Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

AIR CANADA - Air Canada will begin daily flights from Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia on June 17, 2016. The existing route flies three-times week today. The route uses a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 20 International Business Class seat suites, 21 Premium Economy and 210 Economy Class seats.

Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive
AC35	Vancouver (YVR)	Brisbane (BNE)	23:45	07:15 (+2 days)
AC36	Brisbane (BNE)	Vancouver (YVR)	10:40	07:15

All Air Canada flights provide for Aeroplan accumulation and redemption and, for eligible customers, priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding and other benefits.

AEROMEXICO - Aeromexico will begin three weekly nonstop flights to Amsterdam on May 29, 2016 marking its fourth destination in Europe. The airline will use its Boeing 787 plane on the route. Anko van der Werff, Aeromexico's Chief Revenue Officer, said, "Aeromexico is extremely proud to add Amsterdam to its European route network. The Netherlands is the fourth largest Mexico's trading partner in the European Union, and nowadays, an average of 200,000 annual passengers travel between both capital cities".

Flight schedules are as follows:

Mexico City - Amsterdam		Amsterdam - Mexico City
AM025	11:58 p.m.	6 p.m.	Wednesday, Friday,Sunday	AM026	10:35 p.m.	04:10 a.m.	Monday,Thursday, Saturday

*Times are published in local time and are subject to changes without notice.

SkyTeam member KLM has a hub in Amsterdam offering a number of flights within Europe to Aeromexico customers.

UNITED STATES(PORTER RANCH, LOS ANGELES(CALIFORNIA STATE)) - On 6 January, Governor of California Jerry Brown issued a state of emergency for the Porter Ranch neighbourhood in the US state of California. The declaration was made in response to an ongoing gas leak at a storage facility in the area since late October 2015. The state of emergency will reportedly enhance the relief and response capabilities of the local authorities, as well as safeguard energy reliability in the area.  On 23 October 2015 a gas leak was discovered at an underground methane storage facility operated by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas) in Aliso Canyon, located approximately 2km east of Porter Ranch. By late December that year as many as 2,200 residents were forced to evacuate the area as a result of the associated health effects of the leak, which included nausea, headaches and nosebleeds. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary ban on low-flying planes over the greater Porter Ranch area; the restriction is set to expire on 8 March. Efforts remain underway to halt the environmental and health fallouts from the leak; authorities estimate that they will be able to contain the leak by March. Persons in Porter Ranch are advised to monitor local media for updates on the gas leak situation and advisories from the authorities.

ITALY(BRESCIA(LOMBARDY) & CATANIA(SICILY) - Disruptions to bus services are expected in Italy's Lombardy and Sicily regions, on 8 January, due to strikes by unionised bus drivers. In Lombardy, unionised bus drivers employed by bus operator, Societa Italiana Autoservizi SpA (SIA) are set to observe a 24-hour strike action, affecting bus services in the region's Brescia province. Similarly, in Sicily's Catania province, unionised bus drivers employed by Societa Autolinee di Misterbianco, will observe a four hour work stoppage from 09:30 to 13:30 local time. Both actions have been called with regard to a wage dispute with the respective bus operator. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strikes. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as specific labour disputes. The upcoming strikes are set to cause significant disruptions to bus services; an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected.  Persons in Italy's aforementioned affected provinces should anticipate disruptions to bus services and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or respective transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.

BOLIVIA(LA PAZ) - Public transport workers have called for a strike and protest in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, during the morning of 7 January to demand that higher fares be charged. Striking workers are expected to march from various points in the city to Town Hall, located along Mercado Street. Disruptions to transport services and road travel should be expected in parts of the city, particularly along and near Mercado Street through the course of 7 January. The risk of violence at associated protests is considered low, but cannot be fully discounted. Travellers in the city who intend utilising road transport services should reconfirm the status of these services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure. All street protests should be avoided.

NIGER(NIAMEY) - The US Embassy in Niamey, Niger, has warned of a planned transport strike in the city on 7 January. The action has reportedly been called in response to rising fuel costs in the country. All public transport services are set to be affected on the day. Further details regarding the strike have not been disclosed. An increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected in Niamey during the aforementioned strike. It should also be noted that the action may be extended or suspended at short notice. Although it is unclear whether associated demonstrations are set to accompany the strike, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of such events, should they occur. Persons in Niamey on 7 January should anticipate disruptions to public transport services on the day. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or respective transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives. Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike and possible related protests.

HONG KONG - Authorities have increased Influenza A (H5N6), also known as bird flu, screening measures at transport hubs and ports of entry into the territory as of 6 January. The decision was prompted by the death of one person as a result of the disease in neighbouring Shenzhen, in China in recent days. The primary chain of infection of the H5N6 strain is from bird-to-bird, although as demonstrated by the infection, bird-to-human transmission is possible. Thus far there have been no confirmed human-to-human transmissions. Information on symptoms remains limited; however, pneumonia, severe fever and shortness of breath have been reported. Those deemed at higher risk of becoming infected include persons under five or over 65, as well as people with chronic medical conditions, including asthma or heart disease. Clients travelling to Hong Kong should make allowances for additional screening measures at all points of entry to the country. Those exhibiting symptoms for Influenza A (H5N6) may be subject to quarantine and mandatory health testing.

HAITI/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC BORDER - The authorities in the Dominican Republic announced the deployment of hundreds of additional security force personnel to its shared border with Haiti on 5 January. The deployment is in response to the anticipated return of Haitian migrants after the recent December holidays. The Dominican Republic has increased border security and tightened entry requirements for Haitian nationals seeking to enter or reside in its country over the past year. Tens of thousands of Haitians are reportedly based in the Dominican Republic illegally. The additional security measures may result in delays at legitimate border crossings. The potential for low-level clashes between Haitians and the security forces remains possible, particularly at unofficial entry points. Persons intending to travel via the border should do so at legitimate crossings only and should anticipate delays. Caution is advised in the vicinity of the shared border, including near official crossing points. Please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti.

EGYPT(GIZA) - Gunfire was reported near the Three Pyramids Hotel in Giza earlier on 7 January. Unconfirmed reports indicate that two gunmen fired on or near the hotel, or fired on a tour bus carrying Israeli nationals. There have been no reported casualties. The police have deployed to the area and are pursuing the suspects. Clients in the Giza area are advised to exercise heightened caution near the affected site. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities.

NEPAL(JANAKPUR) - Opposing groups of protesters clashed in Janakpur, in Nepal's southern Dhanusa district, on 7 January. The violence began after supporters of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UMDF) attempted to hold a motorcycle protest and to shut down the city's primary market. However, local traders retaliated, resulting in clashes between the groups, at which point security personnel forcefully intervened. There have been no reports of casualties. An elevated security force presence remains in the area, specifically in the vicinity of Janaki Chowk. Although the exact reason for the initial UMDF protest remains unclear, it is possibly related to the long-delayed promulgation of Nepal's constitution on 16 September. The charter, which establishes the state as a secular federal republic with seven regions, has been widely opposed by minority groups, including the largely low-land Terai region-based Madhesi and Tharu ethnic groups, such as the UMDF. These groups have initiated violent protests in recent months ahead of the constitution's promulgation. The violence has left over 40 people dead since early August, primarily in the Terai region, of which Janakpur is a part. Further protest action is possible in the short- to medium-term, and as this latest incident demonstrates, the threat of violence is elevated. Persons in Janakpur are advised to monitor local developments closely for information on further possible protests. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Heightened caution is advised in Nepal's southern Terai region due to the elevated levels of civil unrest and associated violence, as well as the region's history of conflict and terrorism.

LIBYA(ZILTEN) - An explosion in Zliten, located west of Libya's northern city of Misratah, has resulted in a number of casualties on 7 January. The explosion, thought to have been a result of a vehicle bombing, reportedly occurred near a police training centre.  Anticipate additional security measures, including checkpoints and patrols, in the affected area over the immediate-term. Note that these measures could result in road travel disruptions. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya, including Zliten. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Clients in the vicinity of Zliten or who intend to travel near the affected area over the immediate-term should cater for potential road travel delays. Police and military facilities should be avoided as a standard precaution.

YEMEN(MIDI, HAJJAH GOVERNORATE) - Military forces loyal to Saudi Arabia and Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have reportedly captured the strategic port of Midi in Hajjah governorate, located in north western Yemen. The capture earlier in January follows intense ground battles between this force and the Houthis, an Iranian supported armed group, which controls much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. Ground fighting between the two sides persists in parts of Hajjah governorate and the southern and eastern governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, Marib and Ibb. Saudi coalition-led air strikes continue to target Houthi positions in these areas and in Sanaa and Ad Hudaydah. The capture of Midi will reduce the flow of supplies to the Houthis in northern Yemen; however, the Houthis and their allies, including military forces loyal to former Yemen president, Ali Saleh, continue to control much of the western coastline. In recent months the Houthis have lost considerable ground in the far south and east as thousands of coalition troops have arrived in the country to support local pro-Hadi forces. Despite this, the Houthis have managed to maintain control of much of the core of its territory stretching from Saada to Taiz. The rugged mountainous terrain in central Yemen has served to dissuade the coalition forces from driving towards Sanaa. Fighting between the two sides has coincided with a spike in Islamist extremist activity in the south and south east; militants in these areas have captured a number of urban centres, including Zinjibar and Jaar in Abyan governorate. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

MEXICO - The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) has called for countrywide protests in Mexico against scheduled teacher evaluations on 7 January. Reports indicate that the Guerrero State Coordinator of Education Workers (CETEG) supports the call to protest. Although further details regarding the demonstrations have not been disclosed, precedent suggests that the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Chiapas and Guerrero, as well as Mexico City, will be worse affected by the actions. CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms; these are generally well supported. In addition, demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares between major states and cities. Consequently, all demonstrations have the potential to cause traffic disruptions and delays. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, previous demonstrations have been characterised by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at any upcoming event cannot be discounted. Persons in Mexico on 7 January are advised to avoid the protests and any large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action and advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of any protests.

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of unauthorised protest action in Bahrain on 7 and 8 January. On 7 January, a demonstration is expected in Sitra from 20:00 local time. On 8 January, a number of demonstrations are anticipated after Muslim midday prayers, including in Malkyia and Sitra. The protests are likely led by Shiite Muslim opposition parties or activists; these groups hold regular anti-government protests in the country to demand the release of political prisoners and reforms. The early January execution of a prominent Shiite cleric in neighbouring Saudi Arabia has also sparked protests in Bahrain recently and this issue may have motivated some, or all, of the forthcoming planned events. As such, the demonstrations may display both an anti-state and anti-Saudi sentiment. Demonstrations are prone to low-level acts of violence, directed by militant supporters of these protest groupings against state interests, or by the police against protesters. Police-initiated violence is more likely to occur if protesters block major roads or march into Sunni areas or the capital, Manama. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

BRAZIL - Activist group, Movimento Passe Livre (MPL), is set to stage a number of protests in several of Brazil's major urban areas on 8 January. The protests have been called against the increase in bus fare tariffs. The largest demonstration is expected in Belo Horizonte, with participants expected to gather at the Praca Sete de Setembro from 18:00 local time. Associated demonstrations are also expected in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo; details regarding these are currently unavailable.  Although the demonstrations are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence 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.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Opposition groups in Kosovo are preparing a large-scale protest in the capital, Pristina, on 9 January. Opposition rhetoric includes warnings that the protests will continue until the government has been overthrown, suggesting the potential for prolonged demonstrations. The demonstrations have been called over a number of issues, including the EU-brokered deal granting Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the Assembly of Kosovo building, located on Mother Theresa Street, and near government buildings between the National Library to the Assembly of Kosovo. The demonstrations are the latest in a series of protests that have been held by opposition groups in recent months. These have become increasingly anti-government in sentiment; related events have been well supported and have been characterised by low-level incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and security forces, as well as incidents of vandalism. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at associated demonstrations cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in and around the Assembly of Kosovo building.  Persons in Pristina are advised to monitor developments closely and avoid the aforementioned affected sites as a precaution for the short- to medium-term. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA(REPUBLIKA SRPSKA) - The regional government of the administrative entity of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina is planning to celebrate a banned holiday on 9 January called Republic Day, which celebrates the declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. The annual holiday was banned after being ruled unconstitutional by the country's Constitutional Court for discriminating against non-Serbs in the administrative entity. Despite this ruling, authorities in the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska insist on the celebrations. Republika Srpska's Ministry of Public Administration has confirmed the day will be a public holiday. The main ceremony will be held in the northern city of Banja Luka at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The Dayton Agreement, which ended the civil war in 1995, divided Bosnia into two sub-states, the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. These political divisions mirror the country's contentious ethnic landscape, divided between Serbs, Bosnians and Croats, as well as a number of minority groups. Critics of the Dayton Agreement say that it froze, rather than resolved, political differences. In recent years, leaders in the Republika Srpska have increasingly threatened secession, including promises of a referendum to decide the entity's future within the Federation, although these may be mere bargaining tactics. Issues of national sovereignty and self-determination are highly emotive issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and threaten to exacerbate inter-ethnic tensions, possibly triggering counter-protests by non-Serb groups in the country. Clients in Bosnia and Herzegovina are advised to monitor local developments closely. All politically motivated gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

PHILIPPINES(MANILA) - The Christian festival, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, will be held in Manila, capital of the Philippines, on 9 January. Security measures have been increased in the city; thousands of additional police officers will be deployed to secure the event. Numerous roads will be closed along the route of the procession, which will proceed from Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to Plaza Miranda and Quipao Church, in Quiapo. Other roads to be impacted by closures include: Katigbak Drive, South Drive, Quezon Bridge, MacArthur Bridge (from Bonifacio Shrine onwards), Taft Avenue (from Freedom Triangle to Bonifacio Shrine), Jones Bridge; Roxas Boulevard (from Katigbak Drive to T.M. Kalaw Street), and parts of Quezon Boulevard (in Quiapo). The annual event is expected to be attended by millions of Christian devotees. During the procession, the Black Nazarene, which is a wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ, is carried through the streets by Catholic devotees. Numerous casualties occur every year at the event as a result of heat, fatigue, and/or trampling. In addition, the large crowds attending the event will provide ample cover from which petty thieves may operate. Clients in Manila are advised to avoid religious sites and processions and exercise heightened vigilance for the duration of the event. In addition, clients should anticipate significant localised travel disruptions and an increased demand for all modes of public transport.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.