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

ITALY(MILAN) - Unionised airport personnel in Italy's city of Milan are expected to participate in strike action on 10 December. The work stoppage is anticipated to commence at 10:00 until 18:00 local time, affecting the following airports; Milano Malpensa Airport and Milano Linate Airport. Employees of Meridiana Airline are also expected to participate in strike action on the same day, commencing at 12:00 until 16:00 local time. Italy's aviation sector is regularly affected by strike actions, which are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, and labour disputes. Although authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppages, flight service disruptions should nonetheless be anticipated at the affected airports. Clients intending to transit through the aforementioned airports or use Meridiana Airline on 10 December are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

ALASKA AIRLINES - Alaska Airlines will add a new premium class section beginning in late 2016 that will give travelers more legroom and priority boarding. The airline made the announcement at its annual investor day on Thursday. The new option will be available to members of the airline's elite mileage plan on a complimentary basis at booking or day of travel. The new class guarantee's a passenger at least 35 inches of legroom compared to 31 to 32 inches in the rest of the cabin. The plan is for up to 60 of its aircrafts to be retrofitted with the new premium class by the end of next year.

INDIA - Qatar Airways is offering non-stop flights to Nagpur from Doha, taking the airline's total weekly passenger flights from 95 to 102 across 13 key cities in India. Qatar Airways will operate an A320 daily between Doha and Nagpur with an average flight time of just over four hours. The aircraft will feature 144 seats in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy. Qatar Airways connects 13 cities in India to an exciting choice of destinations via its hub in Doha including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, London, Miami, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Barcelona, Rome, Washington DC and many more.

UNITED KINGDOM/IRELAND - (Update) At least three people are believed to have died as a result of adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain and flooding, in parts of Ireland and the United Kingdom on 7 December. The fatalities were reported in Staveley village, which is located in the UK's north western Cumbria region, and London, as well as in County Monaghan, in Ireland. Additionally, significant utility disruptions have been reported in the worst-affected regions of the UK. Floodwaters damaged an electricity substation in Lancashire, causing power outages in the towns of Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth. Power outages were also reported in Carlisle, in the Cumbria region, where large parts of the town have been inundated by heavy rain. Numerous adverse weather warnings for high winds, heavy rain and flooding remain in place in parts of northern Wales, north west England and south west Scotland, as well as in the western Connacht and Munster regions in Ireland. 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 near-term 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.

CHINA(BEIJING) - (Update) The Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau has issued a red alert, the highest level on the three-tiered rating system, in response to increased pollution levels in China's capital, Beijing, on 7 December. The red alert, which indicates smog levels are dangerously high, is expected to remain in place until 10 December, at least, after which the situation will be subject to reassessment by the authorities. Additionally, schools are scheduled to close and outdoor construction activities will be halted for the affected period. Road travel restrictions have been implemented; privately-owned vehicles will only be permitted to drive on alternate days, according to the odd- /even- numbered licence plate system. The above-mentioned restrictions are expected to be implemented at 07:00 local time on 8 December until 12:00 on 10 December. The poor quality of air in Beijing and surrounds can be attributed to high levels of pollution originating from increased industrialisation and coal burning. This is further exacerbated by the winter season, in which sustained wind speeds and rainfall levels are considerably lower, as opposed to other seasons, and coal burning for heat increases. It should be noted that the poor quality of air poses a risk to the young and elderly, particularly those with respiratory concerns. Due to the effects of the pollution, reduced visibility often results in the closure of roads as well as flight disruptions. The above-mentioned restrictions, and any other associated restrictions, are likely to result in travel disruptions for the affected period, and possibly beyond that, should the situation persist. Clients in or planning to travel to Beijing and surrounding areas in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, the increased demand for other forms of local transport, as well as disruptions, should be anticipated. Travellers suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses are advised to consult local media or their medical practitioner for further guidance and recommendations.

FRANCE(PARIS) - A number of major unions have called on members employed by Paris RER, which is the city's main rail operator, to observe strike action on 10 December. The strike, which has been called to protest lax security protocols on trains, will take place from 03:00 local time on 10 December to 06:30 on 11 December. Regional and inter-city rail services may also experience disruptions. Disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the upcoming industrial action. Furthermore, an increase in demand for alternate modes of transport is also likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of Paris RER rail services on 10 December are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

INDIA(HARYANA STATE) - At least one person has been killed and 100 more injured after two trains collided in India's northern Haryana state on 8 December. The incident took place near the village of Baghola, in Palwal district, approximately 100km south of the capital, Delhi. A local electric multiple unit train (EMU) travelling between the town of Palwal and Ghaziabad, in Uttar Pradesh state, collided with the Lokmanya Tilak Haridwar Express, reportedly due to heavy fog. The accident has resulted in temporary disruptions to rail services in the affected area. Railway travel is a widely used form of intercity transport in India; however, safety levels are generally not considered to be in line with Western standards and accidents are regularly reported. Although the number of rail accidents has steadily decreased in recent years, the safety record of various rail travel operators remains cause for concern in some areas, particularly outside of the country's major urban centres. Disruptions, including the suspension of services and delays on the affected lines, are likely to continue in the coming hours, due to a backlog of scheduled services. Clients intending to utilise the affected railway in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider(s) for updates on possible delays.

IRAN - Iran state media reported on 7 December that 33 people had died in the south eastern Kerman (28) and Sistan va Baluchestan provinces (5) since late November after contracting Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu. Hundreds more have been hospitalised over the same period. The media, citing the health ministry, warned that the virus is expected to spread to other areas of the country, including the capital, Tehran, and the provinces of West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan and Kermanshah. H1N1/swine flu is transmitted in a similar fashion to normal flu, through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or by ingesting the virus after touching an infected surface. The symptoms of H1N1/swine flu include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Persons displaying symptoms should consult a medical practitioner. Further information on the virus can be found on the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/ith/diseases/si_iAh1n1/en/). Please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Sistan va Baluchestan and against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared Iran-Iraq border in a number of Iran's north western provinces, including West Azerbaijan and Kermanshah.

INDONESIA(BALI) - Increased security measures have been implemented on Indonesia's island-province of Bali ahead of the Christmas and New Year period. Such measures have been implemented after senior security officials stated that a terrorist incident was possible, despite no specific information or threats being received. Although exact measures are unclear, reports have indicated that additional police have been deployed across Bali, and that security has been tightened at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. These measures will remain in place until at least 1 January 2016. Further details remain unavailable. The latest measures have been put in place amid concerns that individuals or groups associated with the Islamic State (IS) extremist group may seek to launch attacks on Bali. Despite this, the group is not known to have a significant presence in the country and there have been no major incidents in Indonesia attributed to it. Moreover, the country has not been subject to any large-scale attacks since the Jakarta hotel bombings in 2009. The lack of incidents in recent years has been attributed to aggressive counterterrorism operations by local security forces, which have killed or captured notable Islamist terrorists and degraded the ability of groups and individuals to carry out attacks. Despite this, the threat of terrorism remains, and there are certainly individuals present who harbour the intent to carry out attacks on foreign national (specifically Western) interests and personnel in Indonesia. As a result of these heightened security measures, travel delays are possible. Persons in or planning to visit Indonesia, specifically Bali, are advised to exercise vigilance. Areas of heightened risk include tourist spots, such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as shopping malls, marketplaces, hotels and embassies or consulates. Travel disruptions or delays should be anticipated, and any suspicious persons, packages or activities should be reported to the police immediately.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - At least five people were wounded by a low-level blast at a bus stop in Russia's capital, Moscow, late on 7 December. According to reports, a crude incendiary device was hurled at the bus stop on Pokrovka Street, north west of the city centre, wounding waiting commuters and passersby. Investigations have revealed that a lone individual was responsible for the incident. Bus services have not been affected. Numerous attacks targeting the city have occurred in recent years, with small-scale bombings reported fairly regularly. These are often related to the activities of rival organised crime elements and do not usually result in casualties. In addition, accidental explosions are frequently reported in Moscow; these are often related to gas infrastructure. Despite this, it should be noted that Russia carries a high threat of terrorism, which primarily stems from Islamist extremist groups based in the volatile North Caucasus; Moscow has been targeted by these groups in the past. Clients in Moscow should anticipate increased security measures throughout the city at this time. In addition, suspicious persons, packages or activities should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.

BANGLADESH(SITAKUNDA) - A group of Indian nationals was robbed by armed assailants near the town of Sitakunda, in Bangladesh's Chittagong division, late on 7 December. According to reports, approximately 40 Indian nationals were travelling from the city of Chittagong to the capital, Dhaka, when their bus was stopped by a group of 12 to 15 assailants armed with machetes and knives. The assailants entered the bus, stabbed two of the Indian nationals and stole cash and valuables. Those stabbed were wounded but not killed. Two people have been detained in connection with the incident. The threat of crime in Bangladesh is high, and although incidents such as this predominantly affect local nationals, foreign nationals are not immune to the threat. The risk is exacerbated by high levels of poverty and unemployment, widespread availability of small arms, as well as police and judicial corruption, meaning that even in the event of an arrest, a conviction will not necessarily follow. Given these dynamics, further incidents of crime should be anticipated. Persons in the country should ensure that personal, travel and residential security measures are in place at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour and avoiding travel to low-income areas, especially after dark. If confronted by a criminal, clients are strongly advised to comply with their demands.

ALBANIA(TIRANA) - The Democratic Party has called for an anti-government protest in Albania's capital Tirana, on 8 December. Participants are expected to gather in the Skanderbeg Square at 11:00 local time. The march has been called in demand of political reform. The political party has vowed to hold frequent protests until the current government steps down. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest area should be anticipated. Protest activity occurs periodically in Albania and can be motivated by a variety of concerns. These events are usually non-violent; however, confrontations remain an ongoing threat. Clients in Tirana on 8 December are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings. Furthermore, as the protest is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - Students protesting against school restructuring plans in Brazil's largest urban centre, Sao Paulo, are expected to hold a demonstration on 9 December. Protests are scheduled to take place at the Art Museum of Sao Paulo. The protest, as well as those which have taken place on numerous occasions since October, is in response to a government restructuring programme which could result in the closure of over 90 schools in the state of Sao Paulo. The demonstrations have attracted tens of thousands of people. Despite the government announcing on 4 December that it would postpone the restructuring process until further consultation with local communities, students insist on protesting until the programme is completely abandoned and have threatened retaliation should security forces use violence against protesters at any further demonstrations, after police used teargas to disperse the protesting students on 2 December. Given this precedent, the threat of further violence cannot be discounted at the 9 December demonstration. In addition, the presence of protesters and security forces at the Art Museum of Sao Paulo is likely to result in localised disruptions. Clients in Sao Paulo are advised to avoid street protests and related gatherings. Furthermore, as the protest is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC(DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) - Anti-corruption demonstrations are anticipated across the Dominican Republic on 9 December, coinciding with International Anti-Corruption Day. Activist groups are expected to gather in a number of cities, towns and regions across the country, including Santiago de los Caballeros, La Vega, Barahona, San Cristobal, La Romana, El Seibo, Sanchez Ramirez, Puerto Plata and Azua, and the capital, Santa Domingo. The exact locations of the protests are unclear; however, precedent suggests that government buildings are likely gathering points. Activists groups, including Poder Ciudadano (Citizen Power), have staged regular anti-corruption protests in the Dominican Republic in 2015. Many have occurred on Wednesdays. As such, and in addition to the International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, the turnout at the anticipated events is likely to be high. There is a risk of low-level confrontations at all related events. Clients in the country on 9 December should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - Argentina's president-elect, Mauricio Macri, is scheduled to be inaugurated amid considerably elevated levels of security in the capital, Buenos Aires, on 10 December. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the National Congress (legislature). From there, Macri will travel along avenida Rivadavia to the Casa Rosada (presidential office and residence), where the ceremonial transfer of power between himself and outgoing president Cristina de Kirchner is expected to take place. In order to ensure security, approximately 2,500 extra security forces have been deployed in the vicinity of the aforementioned venues. The deployment has been put in place as several foreign heads of state will be in attendance. Moreover, there is a heightened threat of protest action on the day by Kirchner and Macri's supporters, especially in light of demands by Kirchner that the transfer of power take place in the legislature and not the traditional location, the Casa Rosada. The demand by Kirchner is likely to heighten political tensions, as it has been interpreted as an attempt to humiliate Macri through heckling by opposition members in the National Congress, should the ceremonial transfer of power take place there. Given that both Kirchner and Macri's supporters are likely to hold demonstrations in Buenos Aires on the day, the threat of violent confrontations between these groups, and between protesters and police, cannot be discounted. In light of the security force deployments and the expected protest action, localised disruptions should also be anticipated. Clients in Buenos Aires on 10 December should monitor local developments, avoid the aforementioned locations, as well as all protest action and concentrations of security forces. In addition, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.

BANGLADESH(DHAKA) - Khaleda Zia, leader of the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is scheduled to appear in court in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, during the course of 10 December. The court appearance is in connection with an ongoing corruption trial, and will take place at a temporary court, which has been set up at the Alia Madrasa grounds, in the Bakshibazar area of the capital. A security force deployment is in attendance due to the heightened risk of violent unrest. Protest action is possible there on the day. This is the latest court appearance in the long-running corruption case against Zia. She is accused of embezzling several hundred thousand US dollars from a charitable trust. Previous court appearances resulted in violent clashes between BNP supporters and supporters of the ruling Awami League (AL), as well as between demonstrators and police, outside the courthouse. As such, the possibility of clashes in the vicinity of the Alia Madrasa grounds cannot be discounted. Persons in Dhaka on 10 December are advised to avoid the vicinity of Bakshibazar, as well as any associated protests, due to the high risk of violence. Allowances should also be made for travel disruptions.

CAMBODIA - Civil society groups are scheduled to hold a rally in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, on 10 December. Coordinated to coincide with International Human Rights Day, the rally has been called to draw attention to social injustice in the country. Participants will gather outside the National Assembly on the day, and are then expected to march to the Ministry of Justice building, located on nearby Samdech Sothearos Street. The rally's starting time is unclear. Organisers have stated they expect approximately 3,000 people to attend. Associated rallies have also been scheduled elsewhere in the country, although details pertaining to these remain unclear. Although organisers have requested permission from the authorities for the event to proceed, it is unclear if such permission has been given. Should permission be denied and the march continues, the risk of confrontations between demonstrators and security forces will be elevated. This is especially true in light of current political tensions in light of charges having been filed against opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) leader Sam Rainsy; CNRP supporters allege these charges are politically motivated. Irrespective of whether the march has been sanctioned or not, the number of attendees and associated expected increased security force presence is likely to result in localised disruptions on the day. Clients in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, on 10 December, are advised to avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should also be anticipated.

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