Header NEWS
 
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
AER LINGUS - Irish carrier Aer Lingus is terminating its Belfast City-London Gatwick next year. The airline will cease its thrice-daily operation between the two cities on March 27. Ryanair is reportedly bidding for the newly-vacant LGW slots, with any service likely to be operated from Belfast International airport. A spokesman for Aer Lingus said: "Customers who had existing bookings on the route will be offered three alternative options - flights from Belfast City to London Heathrow, flights from Dublin Airport to London Gatwick or a full refund. Aer Lingus will communicate directly with customers about this schedule change in the coming days. "While the Belfast City to Gatwick service will be discontinued Aer Lingus continues to operate a high frequency service between Belfast City and London Heathrow. "Flights between Belfast City Airport and London Heathrow will benefit from a 21 per cent capacity increase due to the deployment of a larger A320 aircraft adding 35,000 extra seats over the 2016 summer schedule."

GERMANY(LUFTHANSA) - (Update) A strike organised by unionised cabin crew employed by Lufthansa, which was scheduled to take place in Germany on 26, 27 and 30 November, has been averted. The action was initially called in response to an ongoing pay and benefits dispute between the Independent Flight Attendants' Organisation (UFO) and airline operator Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The strike was called off to allow for negotiations on the matter. Given that the negotiations are ongoing, the possibility of further strike action is possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients travelling with Lufthansa in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for developments and announcements of possible future strike action, and to contact the airline and/or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). Further information can be accessed on the Lufthansa website (http://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Travel-information).

GLOBAL (MARRIOTT) - Marriott International told customers to be on alert for scammers offering a complementary stay at one of the company's hotels, and urged those who do receive a suspicious phone call to simply hang up. People reported getting bogus phone calls offering the prize in exchange for personal information. It has happened in several different countries, the company said in a statement Friday, though it did not specify which ones. Marriott issued a similar statement in January 2015, in response to scamming phone calls in Canada.

UNITED STATES (DFW)  - Dallas Fort Worth airport releases the newest version of the Official DFW Airport Mobile App to give customers more information at their fingertips.  The app is loaded with new features including flight information, weather forecasts, search capabilities, interactive map, parking information and more.  The app has the ability to explore what is within five minutes from any DFW gate.  The Official DFW Airport Mobile App is available as a free download for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices including smartphones and tablets.
 
UNITED STATES(CHICAGO & MINNEAPOLIS) - Tensions remain elevated in the US cities of Chicago (Illinois state) and Minneapolis (Minnesota state), following recent demonstrations against police brutality. At least five people were shot by masked assailants during a Black Lives Matter protest in Minneapolis on 23 November. Three people have since been arrested with regards to the incident, which protesters claim is the work of white supremacists. In Chicago, protests were triggered by the release of a video depicting the 2014 police killing of a local black teenager, Laquan McDonald. Demonstrators obstructed traffic at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue late on 24 November; the protest was largely peaceful, with many participants remaining on the streets until 01:30 local time on 25 November. In light of ongoing tensions in the US regarding police brutality, and the recent attack at the Black Lives Matter protest, further demonstrations are possible in Chicago and Minneapolis. The aforementioned demonstrations are the latest in a series of anti-police brutality protests that have taken place in cities across the US since 2014. A number of high-profile incidents in recent months, in which white police officers have allegedly used excessive force on black suspects, have sparked mass demonstrations. The protests are typically well attended and often take place amid a significant police presence. Although these protests generally conclude without major incident, it should be noted that several demonstrations have degenerated into violence in the past. Clashes between protesters and police may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders.  Persons operating in the US, particularly in the above-mentioned cities, should monitor local media for updates and announcements of additional related protests; all directives issued by the local authorities should be followed. Clients are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and security force concentrations as a standard precaution.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - (Update) Authorities in Belgium have confirmed that the underground metro rail service in the capital, Brussels, will resume on 25 November. Nonetheless, a considerably heightened security presence will remain in place at all stations. Although unclear at present, it is believed that full services on the metro will resume in a staggered manner. 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, until 30 November, at least. 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 the local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

FRANCE(PARIS) - A commemorative event to honour the 130 victims of the 13/14 November terrorist attacks, is scheduled to take place at the Hotel National des Invalides in France's capital, Paris, on 27 November. The event, scheduled to begin at 10:30 local time, is likely to be accompanied by heightened security measures as President Francois Hollande is expected to give a speech. Associated gatherings to commemorate the victims are expected at the locations of the attacks in the 10th and 11th arrondissements and at the Stade de France in the Saint-Denis area of the city; a gathering is also planned to take place at Place de la Republique. The commemorative events are likely to be accompanied by amplified security measures, including increased deployment of police. Road closures and cordons are likely in the affected areas, due to the security measures and high number of attendees; localised travel disruptions are expected. Further such events are possible in the short- to medium-term.  Persons in Paris 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. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential delays.

AUSTRALIA(SOUTH AUSTRALIA STATE) - Authorities in Australia have issued a wildfire emergency warning for several areas in South Australia state on 25 November. The alert is in place for the towns of Pinery, Owen, Hamley Bridge, Freeling, Greenock, Kapunda, Tanunda and Tarlee, Kapunda, Greenock, and Nuriootpa. Emergency services are currently working to control an unconstrained fire, known as the Pinery Fire. The blaze is said to have destroyed a number of buildings; several minor fire-related injuries have also been reported. Additionally, a significant number of roads in the vicinity of the blaze, including the Traeger Road between Mallala and Balaklava, have been closed by authorities. The cause of the fire is as yet unknown.  Due to strong winds, the fire is reportedly quickly moving in a north easterly direction towards Pinery; however, it should be noted that wildfires are highly unpredictable and susceptible to rapid changes in intensity and direction. The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) has requested that persons in the aforementioned areas remain sheltered indoors, as radiant heat from the fire may prove fatal. Furthermore, residents have been ordered to avoid entering or leaving affected areas by vehicle or on foot due to the resultant hazardous road conditions. Clients are advised to defer travel to the affected areas until further notice. Persons currently in the affected areas should comply with the directives of local authorities, including any shelter orders. Updates on the aforementioned warning can be accessed at the CFS website (http://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/warnings_and_incidents/pinery_fire_information.jsp).

CHILE/PERU/BOLIVIA - Authorities in Chile announced on 23 November that an increased number of military personnel will be deployed to areas along the country's shared northern borders with Peru and Bolivia. The authorities stated that military personnel will be deployed to assist police forces in securing the border areas, which have become increasingly affected by violent crimes, including assaults, robberies and vehicle-related crimes. The announcement comes amid increased political and diplomatic tensions between Chile and Peru, as well as with Bolivia over contested territory; these tensions are likely to persist over the short- to medium-term. It should be noted that no noteworthy military exchanges have occurred; however, the potential for low-level confrontations between border guards and other security forces of the affected countries cannot fully be discounted. As a result of the security force deployment, additional patrols, roadblocks and checkpoints should be expected in the affected areas; these are likely to result in localised disruptions to travel. Disruptions to cross-border travel between Chile and Peru as well as Bolivia are also possible. Clients in the affected areas are advised to avoid concentrations of security forces and abide by directives issued by the local authorities. Allowances should be made for potential localised travel delays, including at land-border crossings.

HONDURAS(CHOLOMA) - Gunmen shot and killed eight people and wounded three others at a bus terminal in the Colonia Lopez Arellano area (Cerro Verde colony) of the north western town of Choloma on 24 November. All of the victims were employees of the local transport company. Media reports have stated that the shooting was extortion-related.  There is a high crime risk in Honduras. Most incidents of violent crime in the country are attributed to organised crime groups, involved in scams, extortion and drug-related activities. The high threat of crime is compounded by the police force's lack of resources, manpower and training to deal with gang activities. It should be noted that while the majority of violent gang-related violence predominately affects locals, the underlining threat to foreign travellers remains. Clients in Honduras should exercise heightened personal security awareness when travelling in the country. Transport should be provided by a local escort and all movement should be restricted to the day only.

ECUADOR - (Update) Numerous activist and labour groups, including the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the Workers United Front (FUT) and the Popular Front (FP), have called for countrywide protests in Ecuador on 26 November. The agitation is in protest against proposed labour-related constitutional amendments. The main protest will take place in the capital, Quito; participants will gather at the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS) building at 16:00 local time and proceed to the Legislative Palace. Associated protests are also anticipated countrywide on 1 and 2 December.  Socio-economic and political protests against the government have been ongoing throughout 2015. CONAIE has led several high-profile demonstrations. The majority of these events have been peaceful; nonetheless, 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 on 26 November should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

UGANDA(ENTEBBE & KAMPALA) - Elevated security measures will be implemented in Uganda's capital, Kampala, and the town of Entebbe, ahead of a scheduled visit from Pope Francis from 27 to 29 November. The pope will arrive at the Entebbe International Airport on 27 November at 16:50 local time, after which he is set to meet President Yoweri Museveni at the State House in Entebbe. While in the country, the Pope's itinerary includes scheduled visits to martyrs' shrines in Namugongo, the Rubaga Cathedral, the Nalukolongo House of Charity, and the residence of Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. The Pope is set to depart for Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), at approximately 09:15 on 29 November from the Entebbe International Airport. The increased security measures are viewed as largely precautionary; however, events associated with the official visit may be considered high-value targets for Islamist extremist groups such as al-Shabaab. The elevated security may include the deployment of additional security patrols, security checkpoints, random identification checks, vehicle searches and the closure of roads. Such measures and associated disruptions are likely to centre on the Pope's meeting areas. In addition, disruptions are expected at the Entebbe International Airport in the hours preceding and following the Pope's arrival and departure. Persons in Entebbe and Kampala during the aforementioned period are advised to maintain flexible itineraries to accommodate possible travel delays in the vicinity of the Pope's meeting and departure points.

MALDIVES(MALE) - The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have called for a protest in the Maldives' capital, Male, on 27 November. The event has been organised to demand the release of MDP leader, and former president, Mohamed Nasheed. The protest is likely to be accompanied by heightened security measures; precedent suggests that the rally will be well attended.  Political tensions in the Maldives have escalated sharply following the trial and subsequent imprisonment of Nasheed in March. The MDP, which Nasheed heads, is the largest opposition political party in the country. Nasheed claims he resigned in 2012 after being coerced to do so by security force members loyal to the regime of former president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Although he was released and placed under house arrest two months later, he was sent back to prison in late August. Nasheed's supporters assert that the charges brought against him were politically motivated. A similar rally, planned for 6 November, was postponed after a state of emergency was declared on 4 November; it is asserted this was done by the government as a means of forcing organisers to cancel the rally. Precedent suggests that the threat of violence at all protests, especially those carrying anti-government sentiment, is elevated. Security forces are likely to use heavy-handed tactics to disperse crowds. Given the expected size of the protest, disruptions to travel in Male are expected. Resort islands are not expected to be affected by the protest action. Clients in the Maldives, particularly in Male, on 27 November are advised to monitor local media closely for developments regarding the protest and should avoid all street protests as a precaution.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you  
need assistance with your travel plans.