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

UNITED STATES / ECUADOR  - JetBlue Airways announced that it will begin daily service on its previously announced route between Fort Lauderdale and Quito, Ecuador on February 25, 2016. The carrier first announced the route in May, although no official date was given for the start of service as the flights were subject to government approval. Flights will depart Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at 7:05 p.m. and arrive at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport at 11:30 p.m. Flights from Quito to Fort Lauderdale will depart at 12:59 a.m. and arrive at 5:14 a.m. JetBlue will operate Airbus A320 aircraft on the route.  The planes are configured with 42 seats in Even More Space, the airline's premium economy lite section, and 108 seats in coach.  Premium economy lite-seats are 17.8" wide, and have a pitch of 38" to 39".

UNITED STATES - Concerns that travelers from New York and three other states would need to use passports instead of driver's licenses as airport ID have been postponed, at least temporarily.  With a 2016 deadline approaching and four states plus American Samoa still not in compliance with the new minimum standards of the federal Real ID system, the Department of Homeland Security yesterday issued them a one-year extension. Without it, travelers from New York, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and American Samoa would not have been able to travel on an airplane or cruise ship with their state-issued driver's licenses. The Real ID system was created by an act of Congress, in keeping with recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, that "set standards of the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The last phase of its enforcement was supposed to kick in by 2016. New York residents can head off future concerns by applying for an Enhanced Driver's License that meets REAL ID standards. They are available now at DMV offices, for a $30 fee. New Hampshire was granted an extension by Homeland Security, "as a result of ongoing legislative efforts to bring the state into compliance," the state's House of Representatives said in a press release. Its House will vote on a bill in January to bring it into compliance.  Louisiana's extension came earlier in the week and was announced by State Police Colonel Michael Edmonson and U.S. Senator David Vitter last Friday. And while Minnesota's ID is already not sufficient to enter several federal buildings or nuclear power plants, the extension will still allow its residents on domestic flights and cruises without the need for a passport. Worries in Minnesota about the new requirements have come from privacy concerns over what the new act will do.

SPAIN - Disruptions to rail services have been reported in Spain due to a strike by unionised rail workers, on 16 October. Unionised workers, led by trade unions, CGT, UGT and CCOO, have resumed the weekly strike action against rail operators, Renefe and Adif. The action has been called in protest against the privatisation of rail services, which may cause a number of redundancies. Rail workers are currently observing a series of three-hour work stoppages; the first work stoppage was scheduled from 00:00 to 02:00, and further action is expected between 13:00 to 15:00 and again 20:00 and 22:00 local time. Further disruptions to rail services and an increased demand for alternative transport should be anticipated during aforementioned period. Due to ongoing grievances between the trade unions and rail operators, further strike action is scheduled every Friday until 23 October. It should be noted that the action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to use rail services in Spain on 16 October are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant rail operator to confirm the status of services. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike. 
 
PAKISTAN(ISLAMABAD) - Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which serves Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, will reportedly be closed between 13:00 and 18:00 local time daily from 18 to 28 October due to runway maintenance work. According to reports, The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has rescheduled the flights of passengers due to travel via the airport during the affected period. Additionally, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has issued a notice to all airlines to adjust their flight schedules accordingly. Persons intending to travel via the airport during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Islamabad Capital Territory.  

PAKISTAN - An ongoing dengue fever outbreak in Pakistan has resulted in at least 5,237 confirmed infections as of 15 October; six of these have been confirmed deaths. The worst-affected areas include the cities of Karachi and Rawalpindi, with 2,203 and 1,707 confirmed cases, respectively. However, the actual number of infections is likely to be considerably higher given the poor access to healthcare experienced by much of the country's population. The increase in cases in recent weeks is attributed to the monsoon season, which is often associated with an increase in dengue fever, especially during the later stages of the season, August and September. As such, the number of infections may rise further in the coming days. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to fourteen days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Additional symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of dengue, include marked damage to blood and lymph vessels, bleeding from the nose, gums or under the skin and, occasionally, internal bleeding. This form of the disease can be fatal. Persons travelling to Pakistan 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. In addition, due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to most of Pakistan is advised against.

PHILIPPINES(LUZON) - Tropical Storm Koppu (known locally as Lando) is forecast to begin impacting on northern areas of the Philippines over the next 24 to 36 hours. Although currently rated as a tropical storm, the system is forecast to increase significantly, and is likely to be a Category 3 storm by the time the eye makes landfall, which is expected to be over the northern Luzon region, specifically Isabela province, given its current trajectory.  The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, and coastal storm surges at times, over the coming days in all affected areas. As the storm is expected to slow down in speed, the threat from heavy rain and associated flooding and landslides is expected to be especially severe. However, at present, the worst effects of Koppu are not expected to impact directly on the capital, Manila. In addition to the flooding threat, disruptions to basic amenities such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime) should be anticipated. Clients in the Luzon region of the Philippines are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Updates on the storm's development and applicable advisories from the local authorities are available on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration website (http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/). Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the risks of flooding and landslides, respectively.  

NEPAL - There is no longer advice against non-essential travel to Nepal. In addition, the kidnapping rating for the country has been amended from medium to low. The situation in the country has improved considerably since the April 7.8 magnitude earthquake that left over 9,000 people dead, thousands more injured and resulted in considerable damage in the capital, Kathmandu, as well as several other districts. There was also concern that the effects of the earthquake would be exacerbated by the onset of the monsoon season, which generally is at its most severe from June until September. Due to the mountainous nature of large parts of the country, already damaged infrastructure was assessed to be at risk of further damage in the event of heavy rain and associated flooding and landslides. However, the 2015 monsoon was not particularly severe, and the country was largely spared the effects of acute floods. Nonetheless, the effects of the earthquake still present a challenging environment, as rebuilding operations are underway. Moreover, the threat of landslides from rocks and other debris loosened as a result of the earthquake remains. The threat from such is particularly acute in the districts of Gorkha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok and Dolakha. In addition, the political situation has stabilised, somewhat; protests by the Tharu and Madhesi ethnic groups against the promulgation of a new constitution in August left approximately 40 people dead in the southern Terai region. The protests were accompanied by rounds of strikes and the imposition of several curfews. The protests have subsequently diminished in frequency and intensity; all curfews have been lifted and the election of a new prime minister on 11 October has further stabilised the situation. Incumbent prime minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli was elected to the post largely by the support of political parties representing Tharu and Madhesi minorities, to whom several concessions were made in order to secure his election. With regards to the kidnap for ransom and extortion (KRE) situation, there have been no high-profile KRE incidents involving foreign nationals in recent years. The majority of armed rebel groups that were present during the country's civil war have disarmed and no longer pose a significant threat. Nonetheless, the KRE threat is elevated in the Terai region, where non-state armed groups who seek a degree of autonomy continue to operate; however, their activities are usually focused on locals. In addition to this threat, bandits have in the past detained foreign nationals in remote trekking areas demanding 'contributions' or 'revolutionary taxes', but incidents of these have declined since the end of the country's civil war in 2006. Despite the lowering of the KRE rating and removal of the advice to avoid non-essential travel, Nepal continues to be a high-risk environment, especially in the Terai region. Due to the improving security environment, there is no longer advice against all non-essential travel to Nepal. However, heightened caution is advised in the southern Terai region as a result of the elevated levels of civil unrest and associated violence, as well as the region's history of conflict and terrorism. In addition, heightened caution is also advised in the Gorkha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchok and Dolakha due to the lingering effects of the April 2015 earthquake and the challenging travel environment associated with it. 

YEMEN(HODEIDA, HUDAYDAH GOVERNORATE) - According to reports, at least 12 people were killed as a result of a suicide bomb detonation and gunfire exchange between suspected Islamist militants and security forces in Hudaydah, Yemen on 16 October. The attack is reported to have taken place at a government intelligence building in the city of Hodeida. Gunmen allegedly aligned to al-Qaeda are reported to have launched rocket-propelled grenades and opened fire on the security personnel manning the facility gates after a suicide bomber detonated a bomb. At least ten security officers and two militants were killed. No group has taken responsibility for the attack. There is a high risk of terrorism in Yemen, which stems predominantly from Islamist extremist groups, most notably militants aligned with the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Attacks targeting state, foreign and religious interests have also been periodically reported. Common methods of attack include conventional and suicide bombings, shootings, sabotage and kidnapping. Given the ongoing instability in Yemen and the weak security force apparatus, terrorism is anticipated to continue to pose a significant threat to security in the short- to medium-term. Prominent targets include embassies, hotels, transport hubs as well as government and military facilities. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons in the country should consider departing the country as a precaution, where safe and possible to do so. Persons intending to travel to Yemen are advised to consider deferring travel at present. Clients remaining in Yemen are advised to implement robust security measures.  

INDIA(MUMBAI) - At least eight people have died as a result of a gas cylinder explosion and subsequent fire at the Hotel City Kinara, in west Mumbai's Kurla West area, on 16 October. The fire has since been contained. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and have ruled out terrorism, noting that the blast appeared to have been accidental. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the hotel while investigations and salvage operations continue. Clients are advised to avoid the affected area in the near-term as a precaution. Persons in or near this area should monitor local media for developments and follow any instructions issued by the relevant authorities.  

ISRAEL(WEST BANK) - Hamas, the de facto governing body of the Gaza Strip, has called for anti-Israel protests, dubbed the 'Day of Rage', in the West Bank on 16 October. The movement has called for Palestinian activists to march on Israeli checkpoints in the region, with gatherings scheduled to follow Friday afternoon prayers. The agitation follows violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian youth in West Bank's Nablus city, in which the latter were accused of an attack of arson on the Joseph's Tomb monument. There were no immediate reports of casualties due to the confrontation. Israel and the Palestinian territories (West Bank and the Gaza Strip) have experienced a spike in anti-Israel civil unrest in recent days, wounding hundreds of people and killing a number of others. The violence has largely centred on the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with a number of border clashes reported along the Israel-Gaza Strip border. The unrest and associated violence is likely to continue and may intensify during the planned protest activity on 16 October.  Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and to within 2km of the shared Israel- Gaza Strip border in Israel. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to within 45km of the shared border in Israel and all of the West Bank, in addition to East Jerusalem. Heightened caution is advised in western Jerusalem. Persons in Israel or the Palestinian territories are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel.
 
NICARAGUA(MALPAISILLO, LEON DEPARTMENT) - Miners and residents in Malpaisillo in Larreynaga municipality, located in Nicaragua's Leon department, are expected to stage further protests on 16 October. The protest has been called with regard to an ongoing labour dispute with Canada-owned mining company, El Limon. Participants are expected to gather at an unspecified location from 08:00 local time; precedent suggests that participants will gather in the vicinity of the mine. The protests against the mining company have been ongoing since early October. Previous associated demonstrations have been marred by incidents of violence; as such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. In addition, protesters may attempt to block roads in the vicinity of the protests. It should be noted that road blockades of this nature have the potential to turn violent should security forces or vehicle drivers attempt to forcibly remove blocks on the route. 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.  

PARAGUAY(ASUNCION) - Trade union, National Federation of Secondary Students (FENAES), has called on all affiliated students to participate in a 48-hour strike from 15 to 16 October in Asuncion, Paraguay. Participants gathered at the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion at 08:00 local time and marched to the Ministry of Education and Culture building. It is not clear whether the protest is still underway; however, protesters are expected to gather at the same location on 16 October. Although unconfirmed, related protests in other urban centres are likely. The strike action has been called to demand better resources and funding for the education sector. FENAES has threatened to conduct an indefinite strike from 19 October should its demands not be met. A related protest was held on 13 October; this was well observed and concluded without incident. The marches may result in localised road travel disruptions along the intended route. In addition, there is a risk, albeit low, of confrontations between students and the police. Clients in Paraguay should anticipate localised travel disruptions and avoid all protests as a standard precaution.  

ITALY(ROME) - Unions representing civil servants have called for a protest against conditions of employment in Italy's capital, Rome, on 16 October. Participants are expected to gather in Piazza Vidoni from 10:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. In addition, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Piazza Vidoni. Clients in Rome on 16 October are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential localised disruptions. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

LEBANON(JEITA, MOUNT LEBANON GOVERNORATE) - According to reports, striking truck drivers are causing disruptions in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon governorate, on 16 October. The truck drivers, who have been on strike since 15 October, are blocking the main roundabout in the Kesserwan district of Jeita, causing significant traffic disruptions. The strike has been called in opposition to the new truck transit route set by the municipality. Clients in the affected area are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and plan accordingly. 
 
GUATEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - The activist group, Anonymous Guatemala, has called for a protest in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 17 October. Participants are expected to gather outside the Plaza de la Constitucion at 15:00 local time. The protest has been organised by activists to demand various socio-political and economic reforms in the country which include freedom of speech and transparent governance. The upcoming protest is likely to be well attended and may cause localised disruptions to travels in the vicinity of the Plaza de la Constitucion. In addition, while the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, isolated incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Guatemala City are advised to avoid the gathering and to make allowances for possible travel delays in and around the Plaza de la Constitucion.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - A number of residential associations and other civic groups are expected to protest against the recent expansion of paid parking zones in Moscow, on 17 October. Participants are expected to gather in the city's northern Otradnoe district from 14:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and to proceed under close police supervision. Nevertheless, the event is expected to conclude without significant unrest. Traffic disruptions may be experienced in the vicinity of the upcoming protest. Clients in Russia should expect an increased security force presence in the aforementioned location and are advised to avoid large street gatherings as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions. 

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(DOLISIE) - Opposition activists in the Republic of Congo are scheduled to hold a protest rally in the city of Dolisie on 18 October. Protesters are set to gather at around midday where they will denounce incumbent president Denis Sassou Nguesso's call for a referendum, set for 25 October, which would determine whether amendments could be made to the country's constitution. Nguesso is specifically looking to amend the constitutional clause which limits presidents to only two terms in office. This would allow the incumbent to seek a third successive presidential term during the Republic of Congo's forthcoming August 2016 elections. Precedent suggests that the protest in Dolisie will be well attended and due to its anti-government nature, is at a credible threat of being forcibly disrupted by security personnel. Clients in Dolisie are advised to avoid the gatherings and other related demonstrations. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate for any travel disruptions.    
 
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