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

AUSTRALIA / UAE - Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia have extended their alliance for a further five years, after being granted approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Both carriers currently cooperate on the Australia-Abu Dhabi route, and the decision will allow them to continue to do so until December 30, 2020. The airlines currently codeshare on flights to 38 international destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, as well as a further 52 destinations in Australia and Asia. The ACCC noted that the partnership is important to foster competition in the Australian market, as it gives Virgin Australia the means to effectively compete with fellow Australian carrier Qantas, which enjoys close ties with Gulf carrier Emirates. As per the agreement, Etihad and Virgin will cooperate on pricing as well as the scheduling of their services. However, it will not encompass revenue sharing.

EUROPE - bmi regional has strengthened its existing partnership with Brussels Airlines by operating additional flights for the Belgium carrier within Europe. A bmi regional-operated service from Brussels to Strasbourg will begin on 7 December, timed to connect with the East Midlands-Brussels service, offering a smooth journey for business travellers. In addition a new Brussels - Nuremberg service will be launched by Brussels Airlines in February 2016 and this will also be operated by bmi regional.The new services sit alongside the current East Midlands-Brussels route which will become a full codeshare service with Brussels Airlines. The agreement will provide passengers with hugely enhanced connectivity from the UK via Brussels to a network of destinations within Europe, Africa and Asia providing customers with a seamless service through to their final destination.The East Midlands-Brussels service will continue to operate twice daily on weekdays and once on Sundays, on a 49-seater Embaer 145 aircraft. Flight times have been improved to enable UK business travellers to spend a full day in Brussels and return in the evening, without having to overnight in the city.

UNITED STATES(CHICAGO) - Heavy fog has resulted in severe flight disruptions at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the United States on 7 December. Authorities have issued a ground stop advisory, which halts or diverts incoming flights at the facility. Departing flights have also been cancelled or delayed. It is unclear when services at the facility will resume; once they do, residual disruptions are expected while the backlog of flights is cleared. Clients intending to travel to or from Chicago by air are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or airport directly for further information on the status of transport services and for travel alternatives.

GERMANY(DRESDEN) - The far-right Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) group is expected to conduct an anti-immigration demonstration in Germany on 7 December. The gathering is expected at Theaterplatz from 18:30 local time. An opposition march organised by the political organisation, Gepida is anticipated to commence from the Panzerkette monument on the Postplatz at 17:30 local time. Information regarding to where the march is expected to proceed is unavailable.  Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Persons in Dresden on 7 December are advised to avoid the upcoming gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

ITALY(ROME & THE VATICAN CITY) - The Catholic Church will host a holy year, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, from 8 December to 20 November 2016. Tens of thousands of Catholic pilgrims are expected to attend related events, including those at the start of the holy year, in Italy's capital, Rome, and the Vatican City. The authorities have announced increased security measures for the event, in response to the risk of terrorism attacks. These measures include the deployment of hundreds of soldiers to support the local police services and a no-fly zone being imposed above Rome and the Vatican City.  There is a medium risk of terrorism in Italy, including in the Vatican. This stems from both international and domestic sources. Rome's status as the national capital and the Vatican's religious significance make these areas attractive targets for terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State (IS). The Vatican views the threat seriously and maintains stringent security measures. Given the large deployment of security personnel, the risk of an attack at related holy year events is lowered. Travellers should note that additional security measures (checkpoints and patrols) and large crowds will likely translate into some localised road travel disruptions over the coming period. In addition, demand for public transport and hotels will also be high.  Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of the Vatican City from 8 December and during related main events over the course of the coming year. Particular caution is advised near large gatherings and in the vicinity of security force personnel. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Travellers in the affected area should adjust itineraries accordingly in response to the likelihood of road travel disruptions.

IRELAND/UNITED KINGDOM - (Update) The official weather services of Ireland and the UK have extended a number of adverse weather warnings on 7 December; the warnings are due to expire on 10 December. The warnings have been issued amid widespread flooding and utility disruptions in central, northern and north eastern areas of the United Kingdom, including Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland, Carlisle and Kendal, as well as southern parts of Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland. Rail disruptions have also been reported in Scotland where numerous west coast rail services have been suspended. In Ireland, the worst affected areas include the Connacht region, as well as Donegal, Clare and Kerry counties. Inclement weather is expected to affect the aforementioned areas, and elsewhere, until 10 December. This is likely to exacerbate the situation in flood-affected areas. Associated disruptions to travel and utility services are likely to persist and may worsen. Persons in Ireland and the UK are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Clients planning to travel to the affected areas in the next 72 hours are advised to anticipate weather-related disruptions to transport services, and should confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid the affected areas until the floodwaters recede.

MEXICO(TABASCO STATE) - The authorities in Mexico's south eastern Tabasco state have issued emergency declarations in a number of areas in response to recent heavy rainfall and associated flooding. Affected areas include Cardenas, Centla, Comalcalco, Paraiso and Huimanguillo. Flooding has affected hundreds of local households and thousands of people. Further heavy rainfall has been forecast for the states of Veracruz, Tabasco and Chiapas.  In light of the forecast, further localised flooding is possible across the south east over the near-term. Low-lying areas, including near rivers, are susceptible to being affected. Flooding may result in some minor disruptions to road travel, particularly in rural communities. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas.

CHINA(BEIJING, TIANJIN & HEBEI) - Authorities in China have reportedly forecast severe pollution levels for parts of China from 6 to 9 December. The elevated pollution levels are expected to affect Beijing and Tianjin, as well as parts of Hebei, Henan and Shandong provinces. On 8 and 9 December, visibility is expected to be reduced to less than 1km. The authorities have reportedly blamed increased coal burning by factories for the pollution. The air quality in China's major cities is poor and deteriorates further during the colder winter period, when coal burning for heat increases emissions. The poor quality of air poses a risk to the young and elderly, particularly those with respiratory concerns. In addition, the reduced visibility as a result of the elevated pollution levels has led to the partial closure of some roads in China in recent days; further such road and potentially air travel disruptions are possible. Travellers suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses are advised to consult local media or their medical practitioner for further guidance and recommendations. Clients intending to travel in China are advised to contact their travel provider for further information on the status of transport services.

TAJIKISTAN(GORNO-BADAKHSHAN AUTONOMOUS REGION) - A 7.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported in central Tajikistan at approximately 07:50 GMT on 7 December. The earthquake's epicentre is located 100km west of the city of Murghob. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Given the magnitude of the earthquake some damage and casualties are possible in local communities. The area is also likely to remain susceptible to aftershocks over the near-term. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Damaged buildings should not be entered until given the all clear by first responders.

INDIA(TAMIL NADU & PUDUCHERRY) - (Update) The overall flooding situation in India's southern Tamil Nadu state has stabilised; however, many areas remain underwater and the authorities have predicted further rainfall in the state and in Puducherry. The Chennai International Airport has reportedly resumed operations but flight schedules remain disrupted and many international flight services have yet to resume. Rail (short- and long-distance) services in Chennai are also resuming with local authorities claiming that 80 percent of scheduled routes will resume on 7 December. Bus services are also resuming normal operations and mobile phone and internet connections are being restored. Power remains disconnected in parts of Chennai; however, this is largely precautionary as some areas are still flooded. The flooding is some of the most severe in Tamil Nadu state for a number of years. Further rainfall could exacerbate the current worst flood-affected areas. Disruptions to power supply, communications and transportation, while easing, may persist in places in the coming days. Note, there is a risk of an increase in waterborne diseases over the short-term. Clients in the affected area should exercise caution in or near flooded areas. Seek to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly after leaving a flooded area. Travellers should contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority for an update on their scheduled transport service(s) prior to departure. Persons travelling by road should avoid travel through flooded roadways. Personnel 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.

INDIA - A countrywide energy sector strike, initiated by the All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF), is expected to take place in India on 8 December. The strike has been called in opposition to energy sector reforms and the proposed Electricity Amendment bill. The strike is expected to be widely observed; the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE) are expected to partake in the strike. Additionally, the industrial action may result in disruptions to private and public services, including the provision of electricity. In the event of associated protests, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of associated protests. Clients in India on 8 December are advised to monitor local developments, avoid all possible protest action as a precaution against civil unrest and anticipate disruptions to private and public electricity supply.

IRAQ(ARBIL & SULAYMANIYAH - The aviation authorities have reportedly closed Erbil International Airport and Sulaymaniyah International Airport in Iraq's northern Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The closure, in response to Russian military activity over northern Iraq, was announced late on 6 December and is expected to last for 48 hours. The closure of the airports is the latest in recent weeks in response to increased Russian military action (missile firing and aircraft overflights). Russia is targeting various non-state armed groups in northern Syria. The temporary closure of the airports has been in response to a safety risk to commercial air traffic over northern Iraq. A number of international airlines have also scaled back or suspended flights to and from northern Iraq due to the increased military air traffic. Disruptions over northern Iraq are expected to continue over the short-term. Clients travelling to and from northern Iraq are advised to contact their travel provider or airline prior to departure to check the status of their flight(s). Please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of the KRG-controlled region.

PERU(CALLAO) - A 45-day state of emergency was declared in Callao, located in Peru's Constitutional province, on 5 December. The state of emergency has been implemented in response to high levels of violent crime linked to the ongoing rivalry between criminal groups related to the drug trafficking industry. Heightened security measures such as increased police patrols, scheduled security operations and a curfew have been implemented by the authorities; however, freedom of assembly and movement has not been prohibited. Callao is considered a strategic transit point in the transnational drug and contraband trade, as the city contains Peru's principal sea port. The city and its surrounding areas experience high rates of conflict between rival criminal organisations. It should be noted in this regard that drug trafficking-related violence generally targets members of criminal organisations, police officers or criminal justice officials; however, an incidental risk of harm remains to persons in the vicinity of the violence. Heightened security measures may cause travel disruptions in the affected area for the duration of the state of emergency.  Persons in Callao are advised to adhere to the conditions of the state of emergency and follow all directives issued by the authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and related developments. Clients travelling within the city or utilising international ports of entry/exit should ensure that itineraries cater for possible delays and disruptions.

SAUDI ARABIA/YEMEN - A scud missile carrier belonging to Houthi militia was destroyed by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition on 6 December near the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border in northern Yemen. The exact location of the incident is unknown.  The loss of a scud carrier is a setback to Houthi forces, which face significant challenges in acquiring heavy weapons, due to an April 2015 UN-sanctioned arms embargo. Houthi militia, aligned with a group of former Yemeni military forces loyal to the former president, Ali Saleh, have previously fired scud missiles into Saudi Arabia, although these have been intercepted by Saudi forces or exploded without causing casualties. It is unknown how many scud systems the Houthis have in their arsenal. Further cross-border attacks remain likely. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Clients are further advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Yemen in Saudi Arabia and against all non-essential travel to a further 20km beyond the 10km extreme-risk zone, due to the risks of conflict and terrorism. Persons in this region should travel with a security escort and reside in a secure compound. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed in conjunction with a security provider.

CHINA(EJIN(INNER MONGOLIA AUTONOMOUS REGION)) - Dozens of unidentified assailants attacked a government outpost, the Ejin Banner office complex, in Ejin, located in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of north western China, at approximately 03:00 local time on 7 December. The building was partially demolished and several vehicles were damaged. The attack left 13 people wounded, and the assailants fled following the attack. Chinese state media has suggested that the attack was motivated by a dispute over land rights between farmers from Gansu province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.  Although the incident appears to have concluded, the assailants remain at large and further confrontations remain possible in the affected area over the near-term. In addition, local authorities may impose travel restrictions in the affected area in light of the recent violence. Low-level confrontations and civil unrest are common in parts of rural China. Agitation is motivated by a range of issues, including local disputes and the expropriation of land from peasant farmers for industrial and other development projects. Caution is advised in the above-mentioned affected area. Travellers in the area should avoid travel at night and independent travel in rural or remote areas. Furthermore, persons operating in the area should consult with their local host or the authorities about the recent violence and the potential for restrictions on travel.

INDIA(BIJBEHARA, JAMMU & KASHMIR) - At least six security force personnel were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their convoy 50km outside of Srinagar, on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Indian-administered Kashmir in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, on 7 December. The area of the attack, near the Green Tunnel in the town of Bijbehara, has been cordoned off and a security operation to apprehend the perpetrators is currently underway. Although there have been no official statements confirming to which group the militants belong, they are most likely aligned with Kashmiri separatist groups operating from Pakistan-administered Kashmir across the Line of Control (LoC). The most prominent among these groups are Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). These groups are opposed to Indian rule in the disputed region and periodically carry out attacks against state and civilian interests. Elevated security measures in the area could include road checkpoints and additional patrols. Due to the ongoing nature of separatist conflict in the region, further such incidents and associated confrontations between military and militants are expected to persist. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (excluding the eastern Ladakh region) due to the ongoing threats of separatist conflict and terrorism. Persons in Bijbehara are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid concentrations of security force personnel and state facilities as a precaution.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - (Update) Various activist groups are set to stage anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan, following a controversial referendum on amending the constitution that was held on 6 December. The New Armenia group demonstrated outside the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) offices in central Yerevan late on 6 December, alleging that the results of the referendum had been falsified; early results indicated that almost 70 percent of voters support the constitutional amendments. Although unconfirmed, New Armenia is expected to stage a series of protests outside the CEC building in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Armenian National Congress (ANC) has called for a national protest on 7 December. In Yerevan, activists are expected to gather in Freedom Square from 19:00 local time. In addition, the ANC has called on its supporters to gather in the square every evening from 19:00 on 9 December; gatherings have been sanctioned on 10, 11 and 12 December. The upcoming demonstrations are expected to be well attended and to carry a strong anti-government undertone. While violence is not expected, a heavy police presence was reported at the 6 December New Armenia protest and should be expected at the 7 December ANC protest in Yerevan. The risk of violence between police and protesters will increase should demonstrators attempt to march on Parliament or the president's residence. Persons in Yerevan in the coming days are advised to avoid large street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding additional demonstrations.

NIGERIA(BAYELSA STATE) - Unsanctioned protests are possible in Bayelsa state on 7 December, and in the coming days, in anticipation of the release of local election results. Security force officials announced a ban on all forms of protest or demonstration anywhere in the state, warning that force would be used against any group violating the directive.  Should public demonstrations take place, there is an elevated risk of violence, as police are likely to disperse the gathering in light of the state-wide ban. Nigerian security forces often respond to demonstrations forcibly, increasing the risk of violent unrest and the indiscriminate threat such actions pose to bystanders. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria due to various security concerns. All travel to the Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers states of the Niger Delta is advised against due to various security concerns, particularly crime, kidnapping and piracy.

IRAN - Iran will commemorate Student Day on 7 December. Related rallies and events are expected to coincide with the day in Iran's capital, Tehran, as well as in other major urban areas. Student Day commemorates the 1953 killing of three students by the police at the University of Tehran. The day has historically been a period around which student groups stage either pro- or anti-government demonstrations, particularly near universities. Previously, most of these gatherings have been aimed at protesting against alleged government oppression. The main gatherings on 7 December are likely to centre on the University of Tehran and the Sharif University of Technology, both in Tehran. Such events have been marked by low-level violence in the past; confrontations between protesters and police at any such gathering remain possible. Clients in Iran on 7 November are advised to exercise caution and vigilance in the vicinity of all tertiary education facilities. In addition, all street protests and rallies should be avoided as a precaution.

CAMEROON(YAOUNDE) - The League of Cameroonian Consumers (LCC) has called for a protest in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, on 7 December. The protest is set to take place in the vicinity of the National Assembly. The demonstration has been organised in protest against a proposed bill to increase the price of rice. Although the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the National Assembly. Clients in Yaounde on 7 December are advised to avoid the gathering as a precaution and make allowances for potential localised disruptions.

URUGUAY - Various public enterprise unions have called for a 24-hour strike across Uruguay on 8 December. The strike has been called over ongoing wage disputes. An associated protest march is anticipated in the capital, Montevideo; participants are expected to gather at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) at 10:30 local time, and proceed to the Executive Tower and thereafter to the Ministry of the Economy and Finances (MEF). Localised disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. The risk of violence at the strike-related demonstration is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police remain possible. Persons in Uruguay on 8 December are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients in Montevideo are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of the MLSS and MEF buildings.

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