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:

MALI(BAMAKO) - Security operations are ongoing at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Bamako's ACI 2000 district, where a number of armed militants have taken scores of people hostage. Unconfirmed reports indicate that as many as 80 of an estimated 170 hostages, which include French, Turkish, Chinese and Nigerian nationals, have been freed. Further reports claim that at least three people have been killed by assailants at the hotel. There is a high terrorism threat in Mali stemming from numerous Islamist extremist and separatist armed groups. Although these groups primarily operate in the country's northern Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu regions, militants have previously exhibited both the intent and operational capacity to target the city of Bamako. This was highlighted on 25 May, when one United Nations (UN) peacekeeper was killed and another wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the capital. Prior to this, on 6 March, four people, including one French national and one Belgian national, were killed in a shoot-out at La Terrasse restaurant, located near Princess Street in Bamako. The latest attack has led to a significant increase in security in the ACI 2000 district, with Malian and French forces allegedly deployed in the area. Mobile communications in the area have been scrambled; security checkpoints and other movement restrictions have also been implemented. Persons in Bamako are advised to avoid the ACI 2000 district of the city. Clients in the district should restrict all movements to secure locales and undertake road travel for essential purposes only.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers booked at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Bamako who were ticketed through ATG.

AIR FRANCE/KLM - Air France and KLM are phasing in a fee to select a seat prior to check-in on certain routes. Elite members of Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines' frequent-flyer programs, travelers buying flexible economy tickets and those with disabilities are exempt from the fee, which begins Dec.1 for travel on Jan. 26 or later. Routes include KLM flights serving Jakarta, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Seoul; Singapore; and Buenos Aires. On Air France, the fee affects flights serving Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Brasília, Brazil; and Tokyo's Haneda Airport. It also impacts flights on both carriers that serve Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

UNITED STATES (AMERICAN AIRLINES) - American Airlines Group Inc on Tuesday said it will change its loyalty program in the second half of next year so customers earn frequent-flier miles based on the fares they pay rather than the distance they fly. The move, long anticipated by investors, makes it harder for travelers to attain elite status and benefits on American by booking flights on the cheap that log thousands of miles. It follows similar changes to the loyalty programs of Delta Air Lines Inc and United Continental Holdings Inc. American had held off on the switch while integrating the loyalty program and reservations platform of subsidiary US Airways so customers and employees were not overwhelmed by change. The two companies merged in 2013 to form the world's largest airline. Frequent fliers will earn five award miles for every dollar spent on tickets, with elite members earning higher amounts. American also said it was lowering the number of miles travelers needed for free flights to destinations in Latin America. Miles needed on some flights to Asia and Europe will increase due to changes in market pricing and demand.

UNITED STATES(MIDWEST) - The US National Weather Service (NSW) has issued winter storm warnings for large parts of the Midwest, including in the states of Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin. These warnings will remain in effect until at least 23:00 local time on 20 November. The storm system is expected to bring a significant amount of snow to the above-mentioned areas. In addition to potential delays and cancellations to flights at major airports in the region, the inclement weather may compromise road travel and public transport operations. Clients in the Midwest are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements. Persons in areas affected by adverse weather should visit the NSW website (http://www.weather.gov/) for further information regarding weather warnings.

FRANCE(PARIS) - (Update) An anti-terrorism demonstration scheduled to be held outside of the Grand Mosque in France's capital, Paris, on 20 November from 14:00 local time has been cancelled due to security concerns. The police continue to enforce a ban on public gatherings, except memorial events in light of the Paris attacks on 13/14 November. Security levels remains elevated in Paris and counter-terrorism operations continue in the wake of the recent attack. There is particular concern around major events, which authorities believe, could be targeted by militants. Clients in Paris are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should abide by the directives of the local authorities. All large public gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SPAIN(MADRID) - The authorities have announced additional security measures for the football match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona on 21 November in Madrid, Spain. Approximately 1,500 police officials are expected to be deployed and several security zones will be established outside of the venue, the Santiago Bernabeu. The match is scheduled to start at 18:15 local time. Elevated security for this high-profile fixture is common; however, indications are that the authorities have increased security provisions further in light of the Paris attacks in mid-November. A number of high-profile sporting events in Europe have already been cancelled amid concerns that militants could target large gatherings. The security measures on 21 November may translate into road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the Santiago Bernabeu through the course of 21 November. Clients in Madrid on 21 November should plan for possible disruptions near the stadium. Caution is also advised in the city through the day. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities.

AUSTRALIA - The right-wing Reclaim Australia group is scheduled to hold a series of anti-Islam rallies in a number of urban centres across Australia on 22 November. Rallies will be held at Martin Place amphitheatre in Sydney from 13:00 local time; Emma Miller Place in Brisbane from 13:00; Festival Theatre Plaza in Adelaide from 11:00; 232 High Street Melton in Melbourne from 11:00; Parliament Place in Perth from 12:00; Parliament House in Canberra from 13:30; Scott Hall car park in Esperance from 10:00; Dan Gleeson Park in Townsville from 11:00; Cessnock Hotel Park in Cessnock from 11:00; outside the Mildura Lawn Tennis Club in Mildura from 11:00; Franklin Square in Hobart from 13:00; Fogarty Park in Cairns from 10:00, and in front of the Council Chambers in Alice Springs from 11:30. Although the number of attendees at each rally is expected to vary, attendance is likely to range from the low hundreds to the low thousands. Left-wing and anti-fascist groups have indicated that they will hold counter-rallies on the affected days; these are expected to be better attended than the right-wing demonstrations. Reclaim Australia demonstrations have been marred previously by low-level clashes with rival demonstrators and security forces, and often result in arrests. Despite this, any disturbances can be expected to remain localised and swiftly contained by the police, posing an incidental risk to bystanders. In addition, localised travel disruptions are possible due to the rival gatherings and related security measures. Persons in the aforementioned urban centres on 22 November are advised to avoid the planned demonstrations and associated gatherings, as well as all concentrations of security forces, as a precaution.

URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - Interdepartmental bus services at the Tres Cruces bus terminal in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, are expected to be disrupted. The disruption is a result of a 24-hour strike that the terminal workers are anticipated to undertake from 00:01 local time on 20 November until 00:30 on 21 November. The strike action has been called to demand improved working conditions. It is unconfirmed whether the strike will be accompanied by related protests. Although no protest action has been confirmed and incidents of civil unrest are rare in Uruguay, protests and demonstrations related to domestic and international concerns do occur. The majority of these take place in major urban centres across the country, particularly in the capital. Most demonstrations conclude peacefully; however, sporadic instances of violence and clashes with police have been reported. Clients in Montevideo should note that the strike action is anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions across the city and delays should be expected. As the strike will likely result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport, clients should consider organising and/or booking other means of intra-city transport in advance.

KENYA(NAIROBI & MOMBASA) - Significant travel disruptions continue to be reported along the A109 highway, which connects Kenya's capital, Nairobi, with the port city of Mombasa, early on 20 November due to heavy traffic congestion. Thousands of passengers have reportedly been stranded on the thoroughfare since 16 November as a result of the severe traffic jam, which is said to stretch as far as 50km. It should be noted that the three-day disruptions have restricted Mombasa's road access to the Kenyan mainland. Security forces have been deployed to the highway to assist in easing the congestion. The traffic jam is said to have been caused by road repairs along the A109 following recent flooding. Persons who intend to utilise the aforementioned highway in the near-term are advised to defer travel until such a time as the congestion has improved. Local media should be monitored for updates on the situation, as well as any advisories from the local authorities. Clients who are scheduled to travel to or from Mombasa in the near-term are advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to allow for road travel delays; alternatively, air travel could be utilised.

ARGENTINA(CENTRAL & NORTHERN PROVINCES) - Argentina's official weather service, Servicio Meteorologico, has issued a number of adverse weather warnings for heavy rain, related flooding and high winds, in a number of central and northern provinces on 19 November. The warnings cover Cordoba, Entre Rios, San Luis, Santa Fe, Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa and Santiago del Estero provinces. The warnings were issued amid heavy rain with flooding reported in a number of major cities including southern areas of the capital, Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Rosario. The flooding has been caused by a series of intense thunderstorms throughout the course of the day. Further heavy rain has been forecast to affect parts of the country early on 21 November. The anticipated rainfall may exacerbate the situation in areas already affected by flooding while possibly causing further disruptions in areas previously unaffected by flooding. Disruptions to road travel and utilities should be anticipated. Clients operating in Argentina are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Allowances should be made for travel and utility disruptions, particularly in the affected provinces. Furthermore, clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

YEMEN(SANAA) - Three US nationals held by the Houthi organisation in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, have been released and transported to Oman. The announcement was made on 19 November by Oman state news. The three were reportedly held on espionage charges. The release follows a US government statement on 10 November claiming that one of two US contractors, John Hamen, detained by Houthi forces in Sanaa on 20 October had died in detention. Sanaa is controlled by the Shiite militia, the Houthis. The group is strongly anti-Western and is involved in an ongoing battle against military forces loyal to the internationally recognised government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The conflict has increased travel and operating risks for foreign nationals. The risk of extra-judicial detention, possibly politically motivated, and kidnapping for ransom or political motives has also increased since late 2014. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons operating in the country should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated with a security provider. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a security escort and should reside in secure accommodation.

BURUNDI - In light of ongoing insecurity and violence, Burundi's overall risk rating has increased from high to extreme. All travel is advised against to Burundi. Furthermore, given limited options to evacuate the country in the event of a further deterioration in the security environment, clients in Burundi are advised to consider departing if safe and possible to do so. Burundi's security environment remains unstable due to a controversial decision by incumbent president, Pierre Nkurunziza, to contest the Burundian presidency for a third successive term; this has sparked violent anti-government protests since April 2015. Nkurunziza's victory in the 24 July presidential ballot was deemed illegitimate by opposition forces, who violently contested the outcome. The post-election period has been marred by violent anti-government agitation. To date, as many as 240 people have died either as a result of unrest or targeted killings. While opposition activists continue to decry Nkurunziza's rule, the incumbent has taken an aggressive stance towards those perceived as anti-government agitators. On 2 November, an ultimatum was issued by Nkurunziza demanding that those in possession of illegal firearms relinquish their weapons by 7 November. Those that failed to adhere to the order were to be treated as enemies of the state. Security forces were concurrently permitted to use all available means to search for weapons and insurgents once the deadline expired. Nkurunziza's rhetoric sparked both domestic and international concern, with many fearing an escalation in already-heightened tensions. The European Union has since reportedly decided to evacuate the families of all staff members in the country. Burundi's security environment remains fluid and may be subject to rapid deterioration. This could pose a discernible threat to foreign nationals and interests in Burundi. Due to the uncertain political situation in Burundi, red24 has amended the travel advisory for the country. Clients are advised to defer all travel to the country at this time. Persons in Burundi are further advised to consider departing, if safe and possible to do so.

YEMEN(SHIBAM, HADRAMAWT GOVERNORATE) - Militants reportedly launched a car bomb and gun attack against Yemeni military positions in the vicinity of Shibam in Yemen's eastern Hadramawt governorate on 20 November. Initial reports indicate that dozens of civilians and combatants have been killed and wounded. The incident is typical for the region. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has a strong presence in the governorate and frequently conducts attacks against military positions. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons operating in the country should update crisis management plans regularly in conjunction with their security provider. All travel should be conducted with a close protection officer.

INDIA(PAMPORE, JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - Unidentified assailants detonated a grenade along the Srinigar to Jammu highway in the Pampore area (Pulwama district) earlier on 20 November. Pampore is located 20km south east of Srinagar in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state. The blast wounded five people, including two security force officials, the intended target of the assault. A security operation has been launched in the area to apprehend the assailants. Road closures and business disruptions have also been reported. Low-level attacks are regularly reported in Jammu and Kashmir state. These are typically perpetrated by anti-India militants against security force personnel. There is an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism. Caution is advised near security force personnel and facilities or interests overtly linked to the Indian state, including government buildings.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - The authorities in Malaysia have deployed 2,000 soldiers to and placed an additional 2,500 on standby in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 20 November ahead of the arrival of US President Barack Obama as well as unconfirmed reports of an 'imminent terrorist threat'. Obama is in the country to meet regional leaders at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The threat was described by local police on 19 November after a local media outlet indicated it had information suggesting that suicide bombers were present in the capital and in Malaysia's eastern Sabah state. The police have stated that they have no additional information. Security has been elevated in Malaysia since the Paris attacks in mid-November. The increased security measures are likely to be most visible at ports of arrival and departure, key government buildings and tourist sights in the city and at the summit venue, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Travellers should cater for additional checks in these areas and potential travel disruptions. It should be noted that the overall risk of terrorism in Malaysia is assessed as medium. While the country has not been affected by major acts of terrorism recently, Islamist militants are thought to operate in the immediate region and pose a risk to the state. The authorities regularly announce the arrest of suspected terrorists, underscoring the threat. Clients in Kuala Lumpur should plan for possible delays at ports of entry and exit, near the ASEAN summit venue and at major tourist and government sights in the city over the near-term. A generally heightened level of personal security awareness is advised while travelling in the city.

MEXICO(OAXACA CITY(OAXACA STATE)) - The National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) has called for a demonstration on 20 November in Mexico's southern Oaxaca state. The gathering will begin. Participants will gather at the State Institute of Public Education in Oaxaca in Oaxaca city at 09:00 local time and then proceed to the Zocalo, a prominent public square. The rally has been called in response to education reform and to call for the release of detained teachers. The SNTE regularly holds gatherings in opposition to the government, state-led education reforms and in response to education sector concerns. The majority of gatherings are peaceful; however, minor confrontations are occasionally reported. The SNTE rally should be avoided as a precaution. Travellers in Oaxaca city should exercise caution in the anticipated protest-affected areas.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - Student organisation, Student Movement has called for a demonstration in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, and other urban centres on 21 November. Protesters in Caracas are expected to gather outside the Chacao metro station at 09:00 local time. Further information regarding the other protests locations is unavailable. Student Movement represents university students and the youth in general. The movement has drafted a policy reform proposal that aims to improve the socio-economic and education position of Venezuelan youth ahead of parliamentary elections on 6 December. The movement hopes to be represented in the new National Assembly. Previous related demonstrations resulted in low-level clashes between protesters and police; as such, violent unrest at the upcoming gatherings cannot be discounted. Clients in Venezuela are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on the upcoming protests. All street protests and related gatherings are to be avoided as a standard precaution. The anticipated demonstrations are likely to result in localised travel disruptions; as such, clients are advised to plan accordingly.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - The 'You Stink' activist group has called for a protest in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on 22 November. The protest coincides with Lebanon's Independence Day commemoration. The gathering is expected to occur in the city's Martyr's Square area. The grouping has led a number of protests in recent weeks against the government over its waste management policy. The majority of the group's gatherings have been peaceful; however, some have been affected by low-level confrontations. The risk of further confrontations exists. Depending on the size of the protest, disruptions to road travel are also possible in the Martyr's Square area on 22 November. Due to a number of security issues, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Persons in the city on 22 November should exercise caution in the Beirut area and avoid street protests as a standard precaution.

EGYPT(CAIRO,QALYUBIA,DAKAHLIA,MONUFIA,GHARBIA,KAFR EL-SHEIKH,SHARQIA,DAMIETTA,PORT SAID,ISMAILIA, SUEZ,NORTH & SOUTH SINAI GOVERNORATES) - The second round of Egypt's elections will be held on 22 and 23 November with a run-off vote scheduled for 1 and 2 December. The vote will take place in the Cairo, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Monufia, Gharbia, Kafr el-Sheikh, Sharqia, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai and South Sinai governorates. Security is expected to be heightened (additional patrols and checkpoints) ahead of and during the polling at all election-related sites. The turnout for the first round of elections in mid-October was low with only a quarter of registered voters turning out to vote. This trend is expected to continue during the second round. There have been no major election-related security developments, despite risks concerning a possible spike in anti-government protests by the Islamist opposition. A threat of protests escalating during the forthcoming vote remains; however, gatherings are unlikely to be sustained or widespread. The possibility of an increase in low-level violence remains high, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula (North Sinai and South Sinai governorates) where anti-government militants have a presence. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised outside of resort and tourist areas in the South Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised in the western half of Egypt, extending towards the shared border with Libya, particularly outside of major cities. Travellers in Egypt during the current election cycle should monitor local media closely and obtain regular updates from their security provider regarding possible election-related or security events in their area of travel or operation. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.