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

AMERICAN AIRLINES & ALASKA AIRLINES - Next year, American Airlines will introduce premium economy cabins on international flights on wide-body aircraft, and Alaska Airlines will add them on as many as 60 aircraft. American will introduce Boeing 787-9s to its fleet, in which Premium Economy will span three rows of seven seats each. American also will install Premium Economy on Airbus A350s when those planes begin service in 2017, and over the next three years, it will retrofit Boeing 777-300ERs, 777-200ERs and 787-8 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s. It will not update Boeing 767-300s, which are slated for retirement. Premium Economy is offered today by many premier carriers around the world," American Airlines chief marketing officer Andrew Nocella said in a statement. "We studied those offerings and developed a world-class product with larger seats, more legroom, improved entertainment and upscale headphones and amenity kits." The cabins will feature leather seats with 38 inches of pitch. Passengers also will get priority boarding, two free checked bags and complimentary alcoholic beverages. American also will continue to offer Main Cabin Extra seats, which feature extra legroom, on flights with Premium Economy cabins. Alaska is retrofitting Boeing 737-800s and 737-900/900ERs, as well as the SkyWest-operated Embraer 175s. The carrier expects to upgrade its entire fleet by the end of 2017. The Premium Economy seats will feature three or four inches of additional legroom and extra pitch and will include priority boarding and other amenities. American, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines already offer premium options like extra legroom and other bonus amenities in economy class, which has prompted corporate travel buyers to adjust travel policies. Until now, though, only non-U.S. carriers have offered premium economy in distinct cabins.

UNITED STATES (CHARLESTON,SC) - Southwest Airlines will launch once-a-week, nonstop service between Charleston and Denver International Airports on Saturdays starting June 11. Its new flight will leave Charleston at 3:45 p.m. The flight from Denver will touch down in Charleston at 4:15 p.m. Southwest's announcement comes after New York-based JetBlue Airways last month launched nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and will add a second flight to Boston in April and a third flight to Washington, D.C., in May. JetBlue also serves New York City from Charleston. Last week, regional carrier Silver Airways of Fort Lauderdale, said it will stop service from Charleston to Orlando and Tampa in January

BURUNDI(BUJUMBURA) - (Update) Several flights to and from Burundi's Bujumbura International Airport have been cancelled on 11 December. Flights from Kenya Airways, RwandAir and Ethiopia Airlines have been affected. It is unclear when the airlines will resume flights. Reports indicate that Bujumbura International Airport remains open. The cancellations come amid an increase in violence in Bujumbura in recent weeks. Fatal clashes were reported at three military sites in the capital, including in the Ngagara area, overnight on 10/11 December. A heavy security force presence remains in the city. The violence has been attributed to the political instability resulting from President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial re-election for a third successive term. Anti-government unrest and associated violence have continually been reported in the post-election period; the incumbent has taken an aggressive stance towards those perceived as anti-government agitators. Nkurunziza issued an ultimatum on 10 December demanding that non-state armed elements hand in illegal firearms by midnight on 12 December or 'face being dealt with as enemies of the nation'. Burundi's security environment remains fluid and may be subject to rapid deterioration. In light of ongoing tensions in the country, further incidents of unrest and violence remain possible in the short- to medium-term. In addition, further disruptions, including curfews, further flight cancellations and the potential temporary closure of the Bujumbura International Airport, remain a possibility. Due to the uncertain political situation, clients are advised to defer all travel to Burundi at this time. Persons in the country should consider departing, where safe and possible to do so.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly to or from Bujumbura International Airport who were ticketed through ATG.

INDONESIA(MALANG, EAST JAVA PROVINCE) - The Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in the town of Malang, located on the island of Java in Indonesia, was closed on the morning of 11 December due to volcanic ash emissions from a nearby volcano in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The airport is expected to remain closed until 09:30 local time on 12 December. Indonesia is prone to a number of natural hazards due to its location along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. Volcanic activity on the various islands is common. Travellers should note that it is unclear when the volcanic activity will cease. Although authorities estimate the airport will reopen on the morning of 12 December, the unstable condition of Tengger caldera may cause disruptions for a number of days. Shifting winds may also lead to ash emissions, impacting on air travel routes and airports across the region, including outside of areas already affected. Once operations normalise, it may take several hours for airport authorities to clear the backlog of flights. Persons flying by air to or from Malang over the near-term are advised to check the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure. Travellers transiting through the region, should cater for possible delays at ports of arrival/departure. An alternative airport, Juanda International Airport is reportedly not affected.

GERMANY(MULTIPLE URBAN CENTERS) - The far-right Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) group, as well as a number of splinter groups, are set to stage demonstrations in several urban centres in Germany on 13 and 14 December. A strong police presence is expected at each of the contested protest sites. On 13 December, an anti-Islam rally will be held near the Tivoli Stadium, in Aachen, in the North-Rhine-Westphalia state, starting at 14:00 local time. On 14 December, PEGIDA will stage a demonstration in Dresden's central Theaterplatz from 19:00. On the same day, an anti-Islam rally will be held in Georgsplatz, in central Hanover, from 18:00. Meanwhile, a far-right rally is set to take place in Duisburg, at the Duisburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station). It should be noted that in each of the aforementioned locations, significant counter-demonstrations are expected in the close vicinity. In Hanover, the counter-demonstration is set to commence at the same place and time as the far-right rally. 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 the above-mentioned locations on the affected dates 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.

PHILIPPINES(MULTIPLE REGIONS) - The Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning relating to a tropical depression, known locally as Nonoy, which is expected to affect multiple regions in the Philippines from 12 December. The depression, although unlikely to make landfall, is expected to move in a north westerly direction bringing heavy rain and moderate winds to the eastern part of the Visayas and Bicol regions as well as the southern part of Luzon, including the capital, Manila, thereafter. Inclement weather is also expected to affect Borongan City (Eastern Visayas region), Catanduanes (Bicol region), and Lucena City (Luzon). The tropical depression is considered a relatively minor storm; nonetheless, the heavy rains that have been forecast have the potential to cause localised flooding and landslides, possibly impacting on transport infrastructure, road travel, maritime and air travel. Disruptions to utility services such as water and electricity supply may be negatively affected. Clients in the affected areas of the Philippines are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in coastal and low-lying areas, such as near rivers, due to the threat posed by storm surges and floods, as well as in mountainous regions, due to the risk of landslides. Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure.

SINGAPORE(SINGAPORE) - Heavy rain and associated flash flooding are impacting travel in Singapore on 11 December. The Thomson and Novena areas have been impacted the worst, while parts of Orchard Road have been rendered impassable due to fallen trees. Additionally, there have been reports of severe disruptions to road-based travel on Cambridge, Mandalay, Balestier, Boon Keng, Thomson, Corporation and Bendemeer roads due to waterlogging. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) has issued warnings for flooding across Singapore due to high water levels in canals across the city. Significant traffic and congestion have been reported on the Pan Island Expressway slip road in the vicinity of Changi Airport. Singapore is impacted by the north east monsoon, which runs from October to February. Further heavy rain is likely for the remainder of 11 December at least, which is likely to exacerbate the situation. As such, further disruptions to travel and business operations are probable. Clients currently in Singapore are advised to monitor weather developments, and should heed any advisories issued by local authorities. Persons travelling by road should avoid travel through flooded roadways. Clients planning to undertake road-based travel in the near-term are advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to allow for road travel delays. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas, flood-prone areas.

ETHIOPIA(OROMIA REGION) - Anti-government protests have been reported in multiple locations in Ethiopia's Oromia Region in recent weeks. The protests have been in opposition to a government plan (the Surrounding Oromia Special Zone Integrated Development Plan) to expand the capital, Addis Ababa, into surrounding farm areas in the Oromia Region and the associated anticipated displacement of thousands of local farmers and residents. Oromo activists have staged several protests, including in Ginci, Toke Kutaye, Fincha and at the Haramaya University in East Hararghe, since November. Unconfirmed reports indicate that clashes between protesters and the police have left at least ten people dead and 150 wounded. Approximately 550 people have also been arrested. Anti-government civil unrest among the Oromo has frequently been reported over the past year. In addition to alleged discrimination against and marginalisation of the ethnic group by the state, the Oromo have accused the government of attempting to displace thousands of Oromo from areas near the capital without compensation. The government has argued that the redevelopment plan is for the benefit of the local population. Protests over the issue are likely to persist and may well increase in frequency over the near-term. Demonstrations are likely to continue in secondary towns and cities in the Oromia Region, particularly near the capital. The risk of violence at all related gatherings is considered high. Clients intending to operate in the Oromia Region should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Travellers should also consider being escorted by a trusted local contact. Travel at night should be avoided.

CAMEROON(KOLOFATA(FAR NORTH PROVINCE)) - A suspected suicide bombing was reported in Cameroon's Far North (Extreme Nord) province on 11 December. The blast in Kolofata left at least eight people dead and a number of others wounded. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a second suicide bomber is in the area. The exact location of the bombing is unclear. Cameroon's Far North province is frequently affected by acts of terrorism. The majority of incidents are blamed on or are claimed by the Nigeria-based Boko Haram. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted states bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in 2015. These attacks have coincided with ongoing regional counterinsurgency operations aimed at weakening the group. In light of the recent attack in Kolofata, travellers should anticipate possible increased security measures (patrols and checkpoints) and/or travel restrictions (curfews). Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North (Extreme-Nord) province. Persons operating in the area should implement robust travel, personal and residential security measures. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - A large explosion has been followed by exchanges of gunfire between militants and security forces in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 11 December. The incident is reportedly ongoing in the Sherpoor area, near the city centre, targeting a foreign guesthouse near the Spanish Embassy. This information has yet to be confirmed. At least three attackers are believed to be involved. There have been no confirmed reports of casualties at this stage. As the situation is ongoing, further explosions, gunfire and travel disruptions are likely in the immediate-term. Given the location and scale of the ongoing security incident, casualties are likely. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in Kabul are advised to exercise maximum security measures, avoid the affected area and remain in a secure location at this time.

MEXICO(CHIAPAS STATE) - Protests organised by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) and the National Education Workers' Union (SNTE) against scheduled teacher evaluations are reportedly ongoing across Chiapas state in south eastern Mexico since 7 December. One teacher was killed and several were wounded after a demonstration led to confrontations with security forces in Ocozocoautla, near the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, recently. During the recent surge in protests between 7 and 10 December, protesters also subdued and held two state troopers hostage, who were later released. Education sector unions frequently hold protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms and other issues. Recently affected states include Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan and Veracruz. These are generally well supported and frequently disruptive, as demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares. Low-level violence also occurs occasionally. The current protest action over teacher evaluations is likely to persist in Chiapas and other states over the near-term. Likely gathering points include major cities, towns and highways. Clients in Chiapas state are advised to avoid all street protests and unofficial roadblocks. Itineraries should be adjusted to make allowances for localised travel disruptions. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised to exercise heightened caution while travelling in Guerrero and Michoacan.

AUSTRALIA(SYDNEY) - Australia's Supreme Court has banned the far-right Party For Freedom from holding a rally and protest march in Sydney's southern Cronulla area, on 12 December, citing security concerns. Despite the court order, the group has indicated that it will stage a static protest near Wanda Beach, in Cronulla; this is likely to elicit a strong police response. The far-right party had called for the rally to memorialise the 2005 Cronulla riot, which had significant racial overtones and resulted in the assaults of a number of people believed to be of Middle Eastern descent. A local residents' group has indicated that it will hold a counter-demonstration in the area on the affected day. Far-right rallies in Australia have previously been marred by low-level clashes with rival demonstrators and security forces, and often result in arrests. This is particularly noteworthy in the present instance given the emotive nature of the event and the likely elevated police presence in the wake of the court order as well as the counter-demonstration. In addition, localised travel disruptions are possible due to the rival gatherings and related security measures. Persons in the aforementioned area on 12 December are advised to avoid all street gatherings, as well as all concentrations of security forces, as a precaution.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Opposition groups recently applied for permission to stage an anti-government protest march in central Moscow on 12 December; however, permission to stage the protest was denied by the local authorities. Nonetheless, protest action remains possible in Pushkinskaya Square and on Sakharov Avenue. Should the protest proceed without authorisation, it will be met by a strong police presence. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be in light of the failure to gain permission to proceed. Nonetheless, the possibility of altercations between participants and security forces cannot be discounted, particularly if police attempt to disperse the demonstration or protesters attempt to cross police lines. Furthermore, any unsanctioned gatherings in Moscow are certain to be met with strong police action and may be violently dispersed. Clients in Moscow on the affected dates are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

SPAIN(MADRID) - Activist and civic groups are set to hold a demonstration in Spain's capital, Madrid, on 13 December. The demonstration has been called in protest of the Public Safety Act which among other things, limits the right to free assembly. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza de Cibeles from 11:00 local time. The demonstration is anticipated to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Although the protest is expected to conclude without major incident, the threat of low-level incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and police, cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration affected site. Persons in Madrid on 13 December are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Clients are further advised to anticipate road travel delays and plan accordingly.

BRAZIL - Countrywide demonstrations are expected in Brazil on 13 December against President Dilma Rousseff and in support of calls for her impeachment. Dozens of activist groups, including Free Brazil Movement, have called for the protests. These are expected in multiple locations, including the capital, Brasilia (the Museu da Republica and outside the National Congress), Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo Museum of Art) and Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana beach, Post 5). For a full list of protest locations, visit the Free Brazil Movement website (https://www.facebook.com/mblivre). President Rousseff has lost much support after being blamed for the country's severe economic slump and as a result of corruption allegations levelled against her. There have also recently been calls for her impeachment. Although the demonstrations are expected to conclude without major incident, they do carry a strong anti-government sentiment; as such, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence between protesters and the police or protesters and pro-Rousseff supporters cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Brazil are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protests. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - The US Consulate General in Istanbul has issued a statement warning of a demonstration in Istanbul on 13 December. Participants are expected to gather outside the French Consulate General on Istiklal Street from 14:30 local time. It is believed that the demonstration was organised to protest against French, US and NATO air strikes targeting the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; localised disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the French Consulate General. The possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Istanbul on 13 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for localised disruptions.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - Increased security measures are expected in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, ahead of the third annual Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) pride parade that is set to take place on 13 December. Participants will gather near the Hotel M Nikic, on Kralja Nikole Street, from 10:30 local time. The actual procession will start from the Parliament buildings, then proceed along Stanka Dragojevica, Bokeska and Njegoseva streets, before ending in Republic square (Trg Republike). Several road closures are anticipated along the route prior to and for the duration of the event. Efforts to hold gay pride parades in Montenegro have repeatedly been hampered by security concerns and past events have been marred by violent confrontations between police and counter-demonstrators and parade participants, most recently at the 2013 event. Previous parades were also cancelled following separate attacks targeting homosexuals prior to the event. The parade is also expected to be accompanied by counter-demonstrations, which increases the risk of violence. Despite widespread opposition to these events in Montenegro, authorities have increasingly expressed their support for activists promoting the rights of the country's LGBT community. The possibility of violent clashes and isolated hate crimes marring the upcoming gathering cannot be dismissed. Localised traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity and along the parade route. Persons in Podgorica are advised to monitor local media for information on the upcoming pride parade and counter-demonstrations; these should all be avoided due to the threat of violent civil unrest. Clients should expect an increased security force presence in the aforementioned locations and plan for possible road travel disruptions.

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