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

JAPAN(HONSHU, HOKKAIDO) - Heavy snowfall in and around Japan's capital, Tokyo, and the wider Kanto region (on Honshu), over 18 January, has resulted in disruptions to travel. At least 200 domestic flights have been cancelled, primarily from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Rail disruptions have taken place, with Shinkansen (bullet train) services from Tokyo to other urban centres being delayed. In terms of road travel, several expressways in and around Tokyo have been or were temporarily closed, while delays on the city's metro services have also taken place. In addition, approximately 170 people have been injured as a result of slips and falls and other minor accidents caused by the inclement weather. The adverse weather is being caused by a low pressure system off Japan's east coast, and further heavy snowfall is forecast for 19 January. The Tohoku region (on Honshu) is expected to receive up to 80cm of snow, while the Tokai and Hokuriku regions (on Honshu) and Hokkaido prefecture are all expected to receive 60cm of snow. Given this, further travel disruptions in Tokyo and other parts of Honshu and Hokkaido should be expected on 19 January and in the coming days. Potential service suspensions may be forced into effect at airports, overland rail and the Tokyo metro; road travel may also be compromised, while utility disruptions cannot be ruled out. Clients are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their arrangements. Local media should be monitored for any pertinent advisories and those in areas affected by adverse weather should visit the Japan Meteorological Agency website (http://www.jma.go.jp/en/warn/index.html) for further information regarding weather warnings.

BURUNDI(FLYDUBAI) - Low-cost airline, Flydubai, has announced the suspension of all flight services to Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, as of 19 January. The city is reportedly being dropped from their flight network due to a significant downturn of inbound flights. The intended duration of the suspension has not be disclosed. Burundi's current political and security environment remains unstable amid ongoing anti-government unrest in the post-election period. President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial re-election for a third successive term continues to trigger violent protests in the country; the incumbent has taken an aggressive stance towards those perceived as anti-government agitators. Given the persistent insecurity in Burundi, a number of foreign governments and organisations have reduced operations or are withdrawing personnel from the country. In addition, the demand for flights into the country has gradually decreased. As the situation is unlikely to change in the near-term, further disruptions to flight services to Bujumbura are possible. Clients are advised against all travel to Burundi due to the uncertain political situation. In addition, persons in the country should consider departing where safe and possible to do so. Clients intending to travel with Flydubai in the near-term are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to enquire about the status of their travel arrangements.

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on Flydubai Airlines who were ticketed through ATG.

SWITZERLAND(DAVOS) - The World Economic Forum (WEF) is scheduled to take place in the mountain resort town of Davos, in the eastern region of Graubunden, from 20 to 23 January. Heightened security measures, including the deployment of up to 5,000 security forces personnel, are expected for the duration of the event; related access restrictions to the town are expected to result in travel disruptions in the area for the duration of the event. The WEF is expected to be attended by numerous heads of state and international delegates. The WEF, which brings together key business leaders, international political leaders, researchers and journalists, has traditionally attracted opposition from various civic groups; incidents of civil unrest and vandalism have been reported during past meetings. Heightened security and a large security personnel presence across Davos usually prevent incidents of this nature, with the majority of related protests taking place in Bern, Zurich or Basel instead. Nonetheless, protests are expected in Davos for the duration of the event. Clients are advised to monitor local news for information on upcoming protests in the aforementioned cities and towns. All related protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Clients in Davos are also advised to keep copies of identification documents on their person at all times, as heightened security measures may include police checkpoints and random identification checks.

GERMANY - Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) and its inter-city affiliate groups are set to hold demonstrations in several of Germany's major urban cities, on 18 January. The protests form part of the group's weekly campaigns against a number of issues, including the migrant crisis and more recently, alleged sexual assaults reported in Cologne. The largest demonstration is expected in Dresden, with participants set to gather at the Neumarkt an der Frauenkirche from 18:30 local time. Associated demonstrations are expected in Duisburg (Portsmouthplatz) and in Munich (Odenplatz) from 19:00. These demonstrations will likely be met by counter-demonstrations. 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 demonstrations cannot be dismissed. Persons in Germany on 18 January are advised to avoid the upcoming rallies, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard 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.

GERMANY(BASSINPLATZ, POTSDAM) - The far-right group Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) is anticipated to hold a protest gathering in Germany's city of Potsdam on 20 January. Participants are expected to gather at the Bassinplatz at 18:30 local time. The protest forms part of the group's weekly campaign against a number of issues, including the migrant crisis and more recently, alleged sexual assaults reported in Cologne. The demonstration will likely be met by counter-demonstrations. 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 Germany on 20 January are advised to avoid the upcoming rally, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard 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.

GREECE - The Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) trade union has called for countrywide strike action in Greece from 20 January. The strike is anticipated to affect ferry services from 06:00 local time on 20 January until 06:00 on 22 January. The strike has been called in opposition to the social security reform bill. Protests and labour strikes, motivated largely by social, economic or political concerns, are regularly reported across the country. Labour strikes continue to impact on the country on a near-weekly basis, and affect sea, air, rail and road transportation services. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted on the public sector. The impact on traveller itineraries can be moderate to severe. Clients who have booked or are intending to book tickets with a ferry operator on the aforementioned dates are advised to contact their travel provider for further information.

BRAZIL(PARANA STATE) - (Update) According to recent reports, 49 of Parana state's 50 municipalities have been affected by flooding caused by heavy rainfall in Brazil since 9 January. Defesa Civil do Parana, the civil defence authority, stated that over 150,000 people in Parana state have been affected, with thousands forced to evacuate their homes. Landslides in five municipalities have also been reported. Heavy rainfall has caused significant damages and disruptions in Parana state, the worst-affected areas include the municipalities of Arapongas, Rolandia and Londria. A section of a bridge over the Rio Parapo river collapsed, between Iguaracu and Maringa. Overflowing rivers and general flooding have led to the damage of roads, highways and bridges, as well as to homes, forcing evacuations. Roads have also been blocked by high water levels. The flooding is believed to be influenced by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has intensified the frequency and intensity of rains since mid-December. In light of this, disruptions to major and secondary road routes in the region and amenities, including power supply, may occur. Utility disruptions to water and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for any updates. Allowances should be made for disruptions to travel, as well as utilities such as electricity and water; travellers should confirm the status of roads with the local authorities prior to departure. Persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen or damaged power lines and infrastructure.

THE AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency under the US Health Department, issued a travel warning on 17 January for 14 countries and territories in North, Central and South America, due to the rapidly spreading Zika virus. Countries affected include Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The agency has warned pregnant women to avoid travel to these areas due to the risk of birth defects associated with contracting the mosquito-borne virus. Zika is a mosquito-borne viral disease, which symptoms include fever, rash and headaches. The disease is usually present within the equatorial region. Since 2013 it has spread from Asia, across the Pacific and into the Americas. There have been between 700 and 2,000 cases reported in Brazil in 2015, compared with approximately 170 in 2013; along with a spike in the numbers of infants born with birth defects, prompting the authorities in Brazil to declare a state of emergency in December 2015. Cases have also been reported in surrounding countries, as far north as Mexico. Clients operating in the Americas should take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. Pregnant women are advised to consider the travel warning and consult a medical practitioner prior to travel to the aforementioned countries. Caution is also advised in the rest of Central and South America.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD) - Three US nationals were abducted from Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 15 January. The victims, who were contract workers, went missing after visiting the residence of their Iraqi translator in the Dora area of southern Baghdad. There have been no claims of responsibility for the abduction; however, authorities suspect that the kidnapping was conducted by local Shiite militia. Increased security, including checkpoints, has been implemented in the Dora area. The incident underlines the elevated risk of kidnapping in Iraq, including in the capital. The risk stems from a number of quarters, including sectarian militia, Islamist extremist and criminal groupings. Kidnappings, both planned and opportunistic, are carried out for various political, sectarian, ethnic and financial reasons. In the past, militant groupings have kidnapped both foreign nationals and prominent locals for political concessions. In light of the recent incident, an increased security presence is expected in and around key locations in Baghdad and elsewhere. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central governorates, including Baghdad. Clients in Iraq should travel with a security escort and reside and operate in secure locations. Crisis management plans should be regularly

PAKISTAN(QUETTA) - At least five people have been killed and two more wounded in a bomb attack in Quetta, the provincial capital of Pakistan's Balochistan province, on 18 January. The blast, a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a police convoy in the Marget area, on the outskirts of the city. Emergency services are on the scene and the area has been cordoned off. The incident highlights the extreme terrorism risk in Pakistan despite the considerable reduction in the number of bomb attacks (by approximately 70 percent) during the course of 2015. More specifically, the region has experienced high levels of militant violence in recent years. The violence is largely attributed to Sunni extremist militants and Baloch separatist groupings based in the region, both of whom have in the past carried out attacks on security force personnel and installations. Further bomb attacks should be anticipated in the short- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Balochistan due to the extreme risks of conflict and terrorism, as well as high risks of crime and kidnapping. Robust residential, travel and personal security protocols should be implemented.

MALAYSIA - Authorities in Malaysia have increased the security forces alert status to the highest level in recent days following the recent terrorist attacks in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 14 January. Although exact measures remain unclear, government spokespersons have stated that additional security forces have been deployed to key sites in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, such as critical transport infrastructure, shopping malls, tourist areas, and those places popular with foreign nationals. The heightened security measures are also purportedly in response to the arrest of an individual who was detained hours before launching a suicide attack on an unidentified entertainment venue, possibly a karaoke bar, in Kuala Lumpur, on 15 January. Further details remain unavailable. If the arrest of the individual just prior to launching an attack is confirmed, this would be a significant development to the terrorism dynamic in the country. Authorities have made numerous arrests in recent months of both locals and foreign nationals who were in possession of material showing support for the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group, or who were in the early stages of planning an attack; however, this would be the first time an individual has been arrested while actually en route to carrying out an attack, although reports do not indicate if the suspect actually had explosives or weapons on his person when he was arrested. The authorities' statement pertaining to the arrest also comes at a time when a controversial law, the National Security Council (NSC) Act, was recently passed by the legislature which gives the prime minister wide-ranging powers in an emergency situation such as one sparked by a terrorist attack. Opponents of the bill argue that the new law is open to abuse and places severe restrictions on citizens' civil liberties. Irrespective of the relationship between the reported arrest and passage of the NSC Act, the medium threat of terrorism in Malaysia persists, and future attacks, both actual and attempted, are possible. Clients in or planning to be in Malaysia are advised to adopt a heightened situational awareness posture and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately.

YEMEN(ADEN) - A suicide bombing targeting the residence of a police chief occurred in the port city of Aden, Yemen, on 17 January. The incident took place in the Tawahi area of the city and left at least ten people dead and ten others wounded. The incident highlights the persistently insecure security situation in southern Yemen, despite the cessation of hostilities in the city. Aden was liberated by pro-government forces 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. In addition, the attack may have been perpetrated by Islamist extremists. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State (IS)-linked militants have previously targeted government personnel and facilities and maintain the ability to conduct attacks across Yemen. Aden has been specifically targeted in the past. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and reside in a secure compound. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed in conjunction with a security provider.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - The Socialist Solidarity Platform (SODAP) has called for a demonstration in Istanbul, Turkey, on 18 January. Participants are expected to gather in front of the Kartal Courthouse at 09:00 local time. The demonstration will commemorate the death of Mehmet Ayvalitas, a Gezi Park protester who was killed in June 2013. It is unclear if the demonstration has started. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be. Nonetheless, there remains a possibility of localised disruptions. While the risk of violence is low, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Istanbul on 18 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - Activists and civil groups, including the Delegacion de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas (DAIA), are set to stage a commemorative demonstration in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on 18 January. The demonstration will mark the first anniversary of the death of public prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, who at the time of his death was investigating a 1994 terrorist attack on the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association, in which 84 people died. Nisman's death sparked bouts of civil unrest in the early months of 2015. Participants will gather at the Plaza Alemania from 18:30 local time. Although the gathering is expected to conclude without major incident, due to the emotive nature of the event, the possibility of isolated incidents of low-level violent civil unrest cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Buenos Aires on 18 January are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest. Clients should also anticipate road travel delays and consider alternative routes.

ARGENTINA(JUJUY) - A protest demanding the release of political leader, Milagro Sala, will be held at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on 18 January at 17:00 local time. Sala was arrested in Jujuy on 16 January for allegedly inciting violence and embezzling millions of pesos. Sala is the leader of Tupac Amaru, a social organisation with 70,000 members pushing for social welfare programmes in various Argentine provinces. Sala was arrested following accusations of embezzlement and inciting anti-government protests and violence. Tupac Amaru members have been camping outside the Jujuy governor's office for over a month now as part of a dispute with the government. The protest is expected to conclude without major incident; nonetheless, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in Buenos Aires on 18 January are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest. Clients should also anticipate road travel delays and consider alternative routes.

BRAZIL - Further protest action by the Movimento Passe Livre (Free Fare Movement) is expected across major cities in Brazil during the week of 18 January. The demonstrations are being held in protest against price hikes to public transport fares. Protests will be held at the corner of Reboucas Avenue and Faria Lima Avenue in Sao Paulo on 19 January at 17:00 local time; at the Igreja Matriz church complex in Guarulhos on 19 January at 17:30; at the Praca Sete in Belo Horizonte on 20 January at 18:00; at the BRT - Praca Seca in Rio de Janeiro on 21 January at 18:00; at the Praca da Bandeira in Joinville on 21 January at 18:00; and at the Largo de Alfandega in Florianopolis on 22 January at 12:00. Protests over increases in public transport fares have sparked widespread, sustained and violent protest action in Brazil's urban centres in recent years, most notably in June 2013 and more recently in 2015. Police have clashed with protesters on multiple occasions and often use teargas to disperse the groups. Given this dynamic, the possibility of violence during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. In addition, the protest action has the potential to result in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Brazil's larger cities are advised to monitor local media for updates on times and locations of protests and avoid all protest action as a precaution against violent civil unrest.

SUDAN(KHARTOUM) - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of a demonstration which is expected to take place in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, on 18 January. Participants are expected to gather at the Ministry of Justice building. The protest has been organised to demand the repeal of restrictive laws. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and may lead to localised disruptions. The possibility of violence between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Khartoum on 18 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and plan for potential disruptions.

BENIN(COTONOU) - The National Union of Teachers Nursery Schools in Benin (SYNAEM) and National Union of Workers Trade Unions of Benin (UNSTB) have called on their members to observe a sit-in demonstration in Cotonou, Benin, on 20 January. The action has been organised in response to various education sector grievances. Participants are set to gather outside Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou's office at 15:00 local time. The unions have also threatened to launch a related strike action from 1 February, should their grievances remain unresolved. Benin occasionally experiences outbreaks of civil unrest related to prevailing political, social and economic conditions within the country. Although the upcoming event is expected to conclude peacefully, there have been instances where such gatherings have degenerated into violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Cotonou on 20 January are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings. Local media should be monitored for updates on the action and advisories from the authorities. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest gathering.

URUGUAY(SAN JOSE & FLORIDA DEPARTMENTS) - Protesting dairy farmers are expected to cause disruptions on major roads in Uruguay on 19 January. Protests are expected on Route 1 at the 54km junction (San Jose department) as well as on Route 5 (Florida department) at the 102km junction near the Conaprole plant. Disruptions are also possible on Routes 6, 8 and 9. The agitation is in protest against various issues, including the increase in production costs. The protests are expected to be well attended; as such localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated on major roads as well as at protest sites. While the rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of low-level scuffles between demonstrators and police cannot be discounted. Clients in the aforementioned locations on 19 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate travel delays.

GHANA - The Organised Labour (OL) union has called for a countrywide general strike and related demonstrations in Ghana from 19 to 22 January. The actions have been organised to protest against the government's refusal to reduce recent increases made to utility tariffs, taxes and fuel prices. Demonstrations are set to take place on 19 and 20 January, while the strike action is scheduled to begin on 21 January. Prominent urban centres in the country such as Kumasi, Tamale, and the capital, Accra, are likely to be worst affected by the strike and associated protests. OL comprises the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana (POTAG), Industrial and Commercial Service Union (ICU) and Judicial Services Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG). Given the large number of unions affiliated with OL, the upcoming strike action and demonstrations are likely to be well supported. While demonstrations are generally peaceful in Ghana, over-zealous police intervention, including the use of rubber bullets on peaceful crowds, can provoke protesters and incite violence. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Ghana from 19 to 22 January are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any associated large street gatherings. Local media should be monitored for developments regarding the strike action, as well as advisories from the authorities. Clients are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

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