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:

EGYPT/UNITED KINGDOM(EASYJET) - EasyJet airlines suspended all flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, on 23 November due to security concerns. The suspension of flights will last until 6 January at least. The airline announcement follows a decision by various other foreign airlines to suspend or limit flights to Egypt in the wake of the 31 October Metrojet airline crash, which was later confirmed by Russian authorities of having been caused by a bomb explosion. The impact of the 31 October incident on Egypt's tourism industry has and will continue to be severe. Flight disruptions to and from Egypt, particularly the Sinai Peninsula, are likely to remain limited for the near-term at least. Further flight cancellations should be anticipated. The actual risk of further attacks targeting the aviation sector remains limited given the elevated security put in place following the 31 October incident; however, further attempted attacks against airports and aircraft cannot be discounted. Persons travelling to and from Egypt by air should maintain elevated vigilance. All suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Clients concerned about the security of travel in or to Egypt are advised to contact their security provider for an update on the situation. Furthermore, travellers should confirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider prior to departure.

GERMANY - Unionised cabin crew employed by Lufthansa have called for strike action in Germany on 26, 27 and 30 November. The agitation has been called in response to an ongoing pay and benefits dispute between the Independent Flight Attendants' Organisation (UFO) and airline operator, Deutsche Lufthansa AG. As negotiations between the union and airline operator are expected to continue, the possibility of the strike being cancelled or postponed cannot be dismissed. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, significant flight disruptions and/or delays should be expected on the aforementioned days. An increased demand for alternative carriers is likely over the affected period. Clients flying with Lufthansa during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure. Further information on the current strike can be found on the Lufthansa website (http://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Travel-information).

FRANCE(REIMS) - Reims air traffic controllers in eastern France embarked on ongoing strike action on 23 November. The strike is expected to continue until 28 November. Air traffic control services have been significantly affected, resulting in lengthy delays and the re-routing of flights. For a detailed map of the affected area, please see here (https://goo.gl/qanKN9). Clients who are scheduled to travel through the affected area in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

ITALY - Commercial air travel in a number of cities in Italy will be disrupted by various labour strikes on 24 November. Between 13:00 and 17:00 local time, industrial action by baggage handlers, air traffic controllers and employees of Italy's national air carrier, Alitalia, is scheduled to take place. The labour action, which has been called in response to various grievances, is likely to have significant disruptions on air travel in the country beyond the scheduled strike period. Clients intending to use commercial air services in Italy on 24 November are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION) - (Update) Authorities in Belgium announced on 23 November that the terrorism threat level is to remain at level four, the highest on the four-tier scale for the Brussels-Capital region, including the capital, Brussels, until 30 November, at least. The alert level for the rest of Belgium remains on level three. Disruptions to a number of public services in Brussels are also expected to continue. Schools and universities are expected to re-open on 25 November. Underground metro rail services will remain closed on 24 November, with trolleybus, bus and tram services operating on reduced schedules. It is currently unclear when public transport services will resume on normal schedules. Belgium remains on high alert following the 13/14 November attacks in Paris, France. Increased security measures and further associated security operations are set to continue for the short-to medium-term, at least. Furthermore, additional disruptions to travel across the region, particularly in the capital, are anticipated. Persons in the Brussels-Capital region, particularly in Brussels, are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

GREECE(CENTRAL ATHENS) - A small explosion has been reported at the Federation of Greek Industries building which is located near the parliament in Greece's capital, Athens early on 24 November. The magnitude of the blast caused minor damages to nearby buildings and property; however, no casualties were reported. Earlier reports indicated that the roads in the vicinity of the incident had been cordoned off, it is currently unclear as to whether they have since been reopened. No group has taken responsibility for the attack; however, authorities have laid suspicion on domestic groups. There is a medium risk of terrorism in Greece. The threat largely stems from anarchist groups (such as Revolutionary Struggle and Conspiracy of Fire Nuclei) and ultra-leftist groups (such as the currently dormant Revolutionary Organization 17 November). These groups, which are opposed to the capitalist economic system, Greek state institutions and the Greek government, have carried out the bulk of incidents in recent years. Common targets include state facilities, ATMs, banks, shopping centres, political parties and diplomatic facilities. Attacks usually take the form of low-level incendiary assaults, bombings or shootings. The number of incidents annually typically surpasses the number of casualties. Damage to targets is also usually minor and incidents tend to disproportionately impact on major urban centres, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, rather than on secondary cities and towns. Clients in central Athens are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and should ideally defer all travel to the affected area. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

INDIA(TAMIL NADU) - (Update) Heavy rain and significant levels of flooding continue to impact on India's state of Tamil Nadu on 24 November. At least 169 flood-related fatalities have been reported in the five districts worst affected by the inclement weather, most notably Cuddalore, Chennai, Kanchipuram, Tuticorin and Thiruvallur. Additionally, intermittent disruptions to road-based public transport networks have been reported in Chennai since 16 November; rail services remain partially operational. Public services, including schooling and the provision of medical assistance at the Tambaram Taluk Government Hospital, have experienced disruptions due to flooding. Parts of the Tirunelveli-Tuticorin Highway, and Nungambakkam and Poonamalee roads have been rendered impassable due to waterlogging. Relief and rescue operations continue to be reported in the above-mentioned districts where as many as 400,000 people have been displaced. The heavy rain has been caused by multiple deep frontal low-pressure systems, which coincide with the north east monsoon season and have passed over the state since 9 November. Due to the aforementioned inclement weather conditions, further disruptions to public services, business operations and utility services are anticipated in the near-term. Associated road travel disruptions are also expected to persist. Persons currently in Tamil Nadu are advised to monitor weather developments and heed any advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution in flood-prone areas, particularly low-lying areas in close proximity to rivers and on flood plains.

AFGHANISTAN - At least 58 suspected militants were killed in security operations launched in several provinces in Afghanistan, on 22 and 23 November. The Afghan National Army (ANA) launched the operations targeting Taleban militants and strongholds in Nangarhar, Kunduz, Kandahar, Paktika, Balkh, Faryab, Badghis and Helmand provinces. A further ten suspected militants were wounded and six others were arrested. Weapons and ammunition were also seized in the operations. The latest ANA security operations underscore the extreme threat of conflict and terrorism in the country. Southern and eastern provinces remain some of the most volatile regions in the country; a number of the above-mentioned areas are located near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan's chronically insecure Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA); the Taleban has a considerable presence in these areas. Further violence should be expected in the near-term, as counterterrorism operations continue in the region. 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.

GEORGIA - Authorities in Georgia have heightened security measures countrywide, as a result of the Paris attacks and more specifically a terrorist threat that the country's intelligence unit received on 22 November. Authorities received the threat in the form of a video allegedly from the Islamic State (IS), an Islamist extremist group. Security measures have been placed at strategic installations, including government buildings, transport hubs and foreign diplomatic missions. Stringent security controls have also been implemented at all border crossings and airports. Although there have been no recent large-scale terrorist attacks in Georgia, the country shares the global terrorism threat. This threat may be somewhat heightened due to the country's association with and support for US policy. In addition, Georgia's ongoing contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan may make it a future target of Islamist militants. In the past, Islamist terrorists reportedly used the Pankisi Gorge, located in north east Georgia, as a training ground and transit point; however, they did not carry out any attacks in the country. Clients in Georgia are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time. Furthermore, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to South Ossetia and Abkhazia, due to the latent threat of conflict and legal restrictions regarding travel to the breakaway regions. Non-essential travel to Pankisi Gorge, north of Akhmeta city, is also advised against, due to the risks of organised crime and terrorism.

LIBYA(EAST OF TRIPOLI) - A car bomb detonated near a security checkpoint east of Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 24 November. The blast killed five security personnel and wounded 16 others. The incident highlights the elevated security risks in Libya. Acts of terrorism are frequently reported in the country. While there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, the method used points to militants aligned to the Islamic State (IS). These militants, who are based in central Libya around Sirte, have carried out numerous similar attacks in the past. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

TURKEY/SYRIA - Turkish military aircraft shot down a Russia-made SU-24 aircraft on 24 November after the plane allegedly entered Turkish airspace. It is likely that the plane belongs to the Syrian Arab Air Force which operates SU-24s. The plane crashed in the village of Yamadi in Syria's north western Latakia governorate. One pilot was killed and another captured by local Turkmen militiamen. Russia has denied that the plane violated Turkish airspace. The incident will serve to heighten tensions further along the shared border. Turkey, a NATO member, has been involved in numerous confrontations with armed groups and aircraft along its shared border in the past. However, the incident is unlikely to provoke a wider confrontation between Turkish military forces and Syrian-based armed groups, including Syrian regime personnel or pro-Syria Russian military personnel. The risks to both sides of a wider confrontation remain high given that both sides are confronting several non-state armed groups in the area. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria and against all travel to within 10km of the shared border between Turkey and Syria in Turkey's provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak.

EGYPT(EL-ARISH) - A suicide car bomb exploded outside the Swiss Inn Hotel in El-Arish in Egypt's North Sinai governorate on 24 November. The blast killed four people and wounded 14 others. A number of judges were present in the hotel during the attack. At least one judge was killed. The Islamic State (IS)'s Sinai Province reportedly claimed the bombing. The members of the judiciary are in the city to supervise ongoing legislative elections. The second phase was held on 22 and 23 November, including in the North Sinai governorate. The incident is usual for the region which has been affected by an ongoing insurgency by Islamist militants for a number of years. Bombings are frequently reported and regularly target members of the state. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Persons operating in the area should do so with a security escort and should reside in secure compounds.

SOMALIA(SOMALI COASTLINE) - An Iranian-flagged fishing vessel was reportedly hijacked by suspected pirates off Somalia's eastern coastline on 22 November. The incident is said to have occurred in waters off the town of Eyl, located in the autonomous region of Puntland. The status of the vessel's 15 crew members remains unconfirmed. There is a high risk from piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. This threat stems from the regional activities of Somalia-based pirates, who regularly target both commercial and leisure vessels. Although the frequency of piracy-related incidents off the coast of Somalia has decreased in recent years, mainly as a consequence of elevated counter-piracy measures and the heavy presence of international naval forces in the region, this latest incident highlights the continued threat of pirates conducting such attacks. Seafarers along the East African coast, Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden are advised to consult local maritime authorities prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity. Clients should plan their routes carefully, adhere to the latest best management practices and register their details with the Maritime Security Centre - Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) prior to travel, in order to obtain route-specific information.

POLAND(WARSAW) - A demonstration organised by various energy sector labour unions is set to take place in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 24 November. The protest has been called over salary-related concessions. Participants will gather outside the headquarters of PGNiG, a state-controlled oil and natural gas company, located on Kasprzaka Street. The exact time of the demonstration has not been disclosed. The gathering is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest site. Persons in Warsaw on 24 November are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution, and make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

KUWAIT - The authorities in Kuwait have announced that warning sirens will be tested on 24 November. The exercise is scheduled to begin at 10:00 local time and will be conducted across the country. Authorities have cautioned citizens not to be alarmed by the sirens, which are expected to sound a number of times before concluding. The tests aim to ensure that the siren systems remain in working condition and to ensure public awareness on the various indications of the sirens' tones. The exercise is not indicative of any imminent threats in the country. In addition to the siren testing, other public warning exercises are possible during this period. These are not expected to result in significant public disruptions. Clients in Kuwait on 24 November are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Any directives issued by local or security officials during this period should be adhered to.

INDONESIA - The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) has called for a countrywide general strike in Indonesia between 24 and 27 November. The KSPI has called on its members to observe the three day strike action in protest of the proposed lowering of minimum wages. Associated demonstrations are expected to take place in urban centres across the country; further details regarding these are unavailable. The strike is expected to be well observed and result in disruptions to private and public services, including public transport. In the event of associated protests, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of associated demonstrations. Clients in Indonesia during the aforementioned strike period are advised to monitor local developments, avoid all possible protest action as a precaution against civil unrest and anticipate disruptions to private and public services.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - A protest commemorating the 14-month anniversary of the disappearances of 43 students from the town of Ayotzinapa, Guerrero state, will be held in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 26 November. Participants are expected to gather at the city's Angel of Independence monument at 16:00 local time, before marching to the official residence of the president, Los Pinos. A sit-in protest is set to be held there for an indefinite period. Associated protests may also be held in other major towns and cities, including Acapulco, Oaxaca and Iguala. The protest is the latest civil agitation organised in relation to the September 2014 disappearances of 43 students from the town of Ayotzinapa, located in Mexico's south western Guerrero state. Protesters have denounced the government's perceived inaction over the abductions. Previous gatherings have deteriorated into confrontations between activists and security forces; the possibility of further unrest at the forthcoming gatherings cannot be discounted. Persons operating in Mexico City on 26 November are advised to avoid large street gatherings as a standard precaution, and to make allowances for potential localised road travel disruptions. Finally, clients are advised to exercise heightened caution across Mexico, due to the threats of crime and kidnapping and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict.

INDIA(KOLKATA) - Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, an organisation encompassing predominantly Bengali speaking Muslims, is expected to hold a rally in Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal state, on 26 November. The rally is scheduled to be held at Shahid Minar (formerly known as the Ochterlony Monument) and will be accompanied by increased security measures, including checkpoints. The rally has been called concerning a variety of issues, most notably intolerance within the Muslim community. The upcoming rally is likely to be well attended. Although the rally is expected to conclude peacefully, tensions between different religious communities in India, particularly Hindus and Muslims, have the potential to lead to low-level violence and associated unrest. As such, the potential for confrontations between participants and Hindu nationalist groups which may hold counter-rallies cannot be discounted. In addition, clashes between the local police and protesters are also possible. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the aforementioned area given the anticipated volume of protesters and increased security measures. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal due to Maoist insurgent activity. Persons in Kolkata on 26 November are advised to avoid all rallies and gatherings as a precaution.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.