DELTA AIR LINES/KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES/JET AIRWAYS - Delta Air Lines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will begin codesharing with India's Jet Airways as Jet Airways shifts its European hub from Brussels to Amsterdam. On March 27, Jet Airways will begin daily, nonstop flights between Amsterdam and both Mumbai and New Delhi, ending its daily flights to Brussels. Pending government approvals, Delta and KLM will codeshare on those routes, and Jet Airways will codeshare on Delta and KLM flights between Amsterdam and 11 destinations in New York state and Canada, as well as 30 KLM flights in Europe. The carriers will coordinate customer service, check-in and baggage handling. Delta SkyMiles and KLM Flying Blue members will earn miles on those Jet Airways routes.
UNITED STATES(MONTANA,NORTH DAKOTA,NEBRASKA,COLORADO,WYOMING & UTAH) - (Update) The US National Weather Service has issued Storm Warning and Winter Storm Warning alerts for several states across the North West and Midwest in the US on 15 December. Affected states include Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. The storm system, named Winter Storm Echo, is moving in an easterly direction and is forecast to increasingly impact on the Midwest over the next 24 to 48 hours. Heavy snowfall and generally adverse winter weather are likely to result in moderate to severe disruptions to parts of the affected areas over the next 48 hours. Disruptions to road, air and rail traffic should be anticipated. Clients travelling in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Scheduled transport services should be confirmed with providers, prior to departure.
AUSTRALIA(NEW SOUTH WALES STATE) - The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm weather warning for the state of New South Wales on 15 December. The storm is expected to affect the following towns: Casino, Kyogle, Mallanganee, Murwillumbah, Rappville, Tabulam, Bowral, Campbelltown, Katoomba, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollongong. The adverse weather is expected to bring large hailstones, heavy rain, damaging winds and flash floods. The warning is anticipated to remain in effect until 16 December. Australia is prone to tropical storms, particularly from October to April. These storms generally bring heavy rainfall to the country's eastern regions and have caused major flooding in the past, particularly in New South Wales. Adverse weather conditions in the affected areas may result in travel delays and disruptions to electricity supply, due to possible infrastructural damage. Utility disruptions to water and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in the affected areas are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities, and monitor local media or the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for any updates. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions to travel, as well as utilities such as electricity and water. Persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen or damaged power lines and infrastructure.
CHILE - Air traffic controllers across Chile are expected to launch a 48-hour strike on 17 and 18 December to demand better pensions. Reports indicate that negotiations are ongoing, which may result in a cancellation of the strike. Clients intending to use commercial air services between 17 and 18 December are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).
PAKISTAN(PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES) - A strike action by unionised employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to disrupt flight services on 15 December. The work stoppage is set to take place from 08:00 to 23:00 local time. It is unclear how well observed the strike will be; however, disruptions to PIA flights should be expected on the day. Employees are opposed to the company's proposed sale to a private investor. As negotiations between the union and airline operator are expected to resume; the strike action may be suspended on an ad hoc basis. In addition, an increase in demand for other carriers is also likely during the affected period. Clients scheduled to fly with PIA during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).
LIBYA(TRIPOLI) - A Maltese national, Pierre Baldacchino, was kidnapped in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 14 December. The victim, the manager of the Saint James Hospital, was abducted on his way home at approximately 17:00 local time by unidentified assailants. Further details are unavailable. The threat of kidnapping in Libya is rated as extreme. Kidnappings are frequently reported across the country and impact on both foreign nationals and locals. Kidnapping motivations vary widely and can be motivated by political or financial concerns or by both. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Clients operating in the country should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.
NIGERIA(KADUNA STATE) - Ongoing gunfire has been reported in numerous areas of Kaduna state on 15 December. Areas affected by the gunfire include the Tudun Wada, Kaduna North and Kaduna South local government areas. Initial reports indicate that the fighting took place amid protests by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria against the recent deaths of Islamists by the Nigerian army in the city of Zaria on 12 December. The army alleges that a group of Islamists attempted to assassinate Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. While the exact cause of the violence remains unconfirmed, it should be noted that relations between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria and the Nigerian military have been strained. As is evidenced by the 15 December violence, events such as those in Zaria on 12 December carry the potential to incite violent protests which could carry a strong anti-military and anti-government undertone. Gatherings may be violently dispersed by security services. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Kaduna state. All large gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided; clients in the affected areas are advised to remain in a secure location at this time.
SOUTH SUDAN(EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE) - Dozens of people were killed in the village of Oguruny in East Equatoria state, south eastern South Sudan, on 12 and 13 December in clashes between government forces and militants calling themselves the South Sudanese Armed Forces. The confrontation was initiated after the government ordered SPLA military forces to pursue militants accused of banditry in the Eastern Equatoria state. The attack comes amid a civil war between government and rebel forces, which began in late December 2013. The level of violence has escalated in recent months, including in East Equatoria state. Persistent fighting has resulted in numerous casualties and the widespread displacement of local communities, further underscoring the extreme security risk in the region. Clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the country. Persons in South Sudan, particularly those travelling outside of the capital, Juba, are advised to travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Crisis management plans (contingency and evacuation) should be regularly reviewed and updated.
YEMEN - A seven-day ceasefire between rival armed forces in Yemen reportedly comes into effect on 15 December. The ceasefire coincides with the start of peace talks in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at ending the months-long conflict between military forces aligned to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis and Yemeni military forces loyal to former president, Ali Saleh. Ahead of the ceasefire, Saudi Arabia-led coalition aircraft struck Houthi positions in Bani al-Haddad, located in the northern Hajjah governorate, late on 14 December, killing 15 people. Also on 14 December, Houthi rocket strikes hit a pro-Hadi military camp in the Dhubab area of Taiz governorate killing a number of people. Some media reports indicate that dozens of coalition troops were killed. Ground fighting also persists in the Ad Daleh governorate. Precedent suggests that the ceasefire is unlikely to hold over the full seven-day period. However, the start of peace talks is a positive development. An agreement to end the conflict is not anticipated over the short-term and the conflict will persist through to the first quarter of 2016 at least. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in the country are advised to travel with a security escort and should reside in secure accommodation. Travellers should regularly review crisis management plans, including evacuation plans, in conjunction with their security provider.
BANGLADESH(SYLHET) - Transport workers in Sylhet, located in the north east of Bangladesh, have embarked on a strike of indefinite duration on 15 December. The strike is being observed by Sylhet Truck Workers Union and Road Transport Workers Union; associated disruptions have been reported in the district with limited transport services currently available. The strike has been initiated due to the assault of transport workers by local authorities in the Chanipul area of the city on 13 December. Although the strike has passed without significant incident thus far, the possibility of associated protest action and altercations with security forces cannot be discounted. It should be noted that there is a threat of violent civil unrest during all strikes and associated protest action in Bangladesh. Foreign nationals are not specifically targeted during such events; however, there remains a high incidental risk for all persons in the affected area. In addition, it is likely that transport services will be disrupted for the remainder of the strike period. Persons in Sylhet are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments regarding the ongoing strike action and avoid all large gatherings and security force concentrations as a precaution.
BULGARIA(SOFIA) - The Bulgarian National Movement (IMRO) has called for protests against the visit of Turkish Prime Minster Ahmet Davutoglu on 15 December. The protest is expected to be held in the capital, Sofia, in the vicinity of the Ministry Council and Embassy of Turkey. The size of the protest is unknown. The threat of violence is considered low; however, minor confrontations cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Sofia on 15 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.
ARGENTINA(RIO NEGRO PROVINCE) - Members of the ATE public sector union have called for a strike and protests in Argentina's Rio Negro province on 16 December to demand a pay increase and annual year-end bonuses. At least one protest will be held on a bridge connecting the towns of Cipolletti and Neuquen. Disruptions to state operations and services are anticipated across Rio Negro on 15 December. The associated protests are likely along major roads or in front of government buildings. There is a risk of confrontations between protesters and the police. Clients in the affected area on 15 December are advised to avoid all related street protests as a standard precaution.
SOUTH AFRICA - (Update) Various activist and civil society groups have called for anti-government demonstrations in urban centres across South Africa, including the capital, Pretoria and city of Cape Town, on 16 December, coinciding with Reconciliation Day. The demonstrations have been organised in response to the controversial dismissal of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene by President Jacob Zuma on 9 December. Participants are expected to gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 10:00 local time. In Cape Town participants are expected to gather outside Parliament at 08:00 local time. Other related protests are likely to be held at various locations where government representatives will be hosting Reconciliation Day commemorative events. The protests are expected to be well attended and likely result in travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest locations. The protests are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the risk of isolated acts of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in urban centres across South Africa on 16 December are advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a standard precaution and make allowances for localised disruptions.
INDIA(ASSAM & TRIPURA STATES)- A general strike, or bandh, is expected to be held in India's north eastern states of Assam and Tripura on 16 December. The bandh has been called by the National Federation for New States and in support for the creation of new states in Assam and Tripura for indigenous peoples. The bandh will be in place from 05:00 to 17:00 local time. Areas likely to be affected affected by the strike include major towns in the districts of Karbi, Kokrajihar, Baksa, Udalguri, Dima Hasao and Chirang in Assam and the majority of districts across Tripura. A bandh is a form of protest in which all commercial facilities in an area are shut down for a specified time, with the local population expected to stay at home. Disruptions to public transport are also possible in strike-affected areas. Associated protests are also anticipated. These are likely to remain peaceful; however, it should be noted that there is a risk of violence at all protests in India. The possibility of confrontations between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the affected states. Persons in the aforementioned areas on 16 December are advised to monitor local media closely for updates on the strike action. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate possible travel delays. All street protests should be avoided.
NIGERIA(LAGOS) - The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group has called for two demonstrations in Nigeria's city of Lagos, on 16 and 17 December. The demonstration has been called to demand the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The 16 December demonstration is expected to cause disruptions near the Alaba market and the Trade Fair market. On 17 December, protesters are set to gather outside an undisclosed embassy in the Victoria Island area of the city. The 20 October arrest of Kanu has triggered several incidents of unrest in southern Nigeria, including in Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Owerri (Imo State), Onitsha and Awka (Anambra), Asaba (Delta State), Benin (Edo) and Enugu (Enugu state). It should be noted that the majority of these protests have resulted in localised disruptions to travel and business; several demonstrations have turned violent due to clashes between protesters and security forces. The possibility of further disruptive and violent unrest during the Lagos demonstrations cannot be discounted. It should be noted that further protest action is likely in the aforementioned areas until Kanu is released from police custody. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria, including Lagos state, 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.
HONG KONG - Demonstrators are expected to gather outside Hong Kong's Legislative Council Complex (LegCo) from 16 to 18 December to protest against the Copyright Amendment Bill, which activists say will stifle free speech. The authorities have announced that additional police will be deployed to the LegCo complex from 16 December. A similar protest occurred outside the complex during the week of 7 December and ended without major incident. Nonetheless, minor confrontations cannot be discounted at the forthcoming anticipated protest(s). Persons in Hong Kong are advised to avoid all related protests and demonstrations, as well as concentrations of security forces, as a precaution.
ARMENIA - Opposition-led protests are expected to be held in several provinces in Armenia on 16 and 17 December. Further information is unavailable. A related protest rally is expected to be held in the capital, Yerevan, on 18 December. Participants are expected to gather at Freedom Square at 17:00 local time. The protests are in demand of the nullification of the 6 December referendum results. Opposition parties have also filed a formal complaint with Armenia's Central Electoral Commission (CEC). Related protest gatherings have been held outside the CEC building and in Freedom Square in recent weeks. Opposition groups are alleging that the results of the referendum have been falsified; early results indicated that almost 70 percent of voters support the constitutional amendments. The upcoming demonstrations are expected to be well attended and carry a strong anti-government overtone. While violence is not expected, a heavy police presence was reported at previous gatherings. Persons in Armenia 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.
