively low-scale in recent years. Additional training by outside groupings, if confirmed, may improve their operational capacity over the medium-term. State facilities and personnel are likely to remain primary targets for these groups. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, Bahrain International and main roads from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all areas of Bahrain is advised against. Non-essential travel near security personnel and facilities should be avoided.
ITALY - Italian airport workers plan to stage a walk-out on 8 October between 13:00 and 17:00 local time. The work stoppages could cause some delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to verify the status of their flight before leaving for the airport and to arrive there early due to longer waiting times.

ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected. 
PHILIPPINES(ISABELA CITY & POLOMOLOK) -At least three people have been killed and 17 others wounded in two bomb explosions in the southern Philippines on 1 October. The first attack took place outside the home of the vice mayor of Isabela City, which is the administrative capital of Basilan province in the Sulu Archipelago, causing three deaths and five more casualties. The second blast occurred on a bus operated by Yellow Bus Line, in the Polomolok town of Mindanao's southern Cotabato province, injuring 12 people. Further details regarding these incidents are unavailable. There have been no claims of responsibility, however, local police suspect that the first incident was politically motivated, while the attack on the bus is thought to be extortion-related. This information has yet to be independently verified. Given the suspected motives for the attacks, there are a host of possible perpetrators, including militant and separatist or criminal groups. Irrespective of who is responsible, given the continued presence of criminal and militant organisations and the high level of insecurity in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, future such incidents are likely to occur. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, including Isabela City and Polomolok, is advised against. This advisory does not extend to Mindanao's eastern Caraga and Davao regions, to which non-essential travel is advised against. Persons currently in the aforementioned regions are advised to avoid the affected area and implement robust security protocols. All travel should be undertaken during daylight hours and in the presence of a security escort.

AFGHANISTAN(KUNDUZ) - (Update) Afghanistan's Interior Ministry announced on 1 October that it has succeeded in retaking the northern city of Kunduz from Taleban control, after the insurgent group seized control of the city on 28 September. According to latest reports, the Afghan National Army (ANA) has regained control of key government buildings and infrastructure, although insurgents remain present in some parts of the city, and sporadic violence has continued. It is believed that the turning point in the violence occurred when US air strikes where launched on militant positions, resulting in heavy combatant casualties. Although reports are unconfirmed, it is believed that at least 150 to 200 rebels have been killed in the clashes. Elsewhere in the north of Afghanistan, there are reports of clashes between Taleban insurgents, security forces and local militias in the provinces of Takhar, Baghlan and Faryab. Although security forces appear to have re-established control of Kunduz, the original seizure of the city remains a significant development, as it was the first time that the Taleban has taken control of a major urban centre since being ousted from power in 2001. Given that insurgents remain in part of the city, ANA troops will have to engage in possibly lengthy ground operations to clear these parts. Moreover, the US-led air strikes were critical in the ability of the ANA to secure the city. This is a concern, as the near total withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014 has left Afghan security forces spread thin across the country, and has emboldened insurgent groups to increase attacks. This has resulted in a considerable deterioration in the security environment across large parts of the country and, more specifically, Kunduz has been the site of increased conflict during 2015. Further conflict is anticipated in the short- to medium-term, at least. 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 to Kunduz should be deferred at this time. Clients remaining in Kunduz should reside in secure compounds. All movement in the city should be avoided as far as practically possible. Crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) should be updated with a security provider, from whom regular updates should also be requested.

SYRIA(HOMS, HAMA, & LATAKIA GOVERNORATES) - A number of airstrikes led by Russia hit targets in Syria's Homs, Hama and Latakia governorates on 30 September. At least 36 civilian fatalities were reported as a result of the airstrikes, which included assaults on Al-Zaafaraniyah, Al-Rastan and Talbiseh, all located in Homs governorate. Russian officials state that the strikes targeted Islamic State (IS) facilities; however, conflicting reports indicate that rebel-controlled and civilian areas had been hit. Syria has been affected by an ongoing civil war since 2011. There are multiple competing armed groups located in the country. IS forces maintain a major presence in the country and control approximately 25 to 40 percent of Syrian territory. Its primary areas of control are eastern Homs, Raqqa and most of Deir ez-Zor governorate. It is also increasingly pushing into the northern areas of Aleppo governorate and continues to skirmish with regime and Kurd forces in Al-Hasakah governorate. The fighting is expected to persist over the medium-term. In addition, further Russian as well regime and US-led airstrikes are expected to persist. The security situation is unlikely to improve significantly in the near-term. Due to the ongoing conflict and numerous security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons intending to travel to the country should do so following a full and customised security review in conjunction with their security provider. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - A rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1968 killing of student protesters in Tlatelolco will be held place in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 2 October. The protest is scheduled to begin at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas area of the city at 16:00 local time from where demonstrators will march on the Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo). The demonstration will be attended by human rights activists, student groups and civic movements. Although the rally is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for unrest cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be expected along the protest route. Clients in Mexico City on 2 October are advised to avoid the rally and any related gatherings as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any potential travel delays.

MEXICO(OAXACA STATE) - The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union has called for a strike across Mexico's Oaxaca state on 2 October. As part of the strike action, a series of protests will be held across the state; protesters have also threatened to blockade major roads in Oaxaca, possibly including the Federal Highway 190. In Oaxaca city, likely gathering points include Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo) and the state education building, Instituto Estatal de Educacion Publica de Oaxaca. Protesters are also likely to gather at other government and education facilities. The strike has been called to pressure federal and state officials into negotiations with CNTE, following the dissolution of the Oaxaca State Institute of Public Ediucation (IEEPO). The union believes that current reformation policies will result in a number of redundancies in the sector. The protests are likely to be well supported; as such, localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest-affected sites. Although the upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; previous demonstrations have been characterised by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at the upcoming march cannot be discounted. Persons in Oaxaca are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding planned protests. All protest locations and related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate possible travel disruptions.

IRAQ(CENTRAL & SOUTHERN GOVERNORATES) - Iraq's leading Shiite Muslim religious authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has warned of further protests in response to delays in the implementation of political reforms and against corruption. These protests are anticipated in the capital, Baghdad, as well as various other central and southern governorates of Iraq on 2 October. The protests have been held every Friday on a weekly basis primarily in the governorates of Babil, Karbala, Najaf, Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Wasit, Maysan, Basra and Diyala. Precedent suggests that protesters will gather in the vicinity of provincial councils and other local government buildings. In addition, the leader of the Shiite Sadrist Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, has called for a related demonstration in Baghdad, on 2 October. Participants are expected to gather at Tahrir Square. Details pertaining to the time of the rally have not been disclosed. Iraq has been beset by an increase in protests since early August, notably in the Shiite Muslim south. These initially focused on poor service delivery by the government. In an attempt to offset criticism of the government and to meet the demonstrators' demands, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi initiated a political reform process on 9 August. However, delays in the implementation of the reforms will likely lead to further protests and a possible escalation in the unrest. While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, with only minor acts of violence reported, the possibility of violence at the upcoming events cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala and Babil, as well as against all non-essential travel to the southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Qadisiyah, due to the threat of terrorism. Persons in Iraq should exercise caution near protest hotspots and when travelling on Fridays. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Opposition activists in Armenia have called for a mass protest against proposed constitutional reforms in the country's capital, Yerevan, on 2 October. Participants are expected to gather at the city's Liberty Square on the day; further details have not been disclosed. It should be noted that further protest action is possible on 5 October, when Parliament is scheduled to vote on the constitutional amendments. The aforementioned demonstration forms part of an ongoing campaign against a draft constitution put forward by President Serzh Sargsyan; his proposed amendments would allow for the transition to a parliamentary system of government with an executive prime minister. Opposition forces assert that this move would effectively enable Sargsyan to assume the role of prime minister when his second and final term as president concludes in 2018. Although the protest action is expected to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and police officials cannot be dismissed. The gathering is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Liberty Square. Persons in Yerevan on 2 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all associated large street gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the event and any advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to make provisions for potential travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

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