Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

RUSSIA - Transaero Airlines, Russia's second largest carrier, will suspend all operations for an indefinite period from 26 October. The development comes as a result of financial difficulties at the airline, resulting in Russian aviation authorities revoking Transaero's flying certificate on 26 October. Clients scheduled to fly with Transaero Airlines are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to enquire on the status of their travel arrangements.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly Transaero Airlines October 26 - December 31, 2015 who were ticketed through ATG.

UNITED STATES (TENNESSEE(NASHVILLE0) - A shooting incident has been reported at the Tennessee State University, located in Nashville, in the US, on 23 October. Information relating to the situation currently remains limited; however, unconfirmed reports indicate that at least one person has been killed and two others wounded. The situation is ongoing as the gunman is thought to still be at large, although this remains unconfirmed. The university campus is reportedly on lockdown and there is currently a large police presence at the scene. Persons in Nashville should avoid the Tennessee State University until the situation has stabilized. Any advisory issued by the local authorities should be followed.

ALASKA AIRLINES - Alaska Airlines announced it will open a second Board Room airport lounge inSeattle in addition to expanding hours of access at its other lounges. The new lounge will open in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's North Satellite in mid November. It will offer members and first-class passengers the airline's famous pancake machine as well as a variety of beverages including juices, soda, coffee and espresso, beer, wine, and cocktails in addition to a selection of snacks. Alaska has Board Room lounges in Anchorage, Portland, and Los Angeles in addition to Seattle. Starting December 1, Alaska and United Airlines are expanding their partnership. The move will give Board Room members access to United Clubs in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Phoenix.

ITALY - (Update) An air traffic controller's strike, scheduled to affect multiple airports in Italy, has been cancelled on 23 October. The unionised industrial action was expected to be observed by air traffic controllers affiliated with ENAV, Techno Sky and WFS (formally known as ATA Italia) located at airports in Milan, Naples, Brindisi and Bari. No further information is currently available. Strikes are frequently cancelled, postponed or extended with little to no notice. Nevertheless, the possibility of further strike action relating to the aviation sector in the near-term cannot be discounted. Clients intending to undertake air travel in Italy are advised to monitor local media for developments and announcements of possible future strike action, and to contact their airline and/or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

PORTUGAL - A NATO military exercise, dubbed Trident Juncture 2015, that has being undertaken over Portugal, Spain and Italy since 21 October is set to result in a number of airspace restrictions, affecting flight schedules in Portugal until 6 November. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are expected to affect Portugal's national airline, Transportes Aereos Portugueses (TAP), including both domestic and regional flights, during the aforementioned period. Although contingency plans to minimise the effect of the military exercise are likely to be implemented, flight disruptions are nonetheless anticipated. Persons scheduled to fly with TAP during the aforementioned period are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

UNITED KINGDOM(GLASGOW) - A protest march in support of Scotland's independence, will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, on 24 October. Protest organisers are calling for a second referendum on Scotland's independence. The first referendum, which questioned whether Scotland should be a country independent of the United Kingdom, was held in September 2014, with the results indicating that independence was rejected by the majority of the vote. Participants are expected to gather at the Skateboard Area of Kelvingrove Park at 11:00 local time and commence to the Glasgow Green at 11:30. Counter-demonstrations are possible on the day. While the rally is expected to peacefully, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Additionally, localised disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. Clients in Glasgow on 24 October are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate any potential localised disruptions.

GERMANY(COLOGNE, DRESDEN & LEIPZIG) - Various rival demonstrations have been planned in Cologne, Germany, on 24 and 25 October. On 24 October, an anti-racism rally will take place at the Bahnhofsvorplatz at 16:00 local time. On 25 October. The right-wing HOGESA and KOGIDA groups will stage a protest at Barmer Platz at 16:00. Anti-racism counter-demonstrations are also planned on the day. The Birlikte activist group is expected to hold a rally at Eigelstein from 14:00 to 18:00. Anti-HOGESA protests are also anticipated at 11:00; possible protest sites include Bahnhofsvorplatz or Ottoplats. Finally, PEGIDA demonstrations are anticipated at Theaterplatz, Dresden, at 18:30, as well as at Richard-Wagner-Platz, in Leipzig, at 19:00. 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 Germany over the coming days are advised to avoid all street protests 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 - Unionised rail workers represented by several labour unions in Italy are set to observe a 24-hour strike on 24 October. The strike has been called over an ongoing dispute regarding wages and pension benefits, as well as the proposed privatisation of rail services. The strike is expected to result in significant countrywide disruptions to Trenitalia, NTV (Italo) and Trenord services from 21:00 local time on the day. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well observed and to result in significant disruptions to rail services in the country. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely during the affected period. Persons in Italy are advised to anticipate countrywide disruptions to rail services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

MEXICO(PACIFIC COAST) - (Update) Tropical Storm Patricia is forecast to affect the Pacific Coast states of Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca and Veracruz as a Category 5 storm as of 23 October. The storm system, which is expected to make landfall near Manzanillo, will bring heavy rains and gale-force winds of up to 320kph to the aforementioned areas. The storm system may also impact the inland states of Colima and Nayarit. A hurricane warning has been issued for coastal areas from San Blas to Punta San Telmo, including major coastal resort cities of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. The storm is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal storm surges, over the coming days in the affected areas. Localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, is possible. In addition, significant disruptions to travel and utility services cannot be discounted. It should be noted that the international airports in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Manzanillo and Colima have all been closed in anticipation of the storm. Clients in the affected areas of Mexico's Pacific coast are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Additional information on the storm's progression can be accessed via Tropical Storm Risk (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/) and the National Meteorological Services (http://smn.cna.gob.mx/). Persons intending on travelling in storm-affected areas in the coming days should maintain contact with their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements.

IRAQ(HAWIJA, KIRKUK GOVERNORATE) - A joint force of Kurd, Iraqi and US military forces launched an operation against an Islamic State (IS) position immediately north of the IS-held town of Hawija, in Iraq's northern Kirkuk governorate, on 22 October. The operation was aimed at securing the release of hostages held by IS. During the gun battle, one US soldier was killed. A number of militants were killed or captured and approximately 70 hostages were released, including 20 Iraqi soldiers and local residents. The hostages were reportedly due to be executed. The US has deployed hundreds of military personnel to Iraq in recent months to support and assist Iraqi government and Kurdish regional government action against IS. The US has played a limited direct military role but has been involved in ground operations on occasion and regular air strikes. IS currently holds territory across a large swathe of Iraq and has taken hundreds of people hostage since 2014. Many of these people have been executed. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Kirkuk. Persons operating in Iraq should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

CHINA(PENGLAI) - At least three people were killed and two others injured when a car exploded in the Penglai city of China's Shandong province on 23 October. The blast reportedly took place in the Daliuxing municipality. Although the exact cause of the blast has yet to be determined, local authorities have reportedly launched a criminal investigation, indicating that it is unlikely to have been accidental. Further details remain unavailable. If the blast was caused by an explosive device, there have been no claims of responsibility thus far, and the possible motive for such an attack is unclear. However, there is a possibility of it being related to a local business or personal dispute. Given that fireworks and explosives are far more accessible than guns or other weapons, the latter of which are strictly controlled in China, the use of explosives may be used as a means of settling personal or business disputes. However, the incident may be linked with the ongoing Uighur-initiated separatist insurgency stemming from the restive Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), in the north west of the country. Regardless of the possible motive behind the incident, security is likely to be elevated in Penglai and surrounds. Clients in Penglai are advised to exercise elevated levels of situational awareness, and to report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately.

TRINIDAD/TOBAGO(TOBAGO) - Incident description: Reports released on 21 October stated that two British nationals had been robbed and subsequently killed on the Caribbean island of Tobago, in Trinidad and Tobago. The victims, who were long-term residents in the country, were reportedly stabbed in a home invasion overnight on 20/21 October, in the town of Carnbee. No arrests have been made; however, authorities have offered a reward for information that may lead to the arrests of the perpetrators. The threat of crime in Trinidad and Tobago is rated as high, and has been on the rise in recent years, primarily due to gang- and drug-related activity. Associated incidents of violence predominantly affect locals; however, foreign nationals are not immune to the threat. It should be noted that foreign nationals in the country for extended periods of time are at a higher risk. Violent crime affecting foreign nationals on the island remains a concern. Clients in Trinidad and Tobago should exercise heightened situational awareness and 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 a robbery.

EGYPT(GIZA(GREATER CAIRO) - A bomb has reportedly exploded near the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel and the pyramids in Giza, Greater Cairo, on 23 October. The device was earlier identified by the police. When the officers attempted to defuse the device it exploded, wounding two officers and two hotel security personnel. Low-level bombings are frequently reported in Greater Cairo. State facilities and personnel are the most frequently targeted groupings. The incidents are typically claimed or attributed to Islamist militants or youth anarchists. The bombing coincides with the legislative election process in Egypt, which began on 18 October and is expected to continue until early December. Further low-level incidents are likely during this period. Clients operating in the Greater Cairo area should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness near state facilities and personnel. Suspicious persons or packages should be reported to the authorities.

NIGERIA(MAIDUGURI) - At least 18 people were killed, and dozens more wounded, when two suicide bombers attacked a mosque in the Jiddari Polo area of Nigeria's north eastern city of Maiduguri. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. Maiduguri has been a focal point of Boko Haram assaults in recent months, with numerous bombings and armed attacks targeting the city. Despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations against the sect, Boko Haram continues to possess both the intent and operational capabilities to execute mass-casualty attacks in the city. As such, further incidents of this nature are likely to continue in the near-term. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to several north eastern states, including Borno. Persons in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is within secure compounds.

SOUTH AFRICA(PRETORIA) - (Update) Police have used water cannons, teargas and other crowd control mechanisms against thousands of student activists who are holding a protest outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The actions of security forces reportedly followed attempts by the students to breach the perimeter of the complex. There have been no immediate reports of any casualties. In addition to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, student protests are currently ongoing in several towns and cities across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Reports of police employing crowd dispersal measures could agitate protesters both at the Union Buildings and at the aforementioned gatherings, increasing the potential for violent civil unrest. Clients in Pretoria are advised to avoid the Union Buildings and its immediate surrounds amid the ongoing violence. Moreover, clients should defer travel to tertiary education facilities across the country at this time due to ongoing protest activity at these institutions.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - A protest will be held near the British Embassy in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on 23 October from 12:00 local time. The embassy is located on Dr Luis Agote road. The protest is in response to allegations that the British government has not responded to requests to begin the process of testing a number of graves of unidentified soldiers at the Darwin cemetery in the Falklands Islands. The soldiers were killed during the Falklands War between the British and the Argentinians in 1982. There is a potential for localised road travel disruptions on roads in the vicinity of the embassy on 23 October. The demonstration is not expected to result in violence; however, a strong anti-Britain sentiment is expected to be characterised by the participants. Clients in Buenos Aires on 23 October, particularly British nationals, should avoid the site and all street protests as a standard precaution.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - (Update) Opposition and activist groups are set to resume anti-government protests in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on 24 October. The demonstration has been called as part of the ongoing protest campaign, demanding the resignation of prime minister, Milo Djukanovic, and the establishment of an interim government. Participants are expected to gather outside the Parliament building, located on Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard, from 10:00 local time. An increased police presence will accompany the protest. Montenegro, particularly the capital, has been affected by anti-government protest action since late September. Related protests had largely been peacefully; however, violent protests erupted between police and security forces on 17 and 18 October. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area. Persons in Podgorica on 24 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

GUATEMALA - Run-off presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Guatemala on 25 October amid heightened security. According to reports, approximately 60,000 members of the police and military will be deployed across the country to ensure security on the day. The first round of elections were held on 6 September and passed relatively peacefully, despite isolated incidents of politically motivated violence and elevated political tensions. The tensions arose from weeks of anti-government protests amid a corruption scandal implicating then-incumbent president, Otto Perez Molina, who resigned under duress on 3 September. Following his resignation, tensions subsided somewhat and protest action diminished considerably in size. Nonetheless, the possibility of isolated incidents taking place on the day and following the release of results cannot be discounted. Clients currently in or planning to be in Guatemala in the near-term are advised to monitor developments closely, and to avoid all protest action, concentrations of security forces and all election-related facilities as a precaution.

THAILAND(PATTANI, SONGKHLA, MARATHIWAT, YALA PROVINCES) - Heightened security measures are likely to be implemented in southern provinces of Yala, Songkhla, Pattani and particularly Narathiwat ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre on 25 October. There is a heightened threat of attacks by insurgent groups active in the region on this day. The Tak Bai massacre occurred in 2004, when Thai soldiers cracked down on a demonstration by thousands of Muslims in Narathiwat's Tak Bai district; the gathering was held to protest the arrests of six local men. Security forces fired live rounds and teargas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Hundreds of protesters were arrested and transported in trucks to an army camp in nearby Pattani province; more than 80 people died of suffocation in the vehicles. Security has likely been heightened throughout the region, as bomb blasts have reportedly occurred every anniversary since 2007. Indeed, additional security forces are already carrying out patrols in Pattani's Khok Pho district following seven small bomb explosions therein on 21 October. These explosions left at least six people injured. More generally, the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani have been plagued by decades of ethnically and religiously motivated violence, which stem from allegations of isolation and discrimination against Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting separatist insurgency has left thousands dead in the past decade. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians have been killed in associated violence. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should exercise heightened security awareness on 25 October and are advised to implement robust security measures at all times.

HAITI - (Update) Presidential elections and a second round of parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Haiti on 25 October. Should no presidential candidate win the majority vote, a presidential run-off will be held on 27 December. The 25 October poll will be held amid elevated tensions and a heightened risk of politically motivated violence and unrest. Incidents of violence have been reported from around the country; the low-income Cite Soleil area in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has been particularly impacted, with at least 13 people killed in politically motivated attacks carried out by members of the numerous armed gangs that are resented in the area. Although the first round of elections on 9 August passed without major incident, these were only legislative elections. The upcoming elections are both legislative and presidential, significantly increasing the stakes, with presidential candidates vying with each other for support. Moreover, after the elections, further politically motivated violence is likely, irrespective of the outcome. Such actions may include clashes between police and protesters and/or between opposing groups of protesters or criminal gangs with political affiliations to various candidates. In light of this, robust security measures are likely to be implemented throughout the country over the election period; these measures may include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and other movement-restrictive security measures. In addition, the shared border between Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic may be closed in ahead of voting. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Clients in Haiti during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.