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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

INDIA - Chandigarh Airport, in India's eponymous city, is set to close from 16 to 18 October, due to repairs that will be undertaken on the runway. Although airport authorities have stated that maintenance will be complete by the aforementioned deadline, construction delays and subsequent flight disruptions are possible. Persons intending to make use of Chandigarh Airport's services in the near-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of services and flights scheduled to arrive at and depart the airport.
 
Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Chandigarh Airport October 16 - 18 who were ticketed through ATG. 

JETBLUE - JetBlue has installed its Fly-Fi wireless service on its Airbus A320 and A321 fleetand has begun installation on its 60 Embraer E190s. Once done in fall 2016, the carrier will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on its entire fleet.

UNITED STATES / BRAZIL - Delta has filed for regulatory approval to increase its new nonstop service between Orlando and Sao Paulo from four times per week to daily. Delta will begin service in the market four times per week beginning December 19, 2015 and expects to start serving the cities on a daily basis February 20, 2016. In June Delta announced that it would have four U.S. gateways to Sao Paulo, giving customers the option of flying through New York, Orlando, Atlanta and Detroit. In addition, the Sao Paulo-Orlando flight will offer convenient connections to nine major U.S. destinations, including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (LGA and JFK) and Raleigh. 

UNITED KINGDOM(GOUROCK) - Authorities have closed several roads and issued a mandatory evacuation order in Gourock, approximately 40km west of Glasgow in Scotland, pending the disposal of an unexploded Second World War naval mine on 15 October. Homes and businesses on Kempock Street, Albert Road and Bath Street are set to be evacuated until 14:00 local time on the day. In addition, ferry services will be disrupted during this period; however, rail services are expected to operate normally. A large number of naval mines were laid in and around British ports during the Second World War. Although the majority were successfully removed following the conclusion of the conflict, unexploded naval mines are occasionally discovered during construction or ocean survey work. The disposal or detonation of these bombs generally concludes without incident, although this can result in travel disruptions. Persons in or planning to travel to areas covered by the evacuation order are advised to monitor developments closely and adhere to advisories issued by the local authorities. Clients should contact their travel provider to confirm the status of ferry services and plan for associated travel delays.   

BOLIVIA(LA PAZ) - Transport operators associated with the Federation of Drivers of La Paz are expected to resume a protest campaign initiated on 7 October in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, from 15 October for an indefinite period of time. On 13 October, protesters blockaded Mariscal Santa Cruz Avenue, as well as Potosi Street, Camacho Avenue and Ayucucho Street from 09:00 local time. The organisation has also threatened to observe a 24-hour strike on 19 October, although this has not yet been confirmed. Protesting drivers are demanding an increase in bus fares. Although the protests are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Furthermore, protesters may continue to erect roadblocks in the capital as part of the agitation. Should this occur, localised travel disruptions should be expected. Clients in La Paz in the near-term are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate any localised travel disruptions. Persons intending to make use of public transport are advised to contact their travel provider to confirm the status of services.

CHILE - The Chile Navy Weather Service issued a coastal surge warning on 14 October. The warning extends from the port city of Arica to the Gulf of Penas and is expected to remain in effect until 16 October. Clients in Chile are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the authorities. 
 
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS/GUAM - Tropical Storm Champi is expected to increasingly impact upon the Northern Mariana Islands and to a lesser extent, Guam, over the following 48 hours. The storm, which is currently tracking in a north westerly direction, is not forecast to make direct landfall over the territories; however, inclement weather is anticipated to impact the affected islands. Tropical storm warnings are in place for the islands of Agrihan, Pagan and Alamagan in the Northern Marianas. Additionally, a tropical storm watch has been issued for the islands of Saipan and Rota located in in Guam. The storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall conducive to flooding over the near-term. Low-lying areas are at the greatest risk of flooding. In addition, strong winds may lead to coastal storm surges. The adverse weather may also continue to disrupt maritime, air and road travel over the near-term. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Travellers should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of their transport service(s). Caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding.   

MAURITANIA - According to reports released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 13 October, at least 25 cases of Rift Valley fever (RVF) have been reported in various regions of Mauritania. Reports indicate that eight of the 25 reported cases have been confirmed while 13 are still awaiting results. In addition, eight fatalities have been reported since 14 September. Authorities have indicated that 12 out of 44 provinces are affected by the outbreak. A majority of the affected provinces are located in the southern part of the country which are currently experiencing high annual rainfall levels. These areas include: Brakna (Magta-Lahjar & Aleg), Hod el Gharbi (Ayoun El Atrous & Tamchekett) Hod el chargui (Djigueni & Timbedra), Tagant (Moudjeria & Tidjikja), Assaba (Kiffa), Dakhlet Nouadhibou (Nouadhibou), Nouakchott nord (Dar Naim) and Nouakchott sud (Riyadh). RVF is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that affects both animals and humans. It is commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of unusually heavy rainfall. The RVF virus can cause several different disease syndromes. Typically, infected persons will either show no symptoms or have a mild illness associated with fever and liver abnormalities. At the onset of the illness, patients usually experience fever, general weakness, back pain, dizziness and extreme weight loss. Some patients with an advanced form of the illness can experience haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis or ocular diseases. Patients typically recover between two and seven days after the onset of the illness. There is no vaccination against RVF. Preventive measures against being bitten by mosquitoes in high-risk areas, including Mauritania, are therefore essential. Persons travelling to the above-mentioned affected provinces are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately. 

NIGER(DIFFA REGION) - A 15-day state of emergency was imposed in Niger's south eastern Diffa region on 14 October. According to reports, the state of emergency was imposed in response to a recent spate of attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, which authorities estimate have killed as many as 40 people in recent weeks. A curfew has also been imposed in the affected region; further details pertaining to the curfew are currently unknown. Following the Nigerien government's operational and logistical support of regional anti-Boko Haram initiatives, the sect has executed a number of retaliatory attacks targeting settlements near the Nigerian border in Niger's southern Diffa region. In light of the current state of emergency, increased security measures as well as restrictions on road-based travel should be anticipated in the affected area in the near-term. As such, roads in the vicinity of the affected area may be subject to travel disruptions. Additionally, business disruptions should be anticipated. Due to the threats of conflict, kidnapping and terrorism, all travel to areas within a 50km radius of Niger's shared border with Nigeria in the administrative Diffa region is advised against. Clients operating in these regions despite this advisory should ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort and accommodation sought in secured residential compounds.   

INDIA(DODA DISTRICT, JAMMU & KASHMIR) - At least two suspected militants were killed in a security operation in India's Jammu and Kashmir state overnight on 14/15 October. India's army launched the operation to target terrorist and separatist groups in the Doda district. A gun battle, lasting for several hours, ensued between military personnel and militants in the Gadi Nalah area of the district. An increased military presence remains in the district. Further details are unavailable. Although there have been no official statements confirming to which group the militants belong, they are most likely aligned with Kashmiri separatist groups operating from Pakistan-administered Kashmir across the Line of Control (LoC). The most prominent among these groups are Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). These groups are opposed to Indian rule in the disputed region and periodically carry out attacks against state and civilian interests. In light of the recent incident, further armed confrontations are possible. An increased security presence should be anticipated in the affected area for the near-term. Elevated security measures could include additional road checkpoints, patrols, and the implementation of travel restrictions in the Doda district. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (excluding the eastern Ladakh region) due to the ongoing threats of separatist conflict and terrorism. Persons in the Doda district are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid concentrations of security force personnel and state facilities as a precaution.   

PHILIPPINES(BATANGAS PROVNICE, LUZON) - Military forces clashed with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the Batangas province, in the Luzon region in the Philippines, on 15 October. The clashes are said to have occurred in Nasugbu, at approximately 13:45 local time, when military personnel conducting security patrols encountered NPA rebels. In the ensuing violence, at least three rebels were killed and a further two civilians wounded. Additional military personnel have been deployed to the affected area. There is a medium terrorism risk in the Philippines, which stems from numerous non-state armed groups, including Islamist insurgent groups and the NPA, who have been engaged in decades-long insurgencies against the government. The NPA is the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). NPA members and government troops regularly engage in small-scale skirmishes in remote and rural areas of the country. NPA attacks generally do not affect civilians or foreign nationals. The group's activities are to a large extent confined to the southern Mindanao region and to a lesser extent, the rural areas of Luzon and the Visayas. The NPA's capacity to carry out attacks has been considerably eroded in recent years; this is due to counterinsurgency operations that have been carried out by the central government. Despite this, the group continues to pose a threat to stability, as it maintains the operational capacity and intent to engage security forces in open confrontations. Due to the presence of the NPA and other militant groups in the region, further terrorism- and conflict-related incidents of violence are likely to persist. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in the remote and rural areas of the country, particularly in close proximity to security force personnel and installations, due to the presence of rebel groups. Clients are further advised to avoid recent violence-affected communities.   

AFGHANISTAN(HELMAND PROVINCE) - According to reports released on 14 October, authorities announced the deaths of at least 29 military personnel following three days of armed clashes with suspected militants in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Taleban militants are said to have launched attacks on two security checkpoints in unspecified areas in the Nawzad district on 12 October. While there are no further details regarding the incident, the attacks and ensuing gun battles have reportedly concluded. An increased security presence remains in the affected area.  There is an extreme threat of terrorism throughout Afghanistan, stemming from a number of Islamist extremist organisations, of which the Taleban is the most prevalent. The group has carried out numerous small-scale and mass-casualty attacks targeting both state and civilian interests in the country, including in Helmand province. Further such incidents are likely to persist. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Clients operating in Afghanistan should implement maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols 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. 
 
BELGIUM - Activist groups and several labour unions are set to stage a number of events and associated demonstrations in Belgium between 15 and 17 October. The three-day campaign action, dubbed 'Build another Europe' has been called in protest against Europe's anti-austerity policies, as well as other socio-economic and political grievances. The largest demonstrations are expected in the capital, Brussels. A protest march will be held on 15 October, with participants scheduled to gather outside the Musee du Tram (on Avenue de Tervuren) from 10:00 local time and proceed to an unspecified location on Avenue de la Joyeuse Entree, where a demonstration will be held from 12:00 local time. On 17 October, an associated protest will take place in the vicinity of the Espace Leopoldrom from 14:00. In Namur, a related protest is expected at the Place Saint-Aubain from 13:00 local time, on 16 October. Further details regarding the associated events and demonstrations are currently available. Although the events and demonstrations are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Attendance at related gatherings is expected to be high. As such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated.  Persons in Belgium during the aforementioned affected period are advised to monitor local media for developments regarding the planned protest campaign action. Localised disruptions are expected at related events.   

JORDAN(AMMAN) - Further Palestinian solidarity protests are anticipated in Jordan's capital, Amman, on 16 October. The protests are in response to the recent Israeli-Palestinian unrest in East Jerusalem, in Israel, and the West Bank, which has left several people dead. Civil unrest in the region has steadily developed in recent weeks in response to Palestinian agitation regarding restricted access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem, a prominent Muslim religious site. Details pertaining to the protests are unknown; however, likely gathering points include Al Husseini Mosque, Kalouti Mosque, the Israeli Embassy, Al Nakheel Square in Ras Al Ain, and Gamal Abdel Nasser Square. These are expected to take place after Friday midday prayers. The protests will likely be accompanied by an increased security presence. Previous solidarity protests in Amman on 9 October were marred by clashes between protesters and security forces. Riot police attempted to forcibly disperse protesters who were marching towards the Israeli Embassy. In light of this and despite the increased security presence, the risk of violence at the upcoming protests is credible. In addition, given that the current situation in Israel and the West Bank remains ongoing, further protests are possible in Amman over the near-term. Clients in Amman on 16 October are advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity of mosques and the Israeli Embassy. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.   

COSTA RICA(SAN JOSE) - A union-led protest march, initiated by the Labour and Social Bloc union (BUSSCO), is expected to take place in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, on 16 October. The protest has been organised in opposition to increased privatisation and subsequent job losses across numerous sectors. Protesters are expected to assemble at Parquet Central at 08:00 local time and proceed through Fuene de la Hispanidad, before concluding the march at the Presidential residence. Labour strikes and protests are fairly common in Costa Rica. Precedent suggests that the scheduled protest will likely pass peacefully. Nonetheless, it should be noted that protests in Costa Rica have the potential to turn violent and security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent. This may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Additionally, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest route and protest-affected sites. Persons in San Jose on 16 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of the above-mentioned sites.   

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Civil organisations have called for a protest against the normalisation of relations with Turkey, among other concerns including state corruption, in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, on 16 October. Despite local authorities withholding permission for the gathering, the protest organisers have stated their intention to stage the event nonetheless. Accordingly, a significant deployment of security forces is expected to accompany the gathering in Charles Aznavour Square on the day. It is unclear why the demonstration did not receive approval from the local authorities; however, relations between Turkey and Armenia have experienced a thaw since early 2014, when Turkish leaders for the first time extended condolences to the descendants of Armenians killed by Ottoman forces during a forced relocation campaign in 1915. In a major development, the two countries signed an agreement on 10 October, stating that each would immediately take steps to ratify the October 2009 protocols on normalising relations between Turkey and Armenia. Any unsanctioned protest in Armenia is likely to be met by a significant deployment of security forces. It should be noted that local authorities have advised the organisers against staging the demonstration, under threat of unspecified police action. Persons in Yerevan should expect an increased security force presence in the aforementioned location. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid all related protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.   

LITHUANIA(VILNIUS) - A number or trade unions, led by education unions, have called for a protest in central Vilnius on 16 October. The protest will call for greater social guarantees and oppose proposed reforms to the labour code. The demonstration will commence at 15:30 local time, near government buildings on Gedimino Avenue. The upcoming demonstration is expected to cause significant disruptions to traffic on Gedimino Avenue and may cause congestion on the surrounding streets. Precedent suggests the demonstration will conclude peacefully, under sufficient police supervision. Clients in Vilnius on 16 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution, and to ensure that itineraries 

IRAQ(SULAYMANIYAH & HALABJA) - (Update) Striking and protesting state workers are continuing their protests in the cities of Sulaymaniyah and Halabja on 15 October. In Sulaymaniyah city, striking teachers are gathering or have gathered outside of the Directorate of Education demanding outstanding salary payments. Media reports indicate that the crowd is small. Further politically motivated protest action related to demands that Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Massoud Barzani resign have not been reported since 11 October.  The KRG's Sulaymaniyah and Halabja governorates experienced violent and disruptive civil unrest between 8 and 11 October, leaving at least four people dead and a number of others wounded. During the civil unrest, which coincided with the state workers' strike and protest, multiple offices of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) were attacked. Protesters were calling on Barzani, also the leader of the KDP, to resign; his mandate expired in August. The KDP blamed the opposition party, Gorran, for the unrest and barred its senior members from entering the KRG capital, Arbil. A number of Gorran ministers were also expelled from the government. The KDP has since suggested that it may dissolve the government; however, most other major parties, including the KDP's traditional governing partner, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), have rejected this suggestion. Talks are ongoing. Further protests in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja over the Barzani issue are likely; however, the decrease in violent protests since 11 October is a positive development. Striking state workers are likely to continue to agitate in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. The risk of low-level confrontations at these events and localised road travel disruptions remains elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the KRG-controlled regions of Dahuk, Arbil and Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja, due to ongoing conflict in the region and the threat of terrorism. Persons operating in the KRG, particularly in the Sulaymaniyah and Halabja governorates, should review all crisis management plans with their security provider, limit travel near political party offices, avoid all street protests and monitor local political and security conditions closely. Persons in the KRG are further advised to reside in secure compounds or hotels and travel with a security escort or trained security driver. Travel at night should be avoided. 

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - The US Embassy in Pristina has stated that an opposition-led demonstration against granting greater autonomy to Serbian communities in Kosovo will be held near the National Theatre in central Pristina on 15 October. Participants are expected to gather outside the National Assembly before proceeding to Mother Theresa Square for a rally. There is a risk of confrontations at all protests in Kosovo. Associated road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the affected area throughout the day. Clients should exercise caution in the affected area and avoid all street protests as a precaution. 

EGYPT - (Update) Egypt's elections for the 596-seat House of Representatives will begin on 17 October for Egyptians living abroad and on 18 October for persons in the country. The elections will be held over two phases, with run-offs following each phase. The first phase will occur in governorates in the south, centre and west of the country. The second phase, including voting in the capital, Cairo, will occur in the Nile Delta area and Sinai Peninsula. The election period ends on 2 December. Security is expected to be increased (patrols and checkpoints) in polling areas and near major government buildings on voting days in Egypt (18, 19, 28 and 29 October, as well as 22 and 23 November and 1 and 2 December). The elections are expected to be dominated by independent candidates and political party coalitions supporting military-backed President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and/or opposed to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood (MB). The legislature will be the first since the dissolution of the previous Islamist-dominated legislature by a court decision in 2012 and the 2013 military-led overthrow of the MB-dominated government of President Mohammed Mursi. The MB and a number of other opposition parties are boycotting the current poll. The election period may be characterised by a marginal increase in related demonstrations, including by boycotting groupings. Non-state armed groups opposed to the regime may also seek to conduct attacks against state or foreign interests during the election cycle. It should be noted that the civil unrest and terrorism risks are not expected to change significantly over the election period. Rather, the frequency of incidents could increase. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised outside of resort and tourist areas in the South Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised in the western half of Egypt, extending towards the shared border with Libya, particularly outside of major cities. Travellers in Egypt during the current election cycle should monitor local media closely and obtain regular updates from their security provider regarding possible election-related or security events in their area of travel or operation. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided.  

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