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

UNITED STATES (MIAMI FLORIDA) - Residual flight disruptions have been reported at Miami International Airport, which serves the greater Miami area in the US state of Florida, following a security incident on 9 November. According to reports, at least 50 flights were delayed at the facility after authorities discovered a suspicious item at a security checkpoint. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials were immediately deployed to investigate the incident; it was later discovered that the item(s) in question were non-hazardous. Normal operations at Miami International Airport resumed after approximately 22:30 local time; however, continued delays should be anticipated in the coming hours due to the residual backlog of flights. Persons intending to transit Miami International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).

We are reaching out to our traveler managers / travelers who may be affected by the security incident.

GERMANY (LUFTHANSA) - The Independent Flight Attendant's Organization (UFO) has announced further strike action on Tuesday, 10.11.2015 for all Lufthansa longhaul flights from/ to Frankfurt between 4.30 and 23.00 as well aslonghaul flights from/ to Munich between 5.00 and 23.59 and all flights from/ to Dusseldorf between 4.30 and 23.00.Due to the strike actions Lufthansa has to cancel 126 long-haul and 10 continental connections resulting in about 27.300 passengers being affected by flight cancelations. Nearly all German and European continental flights will be operated as scheduled. Flights from Lufthansa Group airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Germanwings, Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Brussels Airlines are not affected by the strike actions and will therefore operate as planned. Lufthansa will do its utmost to keep the effects of a strike to a minimum and to inform passengers as soon as possible. For that reason, Lufthansa requests all passengers early on to stay up-to-date by checking the flight statuson LH.com.

We are closely monitoring this situation and reaching out to traveler managers / travelers who may be affected by the strike.

HUNGARY (BUDAPEST) - Significant departure delays to domestic and international flights continue to be reported at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport on 10 November following an earlier technical fault. Airport authorities were forced to halt all departing flights early on 10 November after a computer failure shut down several airport systems; arriving flights were unaffected and continue to proceed normally. Departure delays are expected to persist throughout 10 November due to the resultant backlog of flights. Clients intending to travel through the affected airport in the short-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).

NEPAL (COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) Due to ongoing fuel shortages, severe disruptions to domestic flights have been reported in Nepal on 10 November, with only half of all domestic flights able to operate. Aviation authorities had previously stated that the situation would normalise on 10 November, after severe disruptions to domestic flights on 8 and 9 November. Despite this, 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).

RUSSIA (COUNTRYWIDE) - Drivers of freight trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes have warned that they will blockade major highways in urban centres countrywide on 11 November, should their demands not be addressed. The long-distance freight haulers are opposed to a new tariff on vehicles over 12 tonnes using federal highways. Truckers in numerous regions have expressed their support for the protest actions, including Moscow, St Petersburg, Irkutsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Lipetsk, Ryazan, Krasnoyarsk, Naberezhnye Chelny, Orenburg, Bashkiria, Ivanovo and Taganrog. The go-slow protest is expected to start at 11:00 local time; trucks will proceed along federal highways at approximately 10km/h. Freight truck drivers have previously staged significantly disruptive go-slow protests on related issues. Driver representatives are engaged in ongoing negotiations to suspend the introduction of the toll on heavy vehicles; as such, the protest action may be averted with little warning. In addition, the possibility of altercations between truck drivers and security forces cannot be discounted, particularly if police attempt to dismantle the blockade.
Clients intending to travel in Russia on 11 November are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Several trade unions, including Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) are set to hold a demonstration in London, UK, on 10 November. The demonstration has been called in protest of the proposed trade union bill, which introduces a number of restrictions to workers' rights to protest. Participants are expected to gather at Parliament Square from 18:00 local time. This is the latest in a series of protests against the proposed trade union bill in recent weeks. The upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between participants and police cannot be dismissed. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in and around the vicinity of Parliament Square. Persons in London on 10 November are advised to avoid large street gatherings and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated.

CHAD (LAKE CHAD) - A state of emergency has been imposed in the Lake Chad region on 9 November. According to reports, the state of emergency was imposed in response to a recent spate of attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, the most recent of which occurred on 8 November. The state of emergency includes provisions relating to the restriction of movement and the searching of private residences in the affected area. Following the Chadian government's operational and logistical support of regional anti-Boko Haram initiatives, the sect has executed a number of retaliatory attacks targeting settlements near the Lake Chad region where the group maintain a strong operational presence. In light of the current state of emergency, increased security measures as well as restrictions on road-based travel should be anticipated in the affected area in the near-term. As such, roads in the vicinity of the affected area may be subject to travel disruptions. Clients are advised against all travel to the western Lac region due to the presence of Boko Haram militants and associated militant activity in the region. Persons in the region should implement robust travel, residential and personal security measures at all times.

SAUDI ARABIA (AL-KHUWAILDIYAH (QATIF GOVERNORATE)) - Unidentified assailants fired on a police patrol in the al-Khuwaildiyah area of Saudi Arabia's eastern Qatif governorate, on 9 November. The attack wounded one police officer and two passers-by, both of whom were Indian nationals. Low-level attacks targeting security force personnel have been reported in the area in the past and are thought to be linked to ongoing agitation by some members of the Shiite community against the state. These low-level incidents have coincided with regular anti-government protests by the local community calling for political reforms and the release of jailed leaders. Clients are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the Qatif governorate. Travel at night and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided as a precaution.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (LAE) - A considerably elevated security force presence remains in place in Lae, capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s Morobe province, following recent violent protests and clashes. Violence escalated on 9 November when armed mobs attacked street vendors in the Top Town, Eriku, Main Market, Chinatown, Voco Point and Down Town areas of the city. At least one person was killed and five others wounded before security forces were able to regain control of the situation. A number of shops were looted and vehicles set alight. Although no incidents of significant violence have been reported on 10 November, the situation remains tense, and some protesters are thought to have erected illegal roadblocks on Highlands Highway, a key transport route between the city and the Lae Nadzab Airport. The situation remains fluid. The recent violence was sparked by local youths protesting against street vendors, many of whom come from outside of Lae. The protesters assert that vendors are responsible for the high levels of theft and crime in the city. Despite the increased security force presence, further violence and clashes are possible; PNG police are ill-equipped to deal with civil disturbances and may use violence as a first resort, thereby potentially escalating instead of defusing the situation. Clients in Lae are advised to maintain a low profile at this time and to monitor local developments closely. All protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided.

INDIA/NEPAL/SRI LANKA/BHUTAN/BANGLADESH/MAURITIUS/BALI - (Update) Hindu communities across India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Mauritius and Bali in Indonesia will celebrate the festival of Diwali from 10 to 15 November, although the exact dates may vary regionally. Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant holidays on the Hindu calendar and is typically characterised by festivities in urban centres. Large-scale celebratory events are expected in urban centres, which may impact on localised travel. Government offices, banks and many businesses will close or reduce operating hours. Such events tend to attract large crowds, which can exacerbate travel disruptions and result in an elevated threat of petty crime. Within India, an increased security force presence is likely to be deployed at government installations and crowded public venues, where celebratory events are held. This will be implemented to counter the threat posed by various Islamist extremist groups, which have attempted to disrupt public festivities in the past; however, authorities in India have not indicated that any such threat has been made. Clients in the aforementioned countries should exercise heightened situational awareness, due to the elevated threat of petty crime. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated, due to increased security measures in the states. Clients in India, specifically, are advised to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to local authorities immediately.

SERBIA (BELGRADE) - Labour unions representing employees of the state-owned telecommunications company, Telekom Srbija, have called for a demonstration in Belgrade on 11 November in opposition to the proposed sale of the company. Participants are set to gather outside St Mark's Church, in Tasmajdan Park, before proceeding to the nearby National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for a rally. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended and localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated. Although the rally is expected to conclude peacefully, all union-led demonstrations carry a risk of low-level clashes. This poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Street closures in the vicinity of the protest area should be expected. Persons in Belgrade are advised to avoid all rallies and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, the protest rally may result in localised travel disruptions and clients are advised to plan accordingly.

GREECE (COUNTRYSIDE) - Labour unions, Civil Servants' Confederation and General Confederation of Greek Workers, have called for a countrywide general strike in Greece on 12 November. The action has been called over a number of labour concerns, including proposed austerity measures on wages and pension benefits. The strike is expected to affect both private and public sector services, including public transport. Unionised employees will observe a series of work stoppages on the day, with disruptions to rail, metro, bus and trolley bus services expected between 05:00 and 09:00 local time, and again from 21:00 until the end of service. There will be no ferry services and it is unclear whether air sector employees will participate in the action. Associated demonstrations are expected to take place in the capital, Athens, as well as Thessaloniki and other major urban areas. In Athens, participants will gather at Klafthmonos Square from 11:00 local time and at Omonia Square from 10:30. Further details regarding related demonstrations are unavailable. Opposition to austerity measures and labour reforms prompts regular union-led protests and strikes in Greece, and most frequently in Athens. Although the majority of these conclude without incident, it should be noted that protest rallies in Greece carry a heightened threat of confrontation between participants and police; the possibility of violent unrest during upcoming events cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of associated demonstrations are anticipated. Persons in Greece are advised to expect countrywide transport and service disruptions on 12 November. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution and to monitor local media for updates on the strike action.

PORTUGAL (LISBON) - Activist groups and trade unions are expected to hold rival demonstrations in Portugal's capital, Lisbon, on 10 November. The demonstrations have been called over a number of issues regarding the government administration, led by Prime Minister Pedro Manuel Mamede Passos Coelho. Participants are scheduled to gather outside the Parliament building, Sao Bento Palace, from 15:00 local time. An increased police presence is expected to accompany the demonstrations. Although the demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between police and protesters cannot be dismissed. Attendance at the protests is expected to be high; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the Sao Bento Palace. Persons in Lisbon on 10 November are advised to avoid all protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions at demonstration-affected sites.

URUGUAY (MONTEVIDEO) - The PIT-CNT union has called on its members to observe a general strike in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, on 12 November in response to several wage-related grievances. The work stoppage is set to take place from 09:00 to 13:00 local time, and has been organised to coincide with a parliamentary debate on the national budget. The union has also called for an associated demonstration during the aforementioned time period; participants are expected to gather at the intersection of Avenida 18 de Julio and Ejido Street on the day. Further details regarding the strike and related protest action have not been disclosed. The risk of violence at the strike-related demonstration is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police remain possible. Persons in Montevideo on 12 November are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored to remain cognisant of any developments regarding the work stoppage. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of Avenida 18 de Julio and Ejido Street.

BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA (SREBRENICA) - The Investment Development Conference is scheduled to be held in the eastern town of Srebrenica amid significantly heightened security on 11 November. The conference is being held to develop and integrate regional economic and infrastructural investment. A number of foreign dignitaries from elsewhere in the Balkans are expected to attend the event, including Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, among others. The heightened security footing is a precautionary measure after the Serbian prime minister's previous visit to the town to commemorate the victims of the Srebrenica massacre on 11 July was marred by incidents of unrest. Attendees at the commemoration chanted ethnically charged slogans and hurled projectiles at Vucic and his delegation; however, there have been no explicit threats against the conference or any of the dignitaries invited. Nonetheless, summits and conferences involving regional and international political leaders are often specifically targeted by demonstrators. Heightened security measures may include additional police deployment, checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and movement restrictions. Persons in Srebrenica are advised to plan for possible travel disruptions and abide by the directives of local authorities. All large gatherings and related demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

EAST TIMOR (DILI) - The anniversary of the Santa Cruz massacre (also known as the Dili Massacre) will be marked in east Timor's capital, Dili, on 12 November. The day commemorates the 1991 event in which Indonesian troops opened fire on pro-independence protesters during a high-profile funeral at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili, which resulted in the deaths of at least 270 people, and the disappearance of a similar number, the vast majority of which were unarmed protesters. Rallies and commemorative marches should be expected on this day in Dili, and are likely to focus on the Santa Cruz cemetery, located on Rua de Santa Cruz and in close proximity to Rua Ponte Meira, in the east of the city. Rallies and events associated with this day are likely to pass without significant incident. However, precedent suggests they will be well attended; localised travel disruptions should thus be expected in the vicinity of Santa Cruz cemetery, and roads in the area may be closed to vehicular traffic. In addition, an elevated security force presence is likely to be in place. Persons in Dili on 12 November are advised to avoid all related gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution and anticipate localised travel disruptions on the day.

ARGENTINA (ENTRE RIOS PROVINCE) - Teachers affiliated with the Professional Association of Teachers of Entre Rios (AGMER) union are expected to conduct a strike in Argentina's Entre Rios province on 10 and 11 November. An associated demonstration is expected to take place in the provincial capital, Parana, on 10 November. Participants are set to assemble at the AGMER office at 10:00 local time. Further information is currently unavailable. The industrial action has been initiated in response to ongoing wage and labour disputes. In addition to the disruption in education sector activities, the planned protests in Parana and any possible associated protests are likely to result in localised road travel disruptions. The risk of violence at strike-related protests is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police remain possible. Clients in Entre Rios are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential localised disruptions.

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