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

QUANTAS AIRLINES - Qantas has expanded its codeshare agreements with American Airlines, Westjet and Alaska Airlines on routes in North America. The deal comes into effect on October 25 and covers an additional 40 routes across the US, Canada and Mexico. It brings to more than 100 the number of Qantas codeshare destinations in those three countries. Qantas said it "will also offer coordinated schedules with American Airlines that allows for seamless travel within the United States and Australia". The new codeshare routes will be as follows:

*From Los Angeles with American Airlines, Qantas will add codeshares to Charlotte, Columbus, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Raleigh Durham.

*From San Francisco with American Airlines, Qantas will add codeshares to Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix.

*From San Francisco with Alaska Airlines, Qantas will add codeshares to Seattle, Portland and Palm Springs.

Canada

*From Los Angeles with American Airlines, Qantas will add codeshares to Vancouver.

*With Westjet, Qantas will add codeshares on an additional 25 city pairs to/from/within Canada from Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.

Mexico

*From Los Angeles with American Airlines, Qantas will add codeshares to Mexico City, Guadalajara and San Jose de Cabo.

Qantas International CEO Gareth Evans said: "The new codeshare services will allow our customers to enjoy more connections across North America, Canada and Mexico from our Los Angeles and new San Francisco gateways and have their luggage checked straight through to their final destination. "With the launch of our nonstop flights to San Francisco later this year, we've identified an opportunity to position this port as another key US hub for Qantas customers by extending the codeshares we already have in place. "Our frequent flyers in particular will benefit from booking on the Qantas code, with increased opportunities to earn points and status credits."

UNITED STATES / FRANCE - Delta is to launch flights between Raleigh-Durham airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle. The daily service will be operated by 164-seat B757-200ER aircraft, in conjunction with Delta's European joint venture carriers Air France, KLM and Alitalia. Raleigh-Durham airport is the gateway to The Research Triangle, a region known for its high-tech companies and universities. The new route will be the only non-stop link between the two airports, and will launch on May 12, 2016. Flight DL230 will depart Raleigh-Durham at 1813, landing in Paris CDG at 0835 the following day, with the return leg leaving the French capital at 1045, and landing back into the US airport at 1357.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - A number of residents' associations and other activist groups are expected to stage daily protests at the MIPIM real estate exhibition, to be held at Olympia on west London's Hammersmith Road, from 21 to 23 October. The protests will commence each day at 09:00 local time. The activists have organised the action in opposition to profit-driven private housing in London. The 2014 MIPIM event was suspended after disruptive leftist activists stormed the exhibition venue on the opening day, prompting police to evacuate the building and disperse the crowd. Accordingly, the upcoming protests are expected to be closely supervised by police. It should be noted that the protests have the stated aim of disrupting the exhibition, and precedent suggests confrontations among protesters, exhibition attendees and the police will occur despite the elevated police presence. Furthermore, traffic disruptions should be anticipated on Hammersmith Road. Clients in the aforementioned area on the affected dates are advised to avoid the vicinity of the protests as far as possible, and to expect localised disruptions.

GERMANY(DRESDEN) - The Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) group has called for a mass demonstration in Dresden, Germany, on 19 October to commemorate its first anniversary. Participants are set to gather at the Theaterplatz at 18:30 local time. Several counter-demonstrations have been organised to take place at the same time, most notably by the anti-fascist Dresden Nazifrei organisation. A heightened security force is expected to be deployed in the city ahead of the aforementioned events. Precedent suggests that all protest activities will be well attended on the day. Far-right and anti-fascist groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, the potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time, due to heightened tensions regarding the European refugee crisis. Persons in Dresden on 19 October are advised to avoid the upcoming rally, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for advisories from the local authorities.

ITALY - Oil sector unions, Confesercenti Faib, Fegica Cisl and Anisa Confcommercio have called for a 48-hour general strike in Italy from 19 October. The strike has been called in protest of discretionary oil pricing for various regions. Gas stations along major highways are expected to be closed from 22:00 local time on 19 October. An associated demonstration is set to take place in the capital, Rome, on 22 October. Participants will gather outside the headquarters of Autostrade per l'italia S.P.A, located on Via Bergamini from 11:00 on the day. The strike and associated protest are likely to be well supported; as such, fuel service disruptions are anticipated and localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the demonstration affected site. Clients in Italy during the aforementioned period should anticipate fuel service disruptions at affected fuel stations. Persons intending to travel by road are advised to ensure that vehicles are regularly refueled to avoid disruptions to travel itineraries. Clients are also advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate for any potential localised travel disruptions at the demonstration affected site.

CANARY ISLANDS(LANZAROTE) - Unionised employees of ground-handling service provider, Swissport Handling Lanzarote UTE, are set to stage a series of strikes at the Lanzarote Airport, in the Canary Islands, from 18 October. Ground staff at the airport, which serves the island of Lanzarote, is expected to conduct a work stoppage from 06:00 to 23:59 local time on 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 and 29 October. The strike campaign has been called in response to a number of labour concerns, including wage disputes. Although Lanzarote Airport is likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppages, some flight disruptions should be anticipated. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected on the aforementioned strike days. It should be noted that strikes of this nature may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons scheduled to transit through Lanzarote Airport on the aforementioned days should anticipate delays and are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

BELGIUM - All unionised employees of the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) are expected to launch rotating provincial strikes in Belgium on 19 and 20 October. The upcoming work stoppages have reportedly been organised in response to long-standing disputes over pay and work conditions. The provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders, Luxembourg, Liege, Namur and parts of Walloon Brabant are set to be affected by the first work stoppage on 19 October. The second strike action, on 20 October, is expected to impact on the provinces of Antwerp, Limburg, Flemish Brabant, Hainaut and parts of Walloon Brabant. It should be noted that several international rail services may also experience disruptions during the strike period. Furthermore, SNCB authorities have indicated that strike-related rail disruptions could start at 22:00 local time on 18 October. The disruption of rail services will likely result in an increased demand for alternative forms of public transport on 19 and 20 October. Furthermore, residual delays should be anticipated once rail services resume on normal schedules. Clients intending to make use of SNCB rail services on 19 and 20 October are advised to contact their travel provider(s), or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

CYRPUS(NICOSIA) - Taxi associations have called for their members to observe a four-hour work stoppage in Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, on 20 October. Taxi services are expected to be disrupted between 06:30 and 10:30 local time on the day. The strike has been called in protest of the alleged inadequate regulation of taxi services. It is currently unclear how well the action will be observed; however, disruptions to taxi service in the city are anticipated. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Nicosia on 20 October are advised to anticipate disruptions to taxi services on the day and should plan accordingly. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the status of the strike.

PERU(CALLAO) - Transport workers in Callao, located west of Peru's capital, Lima, reportedly initiated a strike on 19 October. The strike is due to run until 21 October and is expected to impact on tens of thousands of commuters. Associated protests are also anticipated. At least one rally will be held at the intersection of Avenida Haya de la Torre and Avenida La Marina from 06:30 local time on 19 October. Transport workers have called for further rallies on 21 October. The agitation is in response to changes to a major transport route between Lima and Callao. Disruptions to transportation services should be anticipated across the Callao region and possibly, into Lima throughout the strike period. Associated protests may also result in additional road traffic disruptions. There is a risk of confrontations between protesters and police at all related gatherings. Travellers in the affected area are advised to reconfirm the status of all road transport services prior to departure. Street protests should be avoided.

SOUTH AFRICA(PRETORIA, GAUTENG PROVINCE) - Tshwane Bus Service (TBS) officials have warned of a potential strike action by bus drivers in Pretoria, located in South Africa's northern Gauteng province, on 19 October. Reports indicate that the City of Tshwane intends to suspend 98 bus drivers and 41 other staff members employed by TBS following a series of unprotected strikes earlier in October. Officials assert that these suspensions may trigger protest action from the aforementioned interests, who are also currently undergoing disciplinary actions for general misconduct. Should the strike proceed, localised disruptions to TBS bus services should be anticipated. The work stoppage is also likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of transport, particularly taxi services, on the day. Persons intending to use TBS services in Pretoria on 19 October are advised to contact their travel provider(s) to confirm the status of services. Clients are further advised to monitor local media to remain cognisant of developments regarding the TBS suspensions and announcements of possible associated strike actions.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KATANGA PROVINCE) - (Update) An ongoing measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) southern Katanga province continues unabated as of 17 October. At least 428 measles-related deaths have been recorded thus far. As many as 30,000 cases of infection have been reported since the outbreak was first noted. Efforts to curb the spread of the disease have so far been largely unsuccessful due to insufficient medical funding and the overall poor standard of health services in the area. Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family. The most common symptoms of measles are rash, fever, cough, runny nose and red watery eyes. The first sign of the disease is a high fever, which appears 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. If the infected person is generally healthy and receives adequate medical attention, measles is unlikely to cause any long-term medical problems. There is an elevated risk of measles developing into a more serious disease in people with weak immune systems. Death as a result of severe complications is possible. There is no cure for measles, although vaccines are available. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of the DRC, including Katanga province, due to various security concerns. Persons planning to travel to the DRC, regardless of destination, should be vaccinated against measles prior to departure. Clients in the country are advised to seek immediate medical attention should they display any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

INDONESIA(EAST JAVA) - An official statement released on 19 October has stated that at least seven hikers were killed in a forest fire on Mount Lawu, in Indonesia's East Java province, on 18 October. Investigators believe the blaze was caused by an improperly extinguished campfire. Indonesia annually suffers disruptions and air pollution from wildfires, often started as land clearance operations by palm oil farmers; however, wildfires caused by the activities of hikers or at campsites may also occur. The hikers are believed to have been climbing illegally, as mountain routes have been closed due to the high risk of wildfires. Clients should avoid the affected and adhere to all advisories issued by authorities.

LIBYA - Islamic State (IS)-aligned militants in Libya released a video on 18 October showing the execution of a South Sudanese hostage and the shooting of a captive Libyan soldier. The execution of the South Sudanese hostage was purportedly done to avenge Muslims in South Sudan who, IS alleges, are being persecuted by Christians. It is unclear when or where the initial abduction or subsequent execution occurred. IS has released a number of similar videos online in the past claiming to have executed kidnapped hostages and threatening retribution against targeted groups, specifically Christians. The group continues to hold some territory in central and north eastern Libya and poses a direct kidnapping risk to travellers in this region. IS is currently battling Libyan military forces and rival Islamist factions, including in Derna, Benghazi and Sirte. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a close protection officer and reside in a secure compound. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

VANUATU(PORT VILA) - Opposition and activist groups are set to hold a protest march in Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu, on 19 October. The march has been called in protest of government's alleged corruption and maladministration. Participants are expected to march through the capital and demonstrate at Independence Park; further details regarding the demonstration are unavailable. An increased police presence is expected to accompany the demonstration. The protest organisers have called for a peaceful demonstration and the event is expected to conclude without incident. Nonetheless, the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected along the march route and in and around the demonstration affected site. Persons in Port Vila on 19 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of gatherings should be anticipated.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - Activist group, Vem Pra Rua is set to stage a demonstration in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 19 October. The demonstration has been called to demand the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff following the incumbent president's recent alleged corruption and embezzlement charges. Participants are expected to gather at an unspecified location in the Largo da Batta area, located in the city's Pinheiros district from 18:00 local time. Further details regarding the demonstration are currently unavailable. Although the protest is expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest cannot be discounted. The demonstration is likely to be well supported; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the demonstration affected site. Persons in Sao Paulo on 19 October are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration site.

PARAGUAY(ASUNCION, COUNTRYWIDE) - The Paraguayan Confederation of Cooperatives (CONPACOOP) has called for a countrywide protest in Paraguay, including the capital Asuncion, on 19 October. Participants in Asuncion are expected to gather at the Plaza de Armas, at 07:00 local time. Related demonstrations are expected to take place in other urban centres across the country, further information is not available. CONPACOOP has called for protest in opposition to the government legislation and taxation regulation of cooperatives. Protests and demonstrations related to both political and economic concerns occur frequently in Paraguay. Protest action can result in severe traffic congestion and road closures. It is also common for protesters to set up rudimentary roadblocks in city centres or along major thoroughfares, as such localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. It should be noted that demonstrations occasionally turn violent. Clients in Paraguay on 19 October are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on the planned protests. In addition, clients should avoid all street protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of protest locations should be anticipated.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - Trade union, Union Coordination Committee (UCC) has called for strike action on Lebanon's capital Beirut, on 20 October. The union has called on both private and public sector teacher to participate in a sit-in near the Audit Bureau in Beirut's Burj al-Murr area from 17:00 local time. The sit-in coincides with a parliamentary meeting and the union hopes to assert pressure on officials to add the teachers wage increase to the agenda. UCC has threatened to resort to more forceful measures if their demands are not met on 20 October. Further strike action is planned for 26 October and 4 November respectively. The strike-related gathering near the sit-in site could result in localised road disruptions. Low-level confrontations between the police and protesters are also possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Persons in Lebanon on the before mentioned days should monitor strike-related news closely. Caution is advised near actual or possible strike-affected sites.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - (Update) Opposition groups in the Republic of Congo have called for further civil unrest in urban centres countrywide including the capital, Brazzaville, on 20 October. A day of civil disobedience has been declared. In Brazzaville, a protest rally is expected to commence from Boulevard Alfred Raoul and conclude at the Presidential House. Participants are expected to gather at 09:00 local time. Although unconfirmed, related protest gatherings are expected to be held at various locations across the country. Related protests held in Pointe-Noire on 17 and 18 October, were well observed with reports of violent clashes between protesters and police resulting in causalities. Opposition groups claim that the ruling Congolese Party of Labour (PCT) party is seeking to alter a constitutional clause which limits heads of state in the country to serve only two successive terms. If amended, incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso would be eligible to contest the presidency for a third successive time during the country's 2016 presidential elections. It should be noted that there is a credible threat that all demonstrations may be forcibly disrupted by security personnel due to their anti-government nature. Persons in the Republic of Congo 20 October are advised to monitor local developments for updates on the rally and advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstrations.

MYANMAR - (Update) Campaigning continues in the run up to the general election, scheduled to be held on 8 November in Myanmar, with results expected to be released on 22 November. Although the campaign process has been relatively peaceful, voting is nonetheless expected to be accompanied by heightened political tensions. Contentious issues with the potential to spark violence in the coming days and weeks include ethnic tensions surrounding the status of the Rohingya Muslim minority, communal tensions, and separatist campaigns in the Kachin and Shan states. The issue surrounding Rohingya Muslims has garnered extensive media attention due to the unwillingness of Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), to take a definitive stance on the matter. Reports indicate that Rohingya leaders have expressed their support for the NLD, which is expected to secure a considerable number of votes in the upcoming election; however, in order to avoid alienating Buddhist voters, the NLD is unlikely to acknowledge Rohingya support, thus risking the flare up of ethnic tensions in Rakhine, where the majority of Rohingyas reside. A ceasefire between the government and eight of the ethnic rebel groups present in Kachin and Shan was announced on 15 October; however, other separatist factions have not been included in the agreement. In the event of continued clashes in these states, voting may be suspended in these constituencies, further undermining the election process. Furthermore, ethnic tensions between Muslims and Buddhists may culminate in sectarian violence or protests over the election period. Although the upcoming election is not expected to be marred by significant violence, election-related and anti-government protests have caused civil disorder and violent clashes between protesters and police in the past. In light of this, robust security measures are likely to be employed countrywide over the ballot and election period; these may include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and a number of other movement restrictions. Clients in or planning travel to Myanmar in the coming weeks are advised to monitor political developments closely. All concentrations of security forces and street gatherings should be avoided. Clients in Myanmar over the election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid polling stations, political party offices and other election-related facilities.

KENYA - On 20 October, Kenya will celebrate Mashujaa (Heroes') Day, a national holiday to commemorate those who fought for Kenyan independence. Previously referred to as Kenyatta Day in honour of Jomo Kenyatta, who served as Kenya's first president following independence in 1964, it was renamed in 2010 following the ratification of the country's new constitution. Commemorative rallies and related festivities are expected on the day, particularly in the capital, Nairobi, and in Mombasa. These may result in localised travel disruptions, particularly in major urban centres. Increased security deployment can be expected due to the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country's larger urban centres; the possibility of extremist groups, such as the Islamist militant group, al-Shabaab, targeting commemorative events cannot be discounted. Persons in Kenya are advised to exercise caution and heightened security awareness, particularly at Mashujaa Day celebration venues and other high-risk areas, such as crowded marketplaces, public transport hubs and entertainment establishments. Clients should remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious vehicles, packages or individuals to the authorities.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Activists have indicated via social media that they will stage a demonstration at the Office of the National Ombudsman on George Washington Street, in the capital, Sofia, on 20 October. Activists are expected to blockade entrances to the building, to prevent the recently elected ombudsman, Maya Manolova, from entering; the action is in protest against the alleged secrecy surrounding her appointment. The upcoming protest and blockade have been scheduled to coincide with the inauguration of the ombudsman on 20 October. Demonstrations against Manolova's appointment have been held on several occasions since her nomination in the legislature on 30 July. Although recent gatherings have been peaceful, the possibility of confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be dismissed. Clients are advised to avoid the gathering and to anticipate localised traffic disruptions in the affected area.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - (Update) The opposition coalition, the Democratic Front (DF), has stated that protests in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, will escalate if Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic does not resign and a new interim government is not established by 24 October. The DF has led protests against the Djukanovic regime since 27 September. These have largely occurred outside of Montenegro Parliament on Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard. The gatherings have been relatively small and peaceful; however, low-level clashes between protesters and police were reported on 17 and 18 October. There is potential for escalation in protest activity over the near-term, particularly after 24 October, should the opposition and government not come to a negotiated settlement. Protests may spread to other towns in the country. Clients in Podgorica are advised to exercise caution in Podgorica's city centre and to avoid all protests.

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