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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 - The rapid expansion of seat capacity to and from India by Middle East carriers is impeding United Airlines' plans to build market share in the country. Instead, United, which already has daily nonstop service from New York to both Delhi and Mumbai, is mainly focusing on expanding operations to China's secondary cities. Acccording to Brian Znotins, United's network vice president, the carrier now has more nonstop flights to China than any other U.S. airline. "Despite the slowdown of China's economy, as travel from China grows, we will be there in future," said Znotins. One new route pending Chinese government approval is a nonstop seasonal service to Xian that it hopes to start in May 2016. Demand for flights to the fast-growing city of Chengdu has exceeded United's expectations, according to Znotins. Apple has an iPad factory in Chengdu in partnership with Foxconn. For now, San Francisco is the main hub for United's service into China, with the Boeing 787-9 deployed on these services. "Once Chengdu matures we will add more [U.S.] hubs," said Znotins, adding that United's partnership with Air China is the foundation for these expansion plans. Meanwhile, Air India is working with its Star Alliance partner United to deal with the overcapacity issue created by rival Middle East carriers. The two airlines are discussing a new codeshare for services to and from India and this should provide seamless travel to multiple U.S. airports via United's hubs in Chicago, New York and San Francisco (which Air India serves with nonstop flights). "This is one sure way to deal with Middle East carriers. If we put our act together, we will be able to work out a solution," commented Air India commercial director Pankaj Srivastava. The Indian flagcarrier is now exploring the viability of new direct service to Washington, D.C. United currently has a codeshare arrangement with India's Jet Airways, in which Abu Dhabi's Eithad Airways now holds a 24 percent stake. Znotins would not comment on whether United might abandon this codeshare if it commits to an agreement with Air India.

UNITED KINGDOM(WALES) - Train drivers affiliated with the ASLEF and RMT unions have called for 24-hour strike across Wales, in the UK, on 4 January. All Arriva Trains Wales services are expected to be cancelled as a result of the strike, which has been called over a dispute relating to employee terms and conditions. An increased demand for alternative modes of transport should be anticipated for the duration of the strike. It should be noted that a previously planned strike by Arriva Trains Wales drivers in November was suspended following talks between the company and the unions; as such there remains a possibility that the associated action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Clients intending to make use of Arriva Trains Wales rail services on 4 January are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

DENMARK/SWEDEN - Authorities in Sweden are set to introduce stringent identity checks on all ferries, busses and trains entering the country from Denmark, from 4 January; moderate delays to the aforementioned international services are expected. The temporary measures have been introduced in an effort to control the flow of refugees and migrants into Sweden. The new regulation holds transport companies responsible for checking that every passenger travelling to Sweden carries valid photo identification. In response, SJ, Sweden's largest rail operator, has cancelled all rail services between the two countries, stating that identity checks are not feasible. Meanwhile, Skanetrafiken, another major rail operator, announced that they would reduce the number of daily services between the two countries in order to allow for the extra time needed to check every commuter's identification. The movement of asylum seekers has resulted in severe travel disruptions in several European countries in recent months. Local authorities across the region have struggled to cope with the unprecedented immigration, and several states have taken or are taking steps to secure their borders. Due to the ongoing refugee and migration crisis, further disruptions to international rail services should be anticipated. Clients planning travel, especially by rail, between the aforementioned countries should confirm the status of scheduled transport services with their travel provider prior to travel.

FRANCE(MARSEILLE & CORSICA) - Unionised employees of French ferry operator, SNCM, are set to stage a strike on 5 January. All SNCM ferry workers in Marseille have been called on to participate in the strike, which is expected to affect services between Marseille and the island of Corsica. The industrial action was called in response to the possible opening of a Marseille-Corsica line by the Corsica Marittima company as well as the failure to ratify an agreement in December over SNCM's takeover by the Rocca Group. Previous SNCM strikes have been well observed and significant disruptions to ferry services are expected. The possibility of the strike extending beyond 5 January cannot be discounted. Persons intending to use SNCM ferry services on 5 January are advised to contact the company or their travel provider to enquire about the status of services.

BELGIUM - Unionised rail workers affiliated with CGSP-Cheminots and CSC-Transcom unions are expected to observe 48-hour strike from 5 January. The unions have called for the action with regards to a long-standing dispute regarding wages and rail productivity with rail operator, National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB). The action is set to be in effect from 22:00 local time on 5 January until 22:00 on 7 January, and is expected to disrupt SNCB's the entire rail network, including inner-city, regional and international trains. Negotiations between the unions and SNCB are said to be ongoing; as such, the action may be suspended on an ad hoc basis. The extent to which the upcoming strike action will be supported is currently unclear; nonetheless, should it go ahead, significant disruptions to SNCB services are anticipated. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. It should be noted that, due to the ongoing nature of the unions' grievances, further strike action is anticipated. Clients intending to make use of SNCB rail services during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact the rail operator directly, or their travel provider(s), to confirm the status of services.

GERMNAY(DRESDEN & LIEPZIG) - The far-right Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) is expected to stage rallies in Dresden and Leipzig on 4 January. Although the demonstrations have not been confirmed, precedent suggests that the rallies will take place in Theaterplatz, in Dresden, and in Richard-Wagner-Platz, in Leipzig. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Although the upcoming gatherings will take place amid an increased police presence, the risk of violent civil unrest remains. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstrations. Persons in Dresden or Leipzig on 4 January are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any counter-demonstrations as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

FRANCE - Protests and demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and subsequent associated incidents on 7 and 8 January 2015 are anticipated across France in the coming days. The majority of events are expected to focus in the vicinity of associated attack sites in the capital, Paris, including outside the magazine's former headquarters on rue Nicolas-Appert and outside the l'Hyper Cacher in the Porte de Vincennes area of the city. The main commemorative event is expected on 9 January, when participants are expected to gather at the Place de la Republique. Associated protests are also expected in reaction to the preliminary release of the upcoming anniversary issue cover which depicts an ambiguous deity as being responsible for the attacks. Further details regarding the upcoming events are unavailable. While the protests and demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, due to the emotive nature of the events, the possibility of violent unrest and low-level attacks cannot be discounted. Security forces in France remain on high alert following the Paris attacks on 13/14 November 2015; as such, the upcoming events and associated protests are expected to be accompanied by an increased police presence. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration affected sites. Persons in France, particularly Paris, in the coming days are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should monitor local media for announcements of further related gatherings. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

INDIA(MANIPUR STATE) - (Update) At least eight people have been killed and 100 more injured following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck at 29km west of Imphal, capital of India's Manipur state, overnight on 3/4 January. The worst affected areas in Manipur are those located in the Tamenglong district, to the west of Imphal, where significant infrastructure damage and a power outage has been reported. However, damage to buildings has also been reported in Imphal. In addition, associated tremors, aftershocks and an unconfirmed number of injured were also reported in neighbouring Assam and West Bengal states. Any further aftershocks may result in further damage and the collapse of already destabilised buildings. Associated disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications, and the suspension of transport services are anticipated. Persons in the affected areas of India are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the authorities. Clients are advised to avoid or evacuate all damaged structures and to follow the directives of local emergency crews. In addition, due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Manipur is advised against.

YEMEN(ADEN) - An overnight curfew has been imposed in Yemen's southern city of Aden. The curfew will run overnight on 4/5 January, from 20:00 local time until 05:00, and has been imposed in response to recent fighting in the vicinity of the local sea port. Fighting during the night of 3/4 January between local government forces and militants left at least 17 combatants dead at the sea port. The militants were involved in smuggling operations at the facility. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the gunmen were aligned with the Islamic State (IS). The government forces are reportedly in control of the port. Aden was liberated by pro-government forces earlier in 2015 after confrontations with fighters aligned to the Houthis. In recent months the Houthis have been pushed further north; however, insecurity in liberated areas continues to be reported. Criminal groupings, non-state armed groups and Islamist extremists operate widely in southern Yemen. Islamist extremists, including IS, also control some territory and continue to carry out attacks against a wide variety of targets across the country. Aden has been specifically targeted in the past. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons operating in the country should do so with a security escort. Clients in Aden should abide by the curfew and monitor local developments closely. Heightened caution is advised in and near the Aden sea port area.

BAHRAIN/IRAN - Bahrain stated on 4 January that it was severing ties with Iran and has given Iranian diplomats 48 hours to depart the country. The decision follows a similar measure by Saudi Arabia on 3 January. The diplomatic development is in response to Iran's criticism of Saudi Arabia due to a Saudi announcement on 2 January that it had executed a number of persons on terrorism charges, including a prominent Shiite Muslim cleric, Nimr al-Nimr. The Sunni Bahrain government is an ally of Saudi Arabia, another predominantly Sunni state. The execution of al-Nimr has sparked protests in a number of areas, including eastern Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and in Iran by Shiite Muslim protesters. A number of these protests have turned violent, including those near Saudi diplomatic facilities in Iran. In addition to the closure of diplomatic facilities, disruptions to air and sea transport between the three states remain probable over the near-term. The threat of violence remains elevated at all protest gatherings in both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Clients in Bahrain and Iran are advised to monitor political developments closely. Nationals of these states operating in the other should maintain an elevated level of personal security awareness and should regularly review the status of transport services and entry requirements. Caution is advised near the diplomatic sites of both states and all protests should be avoided. Bahrain nationals in Iran (and vice versa) who require consular assistance should make telephone contact with their embassy or consulate prior to visiting the facility.

SAUDI ARABIA/IRAN - Saudi Arabia ordered Iranian diplomatic entities to depart Saudi Arabia within 48 hours on 3 January. Saudi diplomatic officials in Iran reportedly left Iran on 4 January. The Saudi Arabian decision coincides with increasing tensions between the two states since the reported execution of a Shiite Muslim cleric, Nimr al-Nimr, by Saudi officials in early January. Iran has condemned the decision to execute al-Nimr and a number of other persons who were charged with terrorism. Widespread protests by anti-Saudi groups have been reported, including in Iran, Bahrain and Iraq. In Iran, violent protests were reported outside of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Tehran and the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Mashhad on 3 January. Eastern Saudi Arabia, where many of the country's Shiite Muslims reside, has also been affected by related protests. The Awamiya area in the Qatif governorate has been particularly badly affected. Tensions between the two sides have escalated over the past year. These have been aggravated by conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, where the sides support opposing groupings, and due to ongoing Saudi suppression of Shiite Muslim protests in eastern Saudi Arabia. Shiite Muslim Iran supports Shiites in this area and in Bahrain. The recent execution of al-Nimr has further aggravated tensions between the two major regional powers. In addition to the closure of diplomatic facilities, disruptions to air and sea transport between the two states remain probable over the near-term. Conflicts in the above-mentioned states may also worsen as both sides seek to gain advantage over each other. Related protests near diplomatic sites or facilities/interests linked to each state are also expected to persist, as are protests in eastern Saudi Arabia. The threat of violence remains elevated at all protest gatherings in both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Clients in Iran and Saudi Arabia are advised to monitor political developments closely. Nationals of these states operating in the other should maintain an elevated level of personal security awareness and should regularly review the status of transport services and entry requirements. Caution is advised near the diplomatic sites of both states and all protests should be avoided. Saudi nationals in Iran who require consular assistance should make telephone contact with their embassy or consulate prior to visiting the facility. Clients travelling in Qatif governorate should do so during the day only and consider travel with a local escort.

IRAQ(BABIL GOVERNORATE) - Gunmen dressed in military attire bombed two Sunni mosques in Iraq's Babil governorate overnight on 3/4 January. The Ammar bin Yasser mosque in Hillah's Bakerli area and the Al-Fateh mosque located outside of Hillah were targeted. At least three people were wounded and a number of structures near each of the mosques were damaged. In a separate incident a muezzin was shot and killed in Iskandariyah, located 60km north of Hillah over the same period. The identity of the gunmen is unclear; however, it is possible that Shiite militia were responsible for the incident. Sunni militant violence has decreased in Babil governorate in recent times and Shiite militia operate extensively in central and southern Iraq. These forces have been implicated in attacks against Sunnis in the past. The recent execution of a prominent Shiite cleric by the Sunni Saudi Arabian authorities may have provided additional motivation for the recent incident. The execution has been condemned by most major Shiite figures in Iraq. In addition, related protests have already been reported in the country and further gatherings are anticipated, particularly in the capital, Baghdad, and in cities in the mainly Shiite Muslim south. These may increasingly be accompanied by attacks against Sunni targets (civilians and religious sites). Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central Iraqi governorates, including Babil. Persons operating in these areas should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure premises. Street protests and religious sites and gatherings should be avoided.

ISRAEL/LEBANON - Israeli forces have shelled areas near the Shebaa Farms located along the shared Lebanon-Israel border in recent days. The latest shelling was reported on 4 January. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that an exchange of fire occurred between gunmen in Lebanon and the Israeli security forces, and that a bomb exploded near an Israeli security vehicle on 4 January. The Israeli shelling is viewed as an attempt by the Israelis to deter a Hezbollah attack on Israeli positions in northern Israel. Hezbollah has vowed to avenge the December killing of one of its prominent members, Samir Kuntar, in Damascus, Syria. Hezbollah has attributed the killing to Israel. Security remains elevated along the length of the border and the potential for clashes is elevated. Note that any violence is likely to impact on the immediate border only. Sustained clashes can result in an escalation of fighting across the length of the border. Clients are advised against all travel south of the Litani River in the Ej Jnoub and Nabatieh governorates in Lebanon due to the risk of a resumption of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as the threat posed by unexploded landmines and other ordnance. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to areas within 2km of the border with Lebanon in Israel. Clients operating near the border should do so with a security escort. Personnel operating in northern Israel or southern Lebanon should monitor border-related security developments closely for potential conflict escalations.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL)- An explosion has been reported in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 4 January. The suspected suicide bomb attack is said to have occurred at a police checkpoint on Airport Road, specifically at the airport roundabout near Hamid Karzai International Airport; casualties are feared. The situation is said to be ongoing. 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.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - The ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) has called for a demonstration in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 5 January. Participants will gather at Plaza Venezuela from 09:00 local time. The protest will coincide with the installation of the new National Assembly. Legislative elections held in December 2015 saw the opposition party Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD) take the majority of seats in the country's National Assembly. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Plaza Venezuela. MUD counter-protests are also possible on the day. The possibility of low-level skirmishes between opposing groups, as well as between protesters and police forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Caracas on 5 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for localised disruptions.

BANGLADESH - (Update) The ruling Awami League (AL) has organised numerous rallies in Bangladesh on 5 January. The rallies will mark the anniversary of the January 2014 elections and will coincide with demonstrations led by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The AL rallies are set to begin at 14:30 local time and will be held in front of Purabi Cinema Hall at Mirpur 12, Shyampur-Jurain rail gate, Jatrabari grounds, Rampura petrol pump, Dhanmondi 32 bus stop, Mirpur 1 intersection, Lalbagh, Gulshan, Sutrapur, Tejgaon, Sabujbagh, Khilgaon, Uttara, Kamrangirchar, Kafrul, Bangabandhu Avenue in Gulistan as well as at the Mohammadpur Town Hall and Suhrawardy Udyan memorial in Dhaka. Protests are also likely to be held elsewhere in the country. It should be noted that the both parties have organised rallies at the Suhrawardy Udyan memorial. The BNP announced that should they be prevented from gathering in the area, the rally will be moved to the party office on Bangabandhu Avenue. The January 2014 elections were boycotted by the BNP, resulting in a landslide victory for the AL. Since its boycott, the BNP has been excluded from the national legislative process, causing political tensions in the country to remain high. The possibility of violence at the upcoming events cannot be discounted; there is a risk of sporadic clashes or incidents of violence between supporters of these two parties, as well as clashes between members of these two groups and security forces. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. It should be noted that persons operating in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region and near the border with India are advised to exercise heightened caution due to various security concerns.

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