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

WESTJET - Despite posting record profits, WestJet Airlines says it is eliminating free checked bags on all economy fare flights to Europe and sun destinations starting early in the new year. The Calgary-based airline announced Tuesday that a $25 baggage fee will apply to new economy bookings for flights as of Jan. 6. WestJet will also raise fees for some reserved seating, with increases ranging between $10 and $20 for exit rows on flights longer than 300 miles (about 480 kilometres).

GERMANY - (Update) Significant disruptions to flight services have been reported on Germany's national carrier, Lufthansa, on 9 November as unionised cabin crew continue their strike. Over 900 flights departing Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf have been cancelled. The action is expected to continue until 13 November, and has been called over an ongoing wage dispute between the Independent Flight Attendants' Organisation (UFO) and airline operator, Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The strike has not affected Lufthansa subsidiaries, including Eurowings, Germanwings, and Swiss and Austrian airlines. As negotiations between the union and airline operator are expected to continue, the strike may be suspended on an ad hoc basis. Further flight disruptions are anticipated for the duration of the work stoppage. An increased demand for alternative carriers is likely over the affected period. Clients scheduled to fly with Lufthansa during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly on Lufthansa who were ticketed through ATG.

NEPAL - Due to ongoing fuel shortages, severe disruptions to domestic flights have been reported in Nepal on 9 November, with only 35 percent of all domestic flights able to operate. Aviation authorities have stated that the situation will normalise on 10 November; however, aviation fuel supplies remain critically low and, as such, further disruptions to operations are possible in the coming days. Persons intending to travel to Nepal are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further updates on the status of their flight(s).

INDONESIA(LOMBOK, WEST NUSA & TENGGARA) - (Update) Lombok International Airport, located on Lombok Island, in Indonesia's West Nusa Tenggara province, will remain closed until 08:45 on 9 November. The airport's closure is the result of persistent volcanic activity of and ash emissions from Mount Rinjani. It is unclear when the volcanic activity will cease. As such, further disruptions to flight services at the airport cannot be discounted. In addition, once operations resume, residual delays are expected, due to the backlog of flights. It should be noted that the eruption of Mount Rinjani also resulted in the temporary closure of Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, as well as the Blimbingsari Airport, in Banyuwangi, in East Java province. While services have resumed at these facilities, airlines, including Jetstar, continue to provide only limited flight services. Persons travelling 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 the country, particularly in recently-affected areas, should cater for possible delays at ports of arrival/departure.

UNITED STATES(WASHINGTON, DC) - Pro-Palestinian activists have called for protest rallies in the United States' capital, Washington DC, on 9 and 10 November. Participants in the 9 November rally are expected to gather in front of the White House at 09:00 local time. A related gathering is anticipated in front of the National Building Museum at 17:00 local time, on the same day. Protesters on 10 November are expected to gather in front of the Center for American Progress at 08:00 local time. The activists are calling for an end in US aid to Israel, the prosecution of Binyamin Netanyahu for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court for War Crimes and for the liberation for the Palestinian people. The protest rallies have been scheduled to coincide with the visit of Netanyahu, who has been invited to meet with President Obama and Congressional leaders in Washington. The US experiences occasional protests and demonstrations over a wide range of topics, including domestic, socio-economic and environmental concerns as well as international developments. The largest protests generally take place in large urban centres, such as Washington DC and New York City. Demonstrations have occasionally turned violent, with confrontations taking place between protesters and riot police. Street closures in the vicinity of the protest areas area should be expected. Clients in Washington are advised to avoid all rallies and related gatherings as a standard precaution. The planned protest rallies are likely to result in significant localised travel disruptions due to road closures, as such clients are advised to plan accordingly.

AUSTRALIA - Unionised Border Force employees are expected to conduct a 24-hour countrywide strike in Australia, on 9 November. The labour action is anticipated to begin at 00:01 and conclude at 23:59 local time. The strike has been called as part of an ongoing wage dispute between the immigration department and unions. The upcoming strike is expected to cause significant disruptions as facilities including; passport and arrival card checking, passenger screening and customs inspections will be affected.  Disruptions to immigration processes should be anticipated. Although it remains unclear whether protests will be staged, none have been confirmed thus far, related demonstrations cannot be ruled out.  Persons travelling in, to or from Australia are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned action. Clients are further advised to contact their travel provider, airport departures or airline to enquire about the status of border crossings; allowances should be made for travel disruptions.

GERMANY(DRESDEN & LIEPZIG) - Rival demonstrations against and in support of asylum seekers/ migrants are expected in Dresden and Liepzig, Germany, on 9 November. In Dresden, the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) will hold an anti-immigration protest at the Theaterplatz from 18:30 local time. A counter-demonstration is expected in the vicinity of this protest; further details regarding this gathering are unavailable. The Liepzig faction of PEGIDA will hold its demonstration at the Richard-Wagner-Platz from 19:00. Anti-fascist groups are set to hold a counter-demonstration outside the Moritzbastei, located on Universitatsstrasse, from 17:00. Demonstrations are expected to be accompanied by an increased police presence. The ongoing European migrant crisis has prompted numerous anti-immigration and solidarity protests across the region, including in Germany, in recent months. These have been well attended and have been marred by incidents of low-level clashes between rival protesters and police. More recently, violent clashes erupted at an anti-immigration protest held in Berlin on 7 November, leaving an unconfirmed number of people wounded and at least 40 people arrested. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstrations cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, the potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time, due to heightened tensions regarding the crisis.  Persons in Dresden and Leipzig on 9 November are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces 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.

BAHAMAS - A storm system (AL12) has developed off the coast of southern Bahamas. The storm, currently a tropical depression, is forecast to strengthen over the next 36 hours as it moves in a north westerly direction, north of the country. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for numerous areas of the country.  Heavy rainfall and strong winds conducive to localised flooding are possible in low-lying areas and disruptions are anticipated to amenities such as power supply and transportation (including air, maritime and road) in the Bahamas over the next 24 to 48 hours. Clients in the country are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Travellers should confirm the status of all transport services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, including near the coast, and if travelling by sea.

TUNISIA - Following a review, the kidnap risk rating for Tunisia has increased from low to medium. The increased rating is in response to a generally elevated risk in Tunisia's interior as well as in areas near the shared borders with Algeria and Libya. The risk is consider lower in major urban centres and resorts along the coast.  There have been few major incidents impacting on foreign nationals in the country in recent years. However, insecurity in the wider region has had an impact on the country's border regions and interior. Islamist militant activity has increased markedly in many areas. A concurrent increase in acts of terrorism has been noted, including mass-casualty attacks targeting foreign interests in the country's capital, Tunis, and a resort area (Port El Kantaoui) over the past year. The kidnap risk is also assessed to have increased in the country's interior and near the borders with Algeria and Libya, where the security presence is lower. The risk to travellers in these areas, particularly persons without security measures in place, is considered higher than when travelling in the more secure coastal areas of the country. Clients travelling outside of prominent resort areas or urban centres along the coast are advised to exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness, should consider the services of a security escort, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the country's shared borders and in the south of the country, and should maintain a low public profile.

JORDAN(MUAQAR SECURITY FORCE CAMP NEAR AMMAN) - A gunman shot and killed two US nationals at the Muaqar security force camp, east of Jordan's capital, Amman, on 9 November. The suspect, purportedly a Jordanian police official, committed suicide after shooting the two victims. The facility is reportedly funded by the US and is involved in the training of Iraqi and Palestinian security officials. The motive for the shooting is unknown.  In light of the attack, additional security force personnel may be deployed to the affected area. Checkpoints may be established on approaching roads. Clients in the Amman area should avoid the Muaqar security force camp in the coming hours as a precaution.

AFGHANISTAN(ZABUL PROVINCE) - Clashes between rival factions of the Sunni-extremist Taleban group have left at least 50 fighters dead in Afghanistan's southern Zabul province over 7 and 8 November. According to reports, fighters from a Taleban splinter group known as the High Council of Afghanistan Islamic Emirate clashed with Taleban forces loyal to current leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, in the province's Arghandab district; the majority of those killed were from the High Council of Afghanistan Islamic Emirate. The conflict is apparently ongoing, and has spread to the Khak-e-Afghan and Dai Chopan districts. However, given that these areas remain under insurgent control, the information is unconfirmed. Conflict levels in Afghanistan are rated as extreme, and several factors have served to further escalate conflict in 2015. These include the almost total withdrawal of foreign combat troops at the end of 2014, news of the death of Taleban leader, Mullah Omar, and the election of Mansour as the new leader, which has sparked intra-Taleban conflict. The emergence of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group as well as the inability of Afghan security forces to maintain security across most of the country have also contributed to increased conflict levels. Given these complex dynamics, the situation is not expected to improve in the short- to medium-term. Indeed, violence is likely to escalate, and 2015 has thus far seen the highest levels of conflict, specifically with regards to civilian casualties, since the fall of the Taleban in 2001.  Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols should be implemented at all times. All movement should be conducted during daylight hours only and in the presence of a security escort. Crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) should be updated with a security provider, from whom regular updates should be requested.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - The APEOESP teachers' union has called for a demonstration in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 10 November. The demonstration is being held in the Morumbi area of the city and will begin outside the Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo from 12:00 local time. A march will then proceed towards the nearby Palacio dos Bandeirantes. The gathering is being held to protest against the closure of some schools in the wider state. Persons in the affected area on 10 November should anticipate localised road traffic disruptions. The risk of violence is considered low; however, minor confrontations between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected area are advised to avoid the protest as a standard precaution.

HAITI - The National Platform of Loyal Transport Unions (PNSTF), a body representing several transportation unions, has called for a countrywide general strike on 9 and 10 November; the exact starting time of the strike is unclear. The strike was originally called to demand that the government reduce the tax increases that were to be imposed in early October. Although the tax hikes were pushed back to December, strike organisers claim that the action will take place nonetheless, and have called for associated demonstrations. The strike is also supported by the opposition Fanmi Lavalas party. The strike action is expected to be well attended and, as such, may result in severe public transport disruptions, including in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The strike is expected to be accompanied by street protests, which have likely been fuelled by recent anti-government protests associated with the country's 25 October elections. The politically motivated protests have been affected by low-level acts of violence and the threat of further unrest during the forthcoming strike period is assessed to be high. Possible protester gathering points include major government buildings, such as the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, as well as major transportation nodes and routes. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti. Persons in the country over the near-term are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution. In response to the generally poor security environment, clients are advised to travel with a security escort and should reside in secure accommodation.

SAUDI ARABIA(RIYADH) - The Fourth Summit of Arab-South American Countries is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh from 10 to 11 November. Stringent security measures are expected to be implemented across the city as the summit will be attended by political leaders and high-level dignitaries from all member states of the Arab League and the 12 South American countries. The objective of the summit is to promote relations between political leaders and civil society organisations in the Middle East and North Africa region and South American countries. Although there have not been any threats made against the upcoming event or any indication of planned protests, heightened security measures should be anticipated in the capital. Security measures are likely to include a visible police presence, police checkpoints and random identification checks, particularly in and around the summit location and the King Khaled International Airport. Clients in Riyadh on the aforementioned days are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays, in addition to avoiding all street protests and related gatherings.

ANGOLA(LUANDA) - The National Council of Activists group has stated its intention to lead anti-government rallies in Angola's capital, Luanda, on 11 and 12 November, despite being banned by the authorities from doing so. The protesters are set to demand the resignation of long-serving president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has been in power for 36 years. The protests are expected to focus on the Presidential Palace and the Constitutional Court. A significantly elevated security force presence is expected in Luanda on the day. The upcoming demonstrations were organised to coincide with Angola's Independence Day on 11 November. Organisers of the event reportedly chose this date as a means of garnering greater attention for their cause. Should the protests proceed, there is an increased risk of violence, as the police may move to disperse the gatherings in light of the government's banning of the event. Angolan security forces often respond to demonstrations forcibly, increasing the risk of violent unrest and the indiscriminate threat which such actions pose to bystanders. Persons in Luanda on 11 and 12 November are advised to avoid any associated large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel delays and should plan accordingly.

ECUADOR - The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and several other activist groups have called for a day of national mobilisation on 11 November in protest against proposed constitutional amendments. Further details regarding the location of the planned protest action is unclear; however, gatherings are likely in the capital, Quito, and in Guayaquil.  Socio-economic and political protests against the government have been ongoing throughout 2015. CONAIE has led several high-profile demonstrations. The majority of the events have been peaceful. The risk of violence exists. Should confrontations occur these are likely to be low-level in nature. Associated road traffic disruptions are likely near all street protests. Clients in Ecuador are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

POLAND(WARSAW) - Anti-fascism and nationalist groups are set to stage various demonstrations in Poland's capital, Warsaw, as the country commemorates Independence Day on 11 November. A major far-right demonstration is expected to commence at the Roman Dmowski roundabout from 14:00 local time before proceeding to the national stadium for a rally. Precedent suggests that counter-demonstrations will take place in close proximity to the far-right march and rally; accordingly, a significant police presence is expected to accompany the event. Meanwhile, the official commemorative parade will proceed from Pilsudski Square at 13:00. There is an elevated risk of violent civil unrest during the upcoming protests, as violent confrontations between protesters have occurred in the past. In both 2013 and 2014, police employed the use of teargas and rubber bullets to disperse brawling rival demonstrators. Road closures near protest sites should be expected, and are likely to lead to traffic congestion in the city centre.  Clients in Warsaw are advised to exercise caution and to avoid all related protest gatherings and concentrations of security personnel at this time. Disruptions to road traffic should be anticipated in central Warsaw throughout the day.

ROMANIA(MAJOR URBAN CENTERS) - (Update) Further peaceful anti-government demonstrations, prompted by accusations of corruption and maladministration, should be expected in the capital, Bucharest, as well as in other major cities, including Ploiesti, Cluj and Brasov, in the coming days. Anti-government protests continued in Bucharest and elsewhere on 6, 7 and 8 November. In Bucharest, thousands of protesters have gathered in University Square, where there is a near-constant protester presence, each night. Anti-government protests have been ongoing in Romania, particularly in Bucharest, since 4 November. The protests, essentially anti-government and anti-corruption in nature, stem from widespread public outrage following a deadly nightclub fire on 30 October; activists maintain that the offending nightclub obtained its operating license illegally. Indeed, Cristian Popescu Piedone, then-mayor of the Bucharest district where the club is located, was taken into custody on 7 November in connection with the corruption investigation into the nightclub fire, which claimed 44 lives. Major demonstrations following allegations of high-level corruption have taken place on several occasions in Romania's recent history. The country is assessed by Transparency International, which measures perceptions of corruption, as having moderate to high levels of corruption. It should be noted that protests in Romania frequently occur with little advanced warning and are usually well attended. Despite this, violent incidents have not been reported. Clients in and intending to travel to Romania in the near-term should monitor media broadcasts for updates on political developments and possible protests. All protests and related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

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