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:

DELTA AIRLINES - Delta Airlines ends interline ticketing and passenger agreements with Air China, Hainan Airlines, Shandong Airlines and Sichuan Airlines this week. The carrier wants to strengthen its partnership with China Eastern, in which it is investing $450 million for a 3.6 percent stake, and with China Southern Airlines. Delta ended its interline agreement with Emirates in late November. Interline agreements allow passengers to book multi-segment tickets across the two airlines and rebook passengers on one another's flights during irregular operations.

LIBYA/TUNISIA - Unconfirmed reports indicate that aviation authorities in Tunisia have suspended Libyan commercial airline flights between Libya and the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, which serves Tunisia's capital, Tunis, from 5 to 31 December. Flights from Libya to Sfax-Thyna International Airport in Tunisia reportedly remain unaffected. Media reports indicate that the decision will impact approximately 12 flights per day from Libya's airports in Tripoli, Misratah, Labraq and Tobruk. The reason for the suspension is unclear. Clients intending to travel by air between Tunis-Carthage International Airport and Libya over the near-term are advised to reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider prior to departure. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Libya.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly between Libya and the Tunis-Carthage International Airport who were ticketed through ATG.

UNITED KINGDOM(BELFAST) - Protestant Coalition has called for a major anti-immigration demonstration in central Belfast, in Northern Ireland, on 5 December. Participants are expected to gather on Royal Avenue, at approximately 10:30 local time, before proceeding along its length to Donegall Place for a rally in front of Belfast City Hall. The Belfast Anti-Fascists group has stated that it will stage a counter-demonstration; however, the details of such are unconfirmed. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, it is set to take place on a main thoroughfare and will likely result in significant congestion in the vicinity. Clients in Belfast on 5 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate any potential localised disruptions.

FRANCE(FRANCE & OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) - France is set to hold the first round of regional elections countrywide on 6 December. The second round will take place, where necessary, on 13 December. Polls will also be held in the French overseas departments and territories of Guadeloupe, Reunion, French Guiana and Martinique on the same dates. Significantly heightened security force deployments are expected in major urban centres, particularly in the vicinity of polling stations. Several cities, including Paris and Marseille, are set to post security force personnel at polling stations for the duration for the vote. In Paris, both police reserves and military personnel have been mobilised. Security checkpoints are also possible. It should be noted that the election-related security measures will be taking place within the already heightened security posture that accompanies the ongoing state of emergency in the country. The regional elections are set to take place amid a state of emergency that has been in place since the 13/14 November terrorist attacks in Paris. Accordingly, security and the migrant/refugee crisis have dominated debate during the run up to election day. Recent polls have shown that the far-right Front National party is set to make significant gains in at least four of France's regions and may end up controlling two. This could provide a crucial platform for the party ahead of the 2017 presidential elections. Despite being fiercely contested and taking place amid a non-specific terrorism threat, the elections are expected to pass without major disruption. Lastly, voter turnout is expected to be high; as such, disruptions to business and transport services should be anticipated on the day.

FINLAND(HELSINKI & MAJOR URBAN CENTRES) - Various nationalist groups are set to stage a demonstration in Helsinki to mark Finland's Independence Day, on 6 December. Nationalist demonstrators are expected to gather in Helsinki's Citizens' Square, in the city centre, from 13:00 local time. Meanwhile, a group of radical activists have anonymously stated their intention to disrupt the nationalist protest, possibly by use of violence. In response, a major police response, including additional police deployments and security cordons, is expected on the day. Nationalist demonstrations are also expected to take place in urban centres countrywide; however, precedent suggests they will be minimally disruptive and conclude peacefully. Nationalist protests, often organised by far-right groups, are a regular occurrence on Independence Day. Events are often well attended and frequently disrupted by unruly elements. In 2014, dozens of injuries and arrests were reported in the wake of a related demonstration. Following receipt of several threats to disrupt the event, the risk of altercations taking place during the demonstration is assessed as being elevated. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Citizens' Square. Clients in Helsinki should avoid the above-mentioned are as a standard precaution against being caught in civil unrest. Persons operating in the area should cater for road travel delays.

INDIA(TAMIL NADU, ANDHRA PRADESH STATES) - (Update) Following days of heavy rain and associated flooding that has left approximately 270 people dead across India's Tamil Nadu state and 54 more dead in Andhra Pradesh state, the situation in the former state's administrative capital, Chennai, is easing on 4 December. Nonetheless, severe disruptions continue. Many roads remain flooded, and railway services and flights at the city's airport remain suspended until 6 December. A naval base located at Arakkonam, some 70km from Chennai, is being used as a temporary airport until then. Some shops have re-opened, although these are experiencing severe shortages of essential goods. Approximately 4,000 people in Chennai remain trapped in their homes by floodwaters, while thousands of army troops have been deployed to assist with rescue operations. Although the floodwaters have receded somewhat in the past 24 hours, further heavy rain is forecast for the coming 48 hours; meteorological authorities have forecast that approximately 1,000mm of water will fall during this period, compared to the December average of only 170mm. Moreover, the rain is less of a concern than flooding as the latter results in overflowing rivers and dams. This has been the primary cause of flooding in Chennai. As such, even once the rain has ceased, the risk of flooding remains. Disruptions to power supply, communications and transportation are expected to persist. There is also a risk of an increase in waterborne diseases in the short-term. Clients in the affected area should exercise caution in or near flooded areas and should seek shelter on high ground. Travellers should contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority for an update on their scheduled transport service prior to departure. Persons travelling by road should avoid travel through flooded roadways. Persons intending to travel to the affected area over the near-term should contact their security provider for an update on the flooding situation prior to departure.

THAILAND - According to reports on 4 December, Russian intelligence officials have passed information to their Thai counterparts pertaining to a possible terrorist attack in Thailand stemming from Islamist extremists. The information stated that ten Syrian militants associated with the Sunni-extremist Islamic State (IS) infiltrated Thailand between 15 and 31 October; of these, two allegedly travelled to the capital, Bangkok, two and four to the respective popular tourist areas of Phuket and Pattaya (located in Chon Buri and Phuket provinces), while two more travelled to unknown locations. Russian authorities allege that the militants seek to carry out attacks on Russian interests in Thailand, as well as those of countries currently engaged in air strikes against IS positions in Syria. In response, Thai authorities have stated that, of the 21 Syrians remaining in Thailand of the 231 that entered the country in October, no irregularities have emerged. The veracity of the claims of Russian intelligence services cannot be verified. However, given the high number of Russian nationals in Thailand, the recent deadly attack by IS on a Russia-bound Metrojet flight in Egypt in October and statements by IS that it will target Russian interests abroad, the threat should be taken seriously, irrespective of what stance Thai officials adopt. Indeed, Thai officials may be keen to downplay the issue as so not to deter foreign travellers, as tourism makes up a key sector of the Thai economy. Moreover, in light of the importance of tourism to the economy, Thailand has fairly relaxed visa regulations, which allow foreign nationals to travel in and out of the country with relative ease, thus heightening the threat of transnational terrorism in the country. Clients intending to travel to Thailand in the near-term are advised to adopt heightened situational awareness, especially in areas popular with tourists and where foreign nationals are known to gather. All suspicious people, packages or activities should be reported to authorities immediately.

EGYPT(GIZA) - (Update) Assailants attacked a restaurant in Agouza district earlier on 4 December leaving at least 16 people dead. The assailants reportedly threw a petrol bomb toward the establishment, located in a basement, causing a fire, before fleeing the scene. The victims inside the facility were unable to escape, leading to the high casualty numbers. Initial reports indicate that the attack was perpetrated either by employees of the restaurant or by disgruntled customers. Police have ruled out a political/terrorist motive. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are searching for the suspects. The incident is considered to have concluded and any additional security measures (checkpoints) which may have been imposed in the area, are likely to have been lifted or will likely be lifted imminently. The incident is not indicative of any specific risk to restaurants in the Greater Cairo area, given the apparent motive. Clients are reminded that there is an elevated risk of terrorism in the region stemming from anti-government armed groups, including Islamist extremists. Low-level and occasional mass-casualty attacks are periodically reported. State facilities and personnel are most frequently targeted. Foreign, particularly Western interests, are also occasionally targeted. Clients operating in the Greater Cairo area should exercise heightened security awareness at all times. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Local political and security developments should be closely monitored in conjunction with your security provider. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

AFGHANISTAN(WARDAK PROVINCE) - According to recent reports, at least 12 people were killed and six others wounded in a mortar attack in Afghanistan's Wardak province on 4 December. The incident took place near a mosque in the village of Dandokai, in the Sayedabad district. Further details remain unavailable, although it is thought the incident took place as a result of clashes between security forces and Taleban insurgents. The incident underscores the extreme conflict risk in the country. Conflict between government troops and various non-state armed groups has escalated sharply in 2015, with insurgents expanding areas of the country under their control and launching attacks on major urban centres. Further conflict-related incidents are expected in the short- to medium-term at least. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons in the country are advised to conduct all travel in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only. It is further advised that clients reside in secure compounds and request regular updates from their security provider. Travel to conflict-impacted areas should be avoided.

TUNISIA(TUNIS) - The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT) has called for a protest march in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 4 December to commemorate the anniversary of the assassination of the union's founder, Farhat Hached, in 1952. The march will begin at the UGTT headquarters in Place Mohamed Ali and proceed along Rue Mongi Slim to Hached's grave site in Beb Bnet. Traffic restrictions will be established along the march route between 12:00 and 17:00 local time. The risk of violence at the gathering is considered low; however, confrontations between the police and UGTT supporters remain a possibility. Road travel disruptions along the route should be anticipated for the remainder of 4 December. Clients in Tunis should avoid the gathering as a standard precaution. Persons operating in the area should cater for road travel delays.

ECUADOR - Groups opposed to Ecuador's recently approved constitutional amendments, including the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), have called for a demonstration in Guayaquil on 4 December. Participants will gather outside the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) building from 10:00 local time. Anti-government protests, coinciding with a meeting by the National Assembly to promulgate amendments on 3 December, were held in various areas, including the capital, Quito. In Quito, clashes between protesters and security forces left at least 13 police officers wounded and resulted in the arrests of 18 protesters. Related protests were held in the cities and towns of Guayaquil, Cuenca, Puyo, Ibarra, Ambato and Santo Domingo; these concluded peacefully. Further protests in these and other areas on 4 December are possible. In 2015, Ecuador has been affected by regular anti-government protests over constitutional amendments and other concerns. Specifically, amendments relating to the lifting of presidential term limits from 2021 have been of particular concern to CONAIE and other activist and indigenous groups. There remains a possibility of further anti-government protests in major urban centres beyond 4 December; protesters are likely to congregate at major public squares, city centres and government buildings. The risk of violence at all coming events is considered elevated. Clients in Ecuador are advised to monitor local media for updates on potential protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(GUERRERO & OAXACA STATES) - Protests organised by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) against scheduled teacher evaluations are anticipated across Mexico's Guerrero state from 4 to 6 December. The protests, should they proceed, will coincide with the boycotting of the evaluations in Guerrero, which were initiated on 3 December. The protests will likely centre on Acapulco. An additional 6,000 police officers have been deployed to the state to ensure that the evaluations conclude peacefully. On 3 December, protesters attempted to breach the security barricades near Acapulco's Forum de Mundo Imperial, where evaluations are being conducted; however, no major incidents of violence were reported. CNTE members in Oaxaca city have also called for protests against the evaluations on 5 December; details pertaining to these have not been disclosed. CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms. These are generally well supported. In addition, demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares between major states and cities. Consequently, all demonstrations have the potential to cause traffic disruptions and delays. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, previous demonstrations have been characterised by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. Clients in the above-mentioned areas are advised to avoid all street protests and make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

SOUTH AFRICA(DURBAN) - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is expected to host a 30th anniversary rally at the Curries Fountain Stadium, located in Durban, South Africa, on 5 December. Heightened security measures are expected in the vicinity of the stadium due to the number of high profile guests and dignitaries scheduled to attend the event. As many as 2,500 delegates from the federations affiliated unions are expected to attend the event. The rally is expected to conclude peacefully; however, political gatherings in the country are frequently accompanied by violent skirmishes. As such, unrest during the planned rally cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Durban on 5 December are advised to avoid the rally and any associated gatherings. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any resultant travel disruptions in the vicinity of the event.

INDIA(UTTAR PRADESH STATE) - Security has been tightened in several urban centres and religiously sensitive sites ahead of the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid, in Ayodhya, in India's Uttar Pradesh state, on 6 December. Additional troops have been deployed, security checkpoints set up and increased vehicle checks are being carried out. Security has been especially tightened in Ayodhya and the neighbouring city of Faizabad, due to their close proximity to the site of the mosque. The Babri Masjid was built in the town of Ayodhya several decades ago but was destroyed on 6 December 1992 by hardline Hindu protesters, who claimed the mosque had been built over a Hindu temple. The destruction of the mosque triggered widespread communal rioting. In addition to heightened security measures in Ayodhya and Faizabad, and given past precedent, security personnel are likely to have been deployed to religiously sensitive districts in Uttar Pradesh state, including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Aligarh, Varanasi, Mau and Kanpur. Other states in the country that have witnessed communal rioting in the past are likely to have also been placed on high alert, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. Clients are advised to exercise caution on this day and to expect localised travel disruptions due to heightened security measures. Clients are also advised to maintain a low profile, and avoid any religiously sensitive sites, especially in Uttar Pradesh, or any large gatherings with a religious element as a precaution.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.