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

UNITED AIRLINES - Next year, United Airlines will offer corporate clients compensation should it trail its top two competitors in operational performance. Delta Air Lines launched a similar guarantee this summer. United's Global Performance Commitment will measure its on-time and cancellation metrics against those of Delta and American Airlines. Should it perform worse than both in both metrics, eligible corporate clients will receive United Services Funds, which they can use the following year for certain waivers and some amenities, including upgrades to Economy Plus. The funds do not cover flight purchases and premium-cabin upgrades. United deviates from Delta in how it measures those metrics and who measures them, senior vice president of worldwide sales Dave Hilfman said. "Clearly, there's a value in making a significant commitment to operational excellence and backing it up," he said. "We thought to ourselves, 'How do we differentiate ourselves and make it more valuable to more of our customers?'" For one, United will measure its full network, including international flights and United Express regional flights. It also will not use U.S. Department of Transportation metrics to gauge performances, as Delta does. Instead, it will use "an independent third-party vendor," whom Hilfman could not disclose. That vendor will provide data monthly and will be "auditable and transparent" to clients, he said. As such, metrics defining on-time performance and cancellations will vary, too. The DOT categorizes flights as on time when they reach the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. United will consider any flight not at the gate by the posted arrival time to be late. Additionally, it will include flights canceled by weather or other uncontrollable factors in completion factors. Participation, which begins Jan. 1, will be open to all accounts participating in a United corporate share agreement for the full-year 2016 and to "select global, U.S.- or Canada-based accounts with U.S. marketshare goals," according to United. A client must have at least 95 percent compliance with its contracted goals to qualify. Compensation levels range from $1,000 for companies with 500 or fewer delayed or canceled flights to $250,000 for companies with more than 35,000 affected flights. Delta's operational performance leads the market, but Hilfman is confident United will not have to pay out on its guarantee, citing the airline's operational improvement this year. Completions and on-time arrivals in 2015, whether absolute or with the 15-minute grace period, are at their highest levels in the four years since United and Continental have had a single U.S. Federal Aviation Administration operating certificate, according to United. "Customers have noted the operational improvement, so it's a great time to stand behind it," United vice president of sales for the Americas Jake Cefolia said.

GERMANY - The German government has announced that increased security has been put in place as a precaution at public buildings, at major events and at Christmas markets. German police officers may conduct random identification checks throughout the country. Although you aren't required to carry your passport with you at all times, you should be prepared to present it to the authorities without delay if asked to do so. There's been considerable disruption to rail, road and ferry transport between Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Germany. The German government has reinstated immigration controls at its borders with Austria. If you're travelling by road, train or ferry, allow additional time for disruptions, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. Crime levels are broadly similar to the UK. Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations and Christmas markets. Do not leave valuables unattended. If your passport has been stolen, you must go to the nearest police station and get a police report. If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time. Check with local media and your transport provider for more information.

TURKEY(US CONSULATE) - The US Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, has issued a statement indicating that it will be closed for consular services on 9 December, citing a 'possible security threat'. The consulate is located on Uc Sehitler Sokagi, in the Istinye area. Details pertaining to the threat are currently unknown. Other US diplomatic missions in Turkey will operate as normal on 9 December. This is the second incident of this nature in recent days; on 5 December consular officials warned of an unnamed imminent security threat and advised that persons avoid the facility for the day. These security warnings come amid an uptick in security incidents, including low-level bombings, armed attacks and violent protests in the country. The majority of these incidents have been attributed to militant activity and associated security operations, as well as unrest by political and civic groups. It should be noted that the majority of these incidents have primarily focused on Turkey's eastern provinces; Istanbul has been sporadically affected. In light of the current warning, an increased security presence and associated travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the consulate for the immediate-term, at least. Persons in Istanbul are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, particularly when travelling in and around commercial and diplomatic interests associated with the United States. All suspicious persons, packages and/over vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

CANADA(TORONTO) - Taxi drivers in Canada's Ontario province are expected to conduct protest action in the provincial capital, Toronto on 9 December. Participants are set to gather at four undisclosed locations before making their way to Queen's Park and City Hall. Further information is unavailable. The protest has been called in opposition to the Uber taxi service operating in the city. Uber is a mobile application-based transportation network that uses a smartphone application to receive taxi ride requests from customers; requests are then sent to member drivers. Local taxi drivers consider this a non-competitive practice and therefore a threat to their business. Although the gatherings are likely to be peaceful, anti-Uber protests in other countries have turned violent, with both operators and passengers of the taxi service coming under attack by demonstrators. Clients in Toronto on 9 December are advised to exercise caution, avoid all protests and demonstrations and consider refraining from using Uber taxi services on the day as a precautionary measure.

GREECE(ATHENS) - A number of public sector trade unions, including the PAME labour union, are set to lead a large demonstration in central Athens on 11 December. The demonstration will be held in Klafthmonos Square, off Stadiou Street, from 12:00 local time. The unions have called for the protest, which takes place amid a countrywide strike of regional government workers, to demand that future payment of salaries is guaranteed by the national government. Labour strikes and related demonstrations continue to impact on the country on a near-weekly basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted on the public sector. Union-led protests have frequently been marred by skirmishes between police and participants in the past. Accordingly, a significant riot police presence is likely. It should be noted that the impact on road travel in the area can be moderate to severe. Clients in Greece are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings. Furthermore, the anticipated demonstration is likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected area. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

TAIWAN - A dengue fever outbreak in Taiwan has infected over 40,919 people countrywide according to reports issued on 7 December. The outbreak which began in May has resulted in at least 195 deaths according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). Tainan City (22,696 cases) and Kaohsiung City (17,397 cases) have been the worst affected areas. The capital, Taipei, has reported approximately 183 cases. Taiwan is one of a number of countries in the wider region that have been affected by a dengue fever outbreak. The outbreak is not unusual and is typically associated with the rainy season which in Taiwan lasts until early December. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Additional symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of dengue, include marked damage to blood and lymph vessels, bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, and sometimes internal bleeding. This form of dengue disease can be fatal. Persons travelling to the affected areas are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting symptoms (high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting), or requiring additional information, are advised to consult a medical practitioner.

INDONESIA(MALUKU PROVINCE) - A 6.9 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 106km southeast of Amahai, located on Seram Island in Indonesia's Maluku province, on 9 December. The earthquake was reported at a depth of approximately 33km. There have been no immediate reports of property damage and/or casualties. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area. No tsunami warnings or evacuation orders have been issued. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as the country is located in an active seismic area. Further aftershocks remain possible in the coming hours, which may cause damage and possible disruptions to transport services and utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons in the affected area of Maluku province are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Furthermore, heightened caution is advised in Maluku province, due to religious tensions between Muslims, Christians and Hindus.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Over 30 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s capital, Kinshasa, since the N'djili River, a tributary of the Congo River, began flooding in late November. A flash flood on the night of 6 December also displaced thousands of local residents in the Des Marais neighbourhood, leaving large parts of the capital without drinking water after the city's main water treatment plant was forced to close. Officials have warned that settlements along the river banks should be evacuated due to the risk of further flooding. The region has experienced above-average precipitation levels and there are expectations of further heavy showers over the coming days. Kinshasa receives the bulk of its annual rainfall between November and May. The recent heavy rains and associated flooding coincide with this season. The severity of the recent flooding is likely a result of the poor infrastructure in the city. In addition to the risk of further flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and associated disruptions and water shortages, there is an increasing risk of waterborne diseases. 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, including near rivers. 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. Seek to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly after leaving a flooded area.

NIGERIA(NIGER DELTA REGION) - (Update) According to reports released on 8 December, Poland's foreign ministry has confirmed the release of five of its citizens who were abducted by pirates in waters off Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta region in late November. The incident took place in an undisclosed location within the Gulf of Guinea while the Cypriot-flagged Szafir cargo vessel was en route to Port Harcourt. There are high kidnapping and piracy risks in the Niger Delta, including the Gulf of Guinea. The threat of piracy in the region has been linked to insecurity in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta; Niger Delta militants and other criminal groups are involved in incidents of piracy and kidnapping for political or financial gain. Given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Seafarers who intend to sail in the Gulf of Guinea are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming victims of piracy. Local maritime authorities should be consulted prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity.

NIGERIA(OGUN STATE) - Recently released reports indicate that a Chinese businessman recently kidnapped from the Isale Oko area of Sagamu township, in Nigeria's southern Ogun state, located north east of Lagos, has been released following the payment of a ransom. The victim was initially abducted during the week of 30 November after returning to his hotel from his place of work. A ransom of 50,000 US dollars was demanded for his release; the victim was reportedly released after a payment of 17,500 dollars. There is a high risk of kidnapping across Nigeria, with the threat extending to Ogun state. Both organised criminal syndicates and Islamist militants are known to conduct kidnappings throughout the country. The groups periodically abduct both locals and foreign nationals for the purposes of ransom and extortion. As is the case in this incident, most victims are released unharmed after being held for a relatively short duration, although previous rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have resulted in casualties. The incident highlights the high operating risk in the country. Given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such kidnappings are expected. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria, including Ogun state. Persons currently in or planning travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures and to consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to avoid travel after dark as far as practically possible.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD) - A suicide bomber attacked the Shiite Muslim Ahlu al-Baiyt mosque, located in the al-Obeidi district in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 9 December. The blast killed 11 people and wounded 20 others. Acts of terrorism targeting Shiite interests are regularly reported in Baghdad. The incidents are typically perpetrated by Sunni extremists. Following attacks, anticipate increased security measures, including additional patrols and checkpoints. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons operating in the city should do so with a close protection officer and should reside in secure compounds or hotels. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

IRAQ(RAMADI) - A number of public sector trade unions, including the PAME labour union, are set to lead a large demonstration in central Athens on 11 December. The demonstration will be held in Klafthmonos Square, off Stadiou Street, from 12:00 local time. The unions have called for the protest, which takes place amid a countrywide strike of regional government workers, to demand that future payment of salaries is guaranteed by the national government. Labour strikes and related demonstrations continue to impact on the country on a near-weekly basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted on the public sector. Union-led protests have frequently been marred by skirmishes between police and participants in the past. Accordingly, a significant riot police presence is likely. It should be noted that the impact on road travel in the area can be moderate to severe. Clients in Greece are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings. Furthermore, the anticipated demonstration is likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected area. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

INDONESIA - The Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) is expected to embark upon a countrywide general strike in Indonesia on 10 December. The KSPI has initiated the industrial action in response to failed wage and labour negotiations. The action is scheduled to take place amid the country's annual Human Rights Day. An associated rally is expected to take place in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in the capital, Jakarta. The strike action is expected to be well supported; as such, disruptions to business operations and transport services should be expected. Moreover, large-scale rallies associated with the strike are likely in other urban centres across the country. As with all protest action in Indonesia, there is a credible risk of violence between police and protesters, which poses an incidental threat to bystanders. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all gatherings. Clients in Indonesia on 10 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 services.

TURKEY(ANKARA & ISTANBUL) - Activists in Turkey are set to mark Human Rights Day on 10 December by staging demonstrations against Russia's human rights record in the capital, Ankara, and Istanbul. In Ankara, the demonstration will be held outside the Russian Embassy on Karyagdi Street, in the central Cankaya area, while the Istanbul protest will take place on Istiklal Avenue, near Galatasaray High School. The demonstrations are set to commence at 13:00 local time. A significant police presence is expected. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended and possibly emotive due to the presently elevated political tensions between Turkey and Russia. This is partly as a result of the downing of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 military aircraft by a Turkish F-16 fighter jet, allegedly while in Turkish airspace, on 24 November. Accordingly, there is an elevated risk of low-level violence targeting ethnic Russians or those believed to be of Russian descent. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstrations should be anticipated. Persons in Ankara or Istanbul on 10 December are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised traffic disruptions in affected areas.

THAILAND - The 'Bike for Dad' cycling event will be held in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, on 11 December. Approximately 100,000 people are expected to take part in the event in Bangkok. The event will also be held in over 60 provinces across the country. In other urban areas, the cycle will start from municipal halls. In Bangkok, 84 roads will be closed from 00:01 until 22:00 local time, although not all roads will be closed for the entirety of these times. Some of the more major roads affected include, but are not limited to, U Thong Nai, Si Ayutthaya, Ratchadamnoen Nok, Si Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan and Rama V. Thousands of additional security forces will be deployed to secure the event. The cycle is being held as part of celebrations for the 88th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Although there have been no known threats made against the event, Thai officials have ordered the deployment as a precautionary measure, especially in light of recent Russian intelligence stating that militants from the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group have infiltrated Thailand are seek to carry out attacks therein. Moreover, as a result of the numerous road closures, disruptions to travel are expected on 11 December. Clients in Thailand, especially Bangkok, are advised to make allowances for additional travelling time on 11 December and to report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately.

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