RUSSIA - Russian carrier Transaero is on the verge of collapse after announcing it will end operations on December 15. At the end of last week, government-owned flag carrier Aeroflot pulled out of purchasing a 75 per cent controlling stake in the troubled airline. Aeroflot decided against pursuing its offer after Transero stakeholders missed a deadline to present an offer for the purchase of the stake. Over the weekend, Transaero published a statement on its Facebook page announcing the end of its operations. The statement, in Russian, said: "Passengers with tickets with a date of departure after 0000 on December 15 will be able to obtain a full refund."

 

 

UNITED KINGDOM - Transport for London (TfL) has reported severe service disruptions on several tube lines in London, in the United Kingdom, on 7 October due to signal failures at various stations. London's Circle line is experiencing disruptions as a result of an earlier signal failure at Baker Street. The Hammersmith and City lines are also experiencing minor delays as a result of the failure. Commuters may use their tickets to board London Buses. Services on the London Overground are delayed between Highbury and Islington, as well as at Dalston Junction, due to a signal failure at Forest Hill. Commuter tickets will be accepted on the London Underground. In addition, services on the District Line are delayed due to earlier signal failures at Aldgate East and Stepney Green. Commuter tickets will be accepted on c2c services between Upminster and Fenchurch Street, on Southwest Trains between Richmond and Waterloo and in London. Tickets will be accepted on London Buses.Clients are advised to make use of alternative transport services. Furthermore, clients can visit the TfL website (http://tfl.gov.uk) for further updated information on the tube line services.

 

FRANCE - Several labour unions in France have called for a countrywide strike and protests on 8 October. The strike has been called in protest of government's austerity policies and other labour concerns regarding both the private and public sectors. Associated protests are set to take place in several major urban areas on the day. The largest demonstration is expected in the capital, Paris, with participants scheduled to gather at the Place de la Republique from 14:00 local time. Other demonstrations are expected in Marseille (from 10:30 at the Vieux-Port), Lille (from 14:30 at the Porte de Paris) and Lyon (from 10:30 outside the Gare de Brotteaux); further details regarding related demonstrations are unavailable. It is currently unclear how well the strike will be observed, as participation and affected sectors will vary according to region. Nonetheless, disruptions to private and public sector services, including public transport services are anticipated. The related gatherings are set to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of demonstration affected sites. The upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in France on 8 October are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and associated demonstrations. All large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions and allow for increased travel time.

 

ITALY -Unionised ground-handling workers in Italy are expected to embark on a countrywide work stoppage on 8 October. The labour action is expected to take place between 13:00 and 17:00 local time. The work stoppage has been called in demand of a wage increase and improved working conditions. The strike is expected to impact both domestic and international travel, possibly causing flight delays, as the loading, unloading, cleaning and refuelling of planes will be affected. Labour union-coordinated strikes take place frequently in Italy, often impacting on regional or countrywide transport services. Clients scheduled to transit through or within Italy on 8 October are advised to anticipate possible flight delays and to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

 

ITALY - Union-led strike action is expected to cause disruptions to public transport services in Italy's Sardinia region on 9 October. Labour unions, including ORSA Autoferro, have called on their members to observe a region-wide work stoppage from 11:00 to 15:00. The strike will affect CTM Cagliari bus, metro and rail services in the region. Italy's public transport sectors are regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, and over labour disputes. The upcoming strike is likely to cause significant disruptions to transport services and an increased demand for alternative transport should be expected as a result. Persons in Sardinia are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus, metro and rail services on 9 October, and plan accordingly.

 

RUSSIA - Labour unions have called for rallies in a number of cities in Russia on 7 October, including in Vladivostok (Railway Square), Saratov (Theatre Square), Chita (Theatre Square) and Pskov (Lenin Square). The rallies coincide with World Day for Decent Work. Union-led rallies are also anticipated in other cities and towns across Russia on the day. The rallies are likely to pass without major incident; however, localised traffic disruptions are possible near protest areas. Clients in the above-mentioned areas should monitor local media for updates. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

 

ISRAEL -  (Update) Civil unrest continues to be reported in the West Bank and parts of Israel. On 6 October, dozens of Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli security forces in incidents across the West Bank, including in the vicinity of Ramallah and the nearby Kalandiya crossing, Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem and Jenin. Violent unrest was also reported in East Jerusalem's Shuafat area. In Israel, six people were wounded during Palestinian-initiated civil unrest in Jaffa, located in southern Tel Aviv. There has been a marked increase in anti-Israel civil unrest across the West Bank and in East Jerusalem since early October. One of the primary causes of the recent spike in violence has been Israeli restrictions on Palestinian access to the religiously symbolic Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City. The mosque has been the focal point of low-level confrontations between the Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters for weeks. The violence in Jaffa, a largely Palestinian area, is the first during the most recent flare-up. Further violent and disruptive civil unrest is anticipated across the West Bank over the near-term. Israeli checkpoints, Jewish settlements, major roads and Palestinian refugee camps are likely gathering points. In Jerusalem, East Jerusalem, including the Old City, are likely flash points for further protests. Palestinian communities in Israel may also experience further protests. The potential for an escalation in protests also exists. In addition to a higher number of events on Friday (11 October), a traditional protest day, escalations may also occur in response to the killing of Palestinians or Israeli nationals/Jewish settlers. Finally, restrictions on travel between Jerusalem and the West Bank and in the West Bank by Israeli authorities may also continue over the near-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank. Persons in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Palestinian/Arab areas in Israel should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and avoid all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel.

 

NEW ZEALAND - Further disruptions to flight services are expected at Dunedin International and Queenstown Airport in New Zealand's Otago region on the South Island, on 8 October, after significant disruptions were reported on 7 October, due to inclement weather and high winds. Several arriving flights had to be diverted to Invercargill Airport, while others had to return to airports from which they departed. Although the winds are set to ease in the coming hours, the possibility of further disruptions to flight operations at the affected airports still exists. Once flight services to normalise, delays are expected as the backlog of flights in cleared. Clients intending to fly in the South Island in the coming hours and days are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

PARAGUAY - The Paraguayan Confederation of Cooperatives (CONPACOOP) has called for a countrywide strike in Paraguay on 8 October. As part of the industrial action, a protest will be held in the capital, Asuncion; participants are expected to gather at Plaza de Armas, near the National Congress. Protests are also possible in the departments of Itapua and Alto Parana, where cooperatives have confirmed their participation in the strike. Likely gathering points include central parks and government buildings. The agitation is in protest against laws relating to the taxation of cooperatives in Paraguay. While the upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level confrontations cannot be discounted. Furthermore, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Plaza de Armas and all other protest sites. Clients in Paraguay on 8 October are advised to avoid all street protests as standard precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate potential localised disruptions.

 

LEBANON - The 'You Stink' movement has called for a demonstration against the government's handling of the waste crisis in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on 8 October. The protest will coincide with an ongoing national dialogue being held in the city. Recent protests led by the movement were held in various parts of Beirut on 6 and 7 October. The upcoming demonstration will be held at Nejmeh Square near Parliament at 18:00 local time. Associated protests are possible in the capital on the day. Should such demonstrations occur, they are likely to be held at Martyrs' Square and Riad al-Sohl Square. An increased security presence should be anticipated in the area during the protest period. The upcoming protest is the latest in response to an ongoing waste management crisis. Activist groups, including 'You Stink', have staged regular demonstrations in the capital and elsewhere. These have become increasingly anti-government in sentiment. Some events have ended in low-level clashes, and violence during the planned event on 8 October is possible. Further protests are possible in the coming days. Downtown Beirut, particularly the area near Parliament, major government offices and road routes in and around the capital are also likely protest areas. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Persons in the city are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the Downtown area. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

 

NIGERIA - At least 15 people were killed and several others wounded following multiple bombings in the city of Damaturu, the administrative capital of Nigeria's north eastern Yobe state, on 7 October. Unconfirmed reports indicate that three suicide bombers were involved in the explosions, which targeted a local store and a mosque at the Buhari Housing Estate. Further details regarding the incident are unavailable. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility; however, suspicion is likely to fall on the Boko Haram Islamist extremist group. The incident is indicative of the high terrorism risk in northern Nigeria, including in Yobe state, where mass-casualty attacks are regularly reported. Despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations against the sect, Boko Haram continues to possess a strong operational presence in the country. Further attacks, which may take the form of armed raids, bombings and kidnappings, should be expected in the near-term. In addition, following such mass-casualty bombings, an increased security deployment should be expected, including additional patrols and checkpoints in affected areas. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of northern and north eastern states, including Yobe. Persons travelling in the region should do so with a close protection officer. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided, as should travel in busy or crowded areas.

 

PANAMA - Reports on 5 October indicate that a US national is critically wounded following an armed robbery of his residence in the town of Potrerillo Abajo, located in the Dolega district of Panama's Chiriqui province. The victim, who is currently under care at a local hospital, was reportedly stabbed multiple times and shot in the abdomen. Two suspects are in custody for the robbery and attempted murder. Violent crime targeting foreign nationals is not a common occurrence in Panama. Clients should note, however, that the threat of crime in Panama is considered medium in general, and includes mainly petty crime. Violent crime is generally drug related and does not target foreign travellers. The risk of being affected by crime increases if adequate personal and residential security measures are not in place. Clients in Panama should ensure that personal, travel and residential security measures are in place at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour, ensuring accommodation is secure and being prepared to let belongings go in the event of attempted theft. Travellers are further advised to maintain a low public profile and avoid outward displays of wealth.

 

NICARAGUA - Miners and residents protesting against a Canadian-owned gold mining company in the municipality of Larreynaga, located in Nicaragua's western Leon department, clashed with local police forces in the town of Malpaisillo on 6 October. The violence, which erupted when police forces attempted to disperse protesters, left one person dead and at least 31 others wounded. The violent clashes coincided with ongoing protests at the El Limon Mine since 26 September. The agitation is in protest against the dismissal of employees. The protests against the mining company are likely to continue over the near-term, particularly in light of the recent violence. An increased security presence is expected to be deployed to the affected area over the near-term. Further clashes and possibly, protest road blocks in Larreynaga should be anticipated. Persons intending to or currently operating in Malpaisillo and the wider Larreynaga municipality are advised to exercise caution in or near mining sites and should avoid all street protests, unofficial roadblocks and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution.

 

PAKISTAN - Opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is scheduled to hold a mass rally in Lahore, administrative capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, on 9 October. The rally will be addressed by PTI leader, Imran Khan, and has been called to demand the resignation of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officials following allegations of irregularities in the 2013 general elections. The rally will take place at the Samanabad Sports Arena, located on Ghazali Road, in the Samanabad area of the city. The exact starting time is unclear. The PTI is the second largest political party in Punjab; as such, the rally is likely to be well supported. Significant traffic congestion should be anticipated on roads to and from the demonstration venue, as supporters arrive and depart from the event. It is also likely that authorities will increase security ahead of and during the event. The potential for clashes at the gathering cannot be ruled out. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lahore due to various security concerns. For persons operating in the city on 9 October, local media should be monitored closely for updates on the rally and for additional directives from the local authorities. All large public gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.