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

UAE / INDIA - Etihad Airways is to operate its A380 between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai from May 1 next year. India's commercial capital joins London, New York and Sydney to be serviced by the A380. The Gulf carrier will operate a daily service superjumbo service between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai as flights EY204/203. Subject to government approval, outbound service EY204 will depart Abu Dhabi at 1410 and arrive in Mumbai at 1920. Return leg EY203 will leave Mumbai at 2135 and land in Abu Dhabi at 2325. Etihad currently flies three-times daily to Mumbai, under flight codes EY204/203, EY206/205 and EY212/213. James Hogan, Etihad's resident and CEO, said: "The A380 out of Mumbai will connect seamlessly at our Abu Dhabi hub to the A380 service to New York, offering our New York-bound guests the comfort, convenience and superior inflight service of A380 flights all the way." Etihad's A380 can accommodate 498 passengers, with 417 in economy, 70 in business class, nine in first and up to two in the its three-room The Residence apartment.

AMERICAN AIRLINES - American Airlines will begin daily, year-round service between Los Angeles International Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Feb. 11. American had been battling to take over Delta Air Lines' Haneda route, which flew from Seattle, since Delta reduced the service. Delta then relinquished the route in late September but contends American should begin service by Dec. 1, pursuant to its agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, or return the route to the DOT. On Sunday, American will begin ticketing for the route, to be serviced by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

LUFTHANSA GROUP - The Lufthansa Group announced direct connect partners, including Travelfusion,a United Kingdom-based content aggregator and tech provider that works with such travel management companies as Egencia and Hillgate and with corporate booking tools powered by Amadeus, Sabre, Concur and KDS. Other direct connect partnerships include DCS Travel Technologies, InteRes, Peakwork Software, SoftConEx and Ypsilon.net. The airline group will waive its €16 global distribution system surcharge for bookings transacted via direct connect partners. German-based wholesaler Aerticket and tour operator Bucher Reisen already have enabled direct connect bookings, noted Lufthansa, which did not name any major TMCs or booking tools that are capable. Lufthansa also announced its participation in the Book on Google feature via the Google Flights metasearch system for United States-based users.

UNITED STATES(WASHINGTON DC) - The Million Man March, organised via social media by the activist group Anonymous, is expected to take place in the United States' capital, Washington DC, on 5 November. The event is scheduled to occur in the vicinity of the Washington monument and will commence at 09:00 local time and conclude at 17:00. The demonstration has been scheduled in cities across the world to oppose limitations on free speech, increased government surveillance, police brutality and corruption within the government. In New York, the event is expected to commence at 09:00 at Union Square, in Manhattan. Associated demonstrations are expected in urban centres across the country, including California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended and to take place amid a significant police presence, particularly in Washington DC, due to the proximity to President Barack Obama's residence. Similar demonstrations organised by Anonymous in other cities have been infiltrated by unruly elements, often youths, engaging in disruptive, violent behaviour. Although this is unlikely in the US, the risk of confrontations between police and disruptive elements within the gathering cannot be discounted. Finally, road travel disruptions should be anticipated along the march route. The majority of the demonstrations across the country are likely to conclude without major incident. Gatherings in Washington DC could be affected by significant road travel disruptions. Clients in the aforementioned cities in the US are advised to avoid the demonstration and related gatherings, as far as practically possible. Furthermore, allowances should be made for possible travel delays due to road closures.

CANADA(MONTREAL) - Students groups in Canada, led by the Association for Student Union (ASSE), are calling for demonstrations in Montreal, in Quebec province, on 5 November. The demonstrations will be held at the Montreal's Parc Lineaire de la Commune from 13:00 local time. The gatherings have been called to protest against government-proposed austerity measures that would see funding cut from social services, including education. The protest rally is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. In addition, given the precedent set by previous student-initiated rallies, incidents of low-level violence between police and protesters are possible at the gathering. Clients in Montreal are advised to avoid the rally as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected in and around the Parc Lineaire de la Commune.

EGYPT(SHARM EL SHEIKH) - (Update) The UK government has stated that there is a possibility that the cause of the 31 October Metrojet crash in the central Sinai Peninsula, which left 224 people (mostly Russian nationals) dead, is linked to the Sinai Province, an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS). Russia and Egypt have denied any links between the crash and the IS grouping. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is now advising its nationals against non-essential travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport. The UK government is establishing measures and deploying charter planes to assist British tourists in Sharm El Sheikh to return to the UK, either ahead of their planned departure or on their travel return date. This follows a 4 November UK decision to suspend all flights to and from the Sinai resort town. Ireland and the Netherlands have issued similar bans on travel and a number of airlines have announced that their aircraft flight paths have been directed away from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The overall security risk in the Sharm el Sheikh resort has not changed. The UK government's reaction to the 31 October incident and its airport-specific advisory are viewed as largely precautionary at this time. The UK's reaction has also been partially informed by the presence of a large number of British tourists in the area. The possibility that a bomb could have been smuggled on board the Metrojet flight exists. Indeed, this measure has been utilised in the past by militant groups. Islamist extremists also possess surface-to-air missiles and have attacked low-flying aircrafts in the past. In January 2014, militants shot down an Egyptian helicopter in the North Sinai governorate. The missile systems do not possess sufficient range to target high-altitude aircrafts such as commercial planes. Travellers intending to travel via Sharm el Sheikh International Airport should anticipate additional delays due to the flight bans, an associated increased demand for alternative flights and additional security measures, including baggage checks. Clients intending to travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh International Airport over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline. Persons transiting the airport should anticipate increased security and prepare for delays in baggage processing. Persons concerned about their security while transiting the airport or residing in the resort should contact their security provider for further information and guidance.

INDONESIA(BALI, LOMBOK (WEST NUSA TENGGARA PROVINCE) & EAST JAVA) - (Update) The Ngurah Rai International Airport, on Bali island, and Lombok International Airport, on Lombok island, are to remain closed until early 6 November due to ongoing volcanic activity and ash emissions at Mount Rinjani, in Lombok. In addition, operations at Blimbingsari Airport, which serves Banyuwangi, in East Java province, have also been affected and the airport is reportedly closed. The current aviation safety hazards will be reassessed on 6 November and a decision will then be made on whether to resume air traffic or to continue with the restrictions. The closure of the airports has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations in recent days. A number of regional and international airlines have also cancelled flights to other airports in the wider region. Travellers should note that it is unclear when the volcanic activity will cease. As such, disruptions may extend for a number of days. Shifting winds may also lead to ash emissions, impacting on air travel routes and airports across the region, including outside of areas already affected. Persons flying by air to or from Indonesia over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure. Travellers transiting through the country, particularly in recently-affected areas, should cater for possible delays at ports of arrival/departure.

IRELAND - Countrywide disruptions to rail services are expected in Ireland on 6 November. Unionised employees of national rail operator, Irish Rail, are set to observe a three-hour work stoppage on the day; disruptions are expected from 06:00 to 09:00 local time. The strike has been called with regard to an ongoing wage dispute. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the work stoppage. Residual disruptions to services are anticipated beyond the strike period due to the backlog of services. An increased demand for alternative forms of transport is also anticipated. Negotiations aimed at averting the industrial action are ongoing; as such, the strike may yet be suspended at short notice. Persons in Ireland on 6 November are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action and to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of rail services.

VENEZUELA - Reports released on 2 November indicate that health officials in Venezuela have recorded at least 105,757 cases of malaria infections since the beginning of 2015, the highest number of infections ever documented in the country. The majority of infections have been reported in the states of Bolivar and Amazonas; however, the Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Apure, Zulia and Guarico states have also recorded some cases. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It exists in the rural areas of Venezuela, particularly in the states of Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Bolivar, Sucre, Tachira and Delta Amacuro. Malaria is caused by microscopic malaria parasites transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are typically found in the vicinity of stagnant pools of water and areas with poor sanitation and drainage systems. Symptoms of the disease typically appear between 9 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Those infected with malaria experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, shaking, headaches, nausea and extreme tiredness. The rainy season in Venezuela extends until late November; flooding and a heightened threat of the spread of communicable diseases are expected to remain in the coming weeks. Clients are advised to visit their healthcare provider at least four to six weeks prior to travelling to discuss which type of anti-malarial medication is suitable for their trip. Furthermore, it is advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes and contracting malaria.

LEBANON(AARSAL) - An explosion was reported in Aarsal, in Lebanon's Bekaa governorate, on 5 November. The explosion, reported in the media as a bomb blast, occurred in a store where a meeting of Syrian Muslim scholars was underway. The blast killed and wounded a number of people. The victims are reportedly linked to ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the release of Lebanese servicemen abducted by Islamic State (IS) and Jabhat al-Nusra militants in 2014. Aarsal is a predominantly Sunni Muslim town located in a region of Lebanon which is dominated by Shiite Muslims and the Shiite militia, Hezbollah. Sunni militants battling the Syrian regime and its allies, including Hezbollah, in Syria and eastern Lebanon have long sought refuge and maintain a presence in the Aarsal area. The motive behind the bombing and the identities of the bombers are unclear; however, a link to the ongoing negotiations, including a connection to Sunni extremists, is possible. Clients are advised against all travel to within 15km of the shared border with Syria in Lebanon's Bekaa governorate and against all non-essential travel to the rest of the Bekaa governorate. Clients travelling in this area should do so with a security escort and reside in secure compounds.

COLOMBIA(UNGUIA, CHOCO DEPARTMENT) - Localised road-based travel disruptions are expected in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, due to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cycle Festival on 7 and 8 November. Several road closures are expected on 7 November. These include Jalan Raja road and parts of Dataran Merdeka road, which are expected to remain closed between 7:30 and 18:00 local time. On 8 November, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin and the National Mosque roundabout are expected to be closed between 6:30 and 10:00. Given the number of participants and spectators expected to attend the event, as well as the increased security measures, disruptions to travel are likely. Additionally, localised travel delays are highly probable in peripheral roads. Persons in Kuala Lumpur on 7 and 8 November are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to directives issued by local authorities.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - A protests rally has been called in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 7 November. The organisers are seeking justice for the victims of a mob justice incident that took place on 19 October in the Ajalpan area of Puebla. The victims, David and Jose Copado Molina, were lynched while conducting a study on transgenic corn and tortilla. The siblings, who had reportedly been mistaken for criminals by members of the local community, then broke into the city hall, where police officers tried to protect them from the false accusations made by the crowd. The mob managed to gain access to the building, dragging the victims out and beating them before setting them alight. Crime levels are high in the state of Puebla. The phenomenon of lynching, and the frequency of such incidents, is indicative of the existential tension between law enforcers and the community. Demonstrations frequently take place in Mexico, particularly in the larger cities, such as Mexico City. Although the majority of demonstrations pass peacefully, some do turn violent. Demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares between major states and cities. Consequently, all demonstrations have the potential to cause traffic disruptions and delays. Clients in Mexico City on 7 November are advised to avoid the rally and related gatherings as a precaution. Heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping, as well as the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict. This is particularly relevant outside of all major cities and primary resort areas in the country, specifically in the states of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Guerrero.

TANZANIA(DAR ES SALAAM) - President-elect John Pombe Magufuli will be officially sworn in for his first term as Tanzania's head of state during an inauguration ceremony set to be held in the capital, Dar es Salaam, on 5 November. The event, which is scheduled to take place at the Uhuru Stadium on Nelson Mandela Road, will be attended by several heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. Although no overt security threats have been made against the event, the possibility of agitation by opposition activists and/or anti-government armed groups cannot be discounted. Consequently, the inauguration ceremony is anticipated to be accompanied by an increase in security measures, which are likely to include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and other movement-restrictive measures. In addition to localised travel disruptions, security measures may also delay travel to and from the Julius Nyerere International Airport. Clients travelling to Dar es Salaam on 6 November should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible so as to accommodate for localised travel disruptions. Clients are also advised to adhere to all directives issued by the local authorities.

PERU(LIMA) - Members of the Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru (CGTP) trade union in Peru have called for a national strike and protest in the capital, Lima, on 5 November to protest against government labour policy. The protest is expected to begin at 10:00 local time in the Plaza Dos de Mayo area. Participants will then march to the Congress of the Republic building. The protest in Lima is expected to be well attended. Localised road travel disruptions are anticipated in the affected area. There is also a threat of low-level confrontations between protesters and the police. Clients should exercise caution in the affected area and avoid all street protests as a precaution.

VIETNAM - Further anti-China protests are possible in urban centres across Vietnam amid a state visit by the president of China, Xi Jinping, from 5 to 6 November. Additionally, heightened security measures are anticipated in the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City for the duration of the visit. A protest was reported outside the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi early on 5 November; however, authorities responded swiftly to the unsanctioned gathering and subsequently dispersed the protest. Furthermore, additional anti-China protests have been reported in Hanoi since 3 November. President Xi is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Vietnamese National Assembly in Hanoi on 6 November. The visit comes amid increased anti-Chinese sentiment within Vietnam and elevated political tensions between the two countries regarding territorial disputes in the East Vietnam Sea; this has the potential to spark further protest action over the coming days. Although unconfirmed, any protests that do take place may occur in the vicinity of the Chinese Embassy. Police are known to use heavy-handed tactics to disperse protesters, posing a significant incidental threat to bystanders in the general vicinity. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any protests. Persons in urban centres in Vietnam, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are advised to avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations as a precaution. Furthermore, clients in the country should monitor local developments closely.

SENEGAL(DAKAR) - The M23 and Yen a Marre civil society groups have called for a sit-in protest in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on 7 November. The gathering, which has been called in protest of various social, political and economic grievances, will commence at 10:00 local time and take place outside the National Assembly in Dakar's Soweto Square. The gathering is expected to be well attended and could carry an anti-government sentiment. Significant outbreaks of unrest are not anticipated, although security forces may attempt to forcibly remove the activists should the protest disrupt access to the National Assembly. Furthermore, the demonstration could lead to localised travel disruptions in and around Soweto Square. Clients in Dakar are advised to avoid the sit-in protest as a precaution and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible if travelling in the vicinity of Soweto Square and the National Assembly building, both of which are located in the Plateau area of Dakar.

MONTENEGRO(BERANE & BAR) - Anti-government rallies organised by Montenegro's opposition coalition, the Democratic Front, are expected to take place in Berane and Bar on 5 and 7 November. On 5 November, opposition supporters will rally in Berane, a town in the country's north east. On 7 November, a protest will be held in the southern coastal town of Bar. Participants are expected to once again call for the resignation of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic. There remains a threat of low-level confrontations at all politically motivated protests in Montenegro. Associated road travel disruptions are regularly reported. In addition to the upcoming protests, further demonstrations are possible in the capital, Podgorica, in the near-term. Clients in Montenegro in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for announcements of any further protests. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - Localised road-based travel disruptions are expected in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, due to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cycle Festival on 7 and 8 November. Several road closures are expected on 7 November. These include Jalan Raja road and parts of Dataran Merdeka road, which are expected to remain closed between 7:30 and 18:00 local time. On 8 November, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin and the National Mosque roundabout are expected to be closed between 6:30 and 10:00. Given the number of participants and spectators expected to attend the event, as well as the increased security measures, disruptions to travel are likely. Additionally, localised travel delays are highly probable in peripheral roads. Persons in Kuala Lumpur on 7 and 8 November are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to directives issued by local authorities.

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