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

DELTA AIR LINES/ETIHAD AIRWAYS - Delta Air Lines will end its interline ticketing and baggage agreement with Etihad Airways on Jan. 21. Reservations made prior to that date will be honored as issued. Interline agreements allow passengers to book multisegment tickets across the two airlines and rebook passengers on one another's flights during irregular operations. Delta ended interline agreements with American Airlines ,four Chinese airlines and Emirates and last year.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Numerous flights have been cancelled at airports in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 19 January, due to significant snowfall. The worst-affected airport is Sheremetyevo International Airport, where over 50 flights have been cancelled; however, the Domodedovo and Vnukovo international airports have also reported cancellations and numerous delays. Winter conditions in Russia can be severe. Very low temperatures and heavy snow regularly impact travel services in affected areas. It should be noted that the aforementioned travel disruptions and delays are likely to persist even after weather conditions improve, due to the resultant backlog. Clients intending to transit through the aforementioned airports are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

Our records indicate your company does have travelers scheduled to fly through SVO, DME and VKO International Airport who were ticketed through ATG. We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers who are affected by the snow storm.

GREECE - (Update) Ongoing strike action by railway union, The Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers, is expected to cause rail travel disruptions across parts of Greece. The union will strike for three-hour intervals multiple times a day on 19, 20 and 21 January. The main cities to be affected include Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras. Metro services to Athens International Airport will reportedly also be affected during strike times, including bus services between Kiato and Patras. The strikes are being held to protest against the government's privatisation of TrainOSE, the state-owned rail company, and to oppose a reduction in social security benefits expected to accompany the privatisation deal. According to reports, rail services will be affected during the following (local) times: 19 January (05:00 to 08:00, 13:00 to 16:00, 21:00 to 23:59); 20 January (05:00 to 08:00, 13:00 to 16:00, 21:00 to 23:59), and 21 January (05:00 to 08:00, 13:00 to 16:00, 21:00 to 23:59). The upcoming strikes follow previous strikes on 12 and 14 January. Labour strikes and related demonstrations continue to impact Greece on a near-weekly basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted the public sector. The strike action will result in disruptions and delays to rail services, and may result in an increased demand for other forms of transport. Clients in the affected areas are advised to adjust their itineraries to accommodate service disruptions, or seek alternative methods of transport.

FRANCE(PARIS) - A large fire at the Ritz Hotel in central Paris has resulted in traffic disruptions in the vicinity of Place Vendome on 19 January. Emergency service personnel have closed a number of roads in the area, including parts of Rue de la Paix. The hotel is currently undergoing renovations and no casualties have been reported. Clients in Paris are advised to avoid the affected area and abide by the directives of the local authorities. Allowances should be made for localised disruptions.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers booked at the Ritz Hotel, in Paris who were ticketed through ATG.

ROMANIA(SOUTHERN & EASTERN REGIONS) - A snow storm has caused significant road travel and utility disruptions in southern Romania, on 19 January. Heavy snow, ice and landslides have caused numerous national roads to close. The most extensive road closures have been reported in the southern counties of Constanta, Tulcea and Galati, as well as the eastern Vaslui County. Elsewhere, in Calarasi County, in the south of the country, approximately 17,000 households have been affected by a power outage; ongoing inclement weather has hampered efforts to repair damaged power lines. In addition, moderate delays have been reported at the Henri Coanda International Airport, which is Romania's busiest. Severe winter weather is expected to continue to affect the above-mentioned areas until 21 January, at least. The inclement weather conditions are expected to result in further disruptions to travel services, including air, road and rail services. It should be noted that snowfall and icy roads have resulted in hazardous driving conditions, which are expected to persist, in affected southern and eastern regions. Furthermore, utilities in the affected areas may also experience additional disruptions. Clients in the affected areas are advised to make allowances for possible disruptions, and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

NIGER(DIFFA) - Recent reports indicate that six Nigerien soldiers were killed and seven wounded on 16 January, after their vehicle hit a landmine in the Diffa region of Niger, along the border with Nigeria. Local authorities have blamed the Nigeria-based Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect for planting the mine. Following the Nigerien government's operational and logistical support of regional anti-Boko Haram initiatives, the sect has executed a number of retaliatory attacks targeting settlements near the Nigerian border in Niger's southern Dosso, Diffa and Zinder regions. These attacks are likely to continue while Niger is involved in counterinsurgency operations against the sect. Due to the threats of conflict, kidnapping and terrorism, all travel to areas within a 50km radius of Niger's shared border with Nigeria in the former's Diffa and Zinder regions is advised against. Clients operating in these regions despite this advisory should ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort and that accommodation is sought in secured residential compounds.

ALGERIA(OUED EL MA, BATNA PROVINCE) - Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in the north eastern town of Oued el Ma, located in Algeria's Batna province, on 18 January. Several people were wounded in the clashes and at least 30 were arrested. The protests began on 13 January over the relocation of a factory. Increased security has been deployed to Oued el Ma in response to the violence. Additionally, numerous businesses suspended their services on 18 January. Although security forces have been deployed to the area, there is a strong possibility that protesters may regroup and continue their agitation. The possibility of further clashes and associated acts of violence is considered elevated. The risk to foreign travellers is incidental. Clients in Oued el Ma over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ISRAEL(TEL AVIV) - At least three people were wounded when a car bomb detonated in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 19 January. The incident took place at the intersection of Arvei Nahal and Shefa Tal streets, in the Ramat Gan area of the city. The incident is believed to have been criminally motivated. Bombings and shootings related to organised criminal activity are regularly reported in Israel. Such violence is typically attributed to inter-criminal syndicate competition and involves low-level blasts that do not result in many casualties other than the intended targets. Nonetheless, there remains an incidental threat to bystanders. Incidents of this nature can occur in any area of the country. In response to the latest incident, a heightened security force presence is possible in Tel Aviv over the near-term. This may include additional checkpoints and patrols, particularly in the affected area. These measures may translate into minor travel disruptions. Clients in Tel Aviv are advised to exercise caution and heightened vigilance in the affected area in the immediate-term. Road travel disruptions through the affected area should also be anticipated.

MOROCCO - Media reports indicate that authorities have increased security measures at key installations across Morocco on 18 January. Security forces have reportedly been deployed to vital infrastructure installations, including airports, dams, ports, transport networks, banking and other financial and communication facilities, in response to an unspecified threat. Further information has not been disclosed. The risk of terrorism in Morocco is rated as medium; the country has experienced attacks in the past. However, in recent years, the Moroccan authorities have regularly announced that suspected terrorists have been arrested and terrorism plots thwarted. Although this has served to highlight the good counterterrorism capability of the local security forces, it also underlines specific threats in the country. As such, the potential for a future attack in Morocco exists and authorities take reports of any threats, perceived or real, seriously. Clients in or planning to be in Morocco are advised to adopt a heightened situational awareness posture and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately.

HAITI - Violent election related protests broke out in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince and elsewhere on 18 January. Media reports have indicated that protesters set four electoral offices alight in the northern part of the country in addition to causing infrastructure and vehicle damage in the capital. Protesters are demanding the suspension of the upcoming presidential elections which are expected to be held on 24 January. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that several opposition political organisations have called for further protest in the capital on 19 January. Haiti has been subject to a series of anti-government protests following the 25 October 2015 presidential ballot, which failed to yield a conclusive winner. Opposition supporters have embarked upon ongoing disruptive protests across the country, including in Port-au-Prince, Arcahaie, Cap-Haitien and Petit Goave, amid claims of electoral fraud and voting irregularities. In the absence of a majority winner, leading presidential candidates Jovenel Moise of the Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK) and Jude Celestin of the Alternative League for Progress and Emancipation of Haiti (LAPEH) were scheduled to take part in a run-off election on 27 December 2015. This election has been postponed to 24 January. Given the elevated political tensions in Haiti, further politically motivated protests and associated violent unrest are anticipated in the days leading up to the latest ballot. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns, including high levels of crime, kidnapping and civil unrest. Persons in the country, specifically Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Clients in Haiti during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities.

YEMEN(SANAA & ADEN) - (Update) At least 26 people were killed in Saudi Arabia-led air strikes in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, overnight on 17/18 January. The air strikes targeted a building used by security forces in Sanaa. Elsewhere, in Yemen's southern regions, unidentified gunmen on a motorbike shot and killed a judge in the Mansoura district of Aden on 18 January. A bomb blast was also reported in the southern city of Taiz on 18 January. At least four people were killed and 13 others wounded. Sanaa is controlled by the Shiite militia, the Houthis; the air strikes form part of an ongoing conflict in the country between military forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthis. 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. Nonetheless, insecurity in liberated areas such as Aden, continues to be reported. In addition, Islamist extremists, including Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State (IS)-linked militants maintain the ability to conduct attacks across Yemen. 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.

PAKISTAN(PESHAWAR) - At least ten people were killed and over 20 more were wounded in a bomb attack on the western outskirts of Peshawar, administrative capital of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on 19 January. The blast took place at a checkpoint manned by the anti-narcotics Khasadar Force in the Karkhano Markets area. It is unclear at present if the bomb attack was caused by a suicide attack or a bomb attached to a motorcycle. While the motive for the incident is yet to be confirmed, local media have attributed the blast to terrorist activity. Emergency services are currently on the scene. 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. Nonetheless, as a major urban centre in close proximity to the chronically insecure Federally Administered Tribal areas (FATA), the threat of terrorist attacks in Peshawar is elevated. There are several groups with the operational capacity to carry out such an attack. These groups are known to carry out small-scale and mass-casualty attacks, targeting both state and civilian interests. Heightened security, including additional patrols and checkpoints, are expected to remain in the affected area for the short- to medium-term. Due to the threat of terrorism, all travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Peshawar is advised against. Persons in the city should defer all travel to the Karkhano Markets area for the near-term. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Protesters are expected to gather at the Novopushkinskaya Square Park near Pushkinskaya station in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 19 January at 19:00 local time. The demonstrations occur annually to remember two slain activists; human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova, who were both shot and killed in Moscow on 19 January 2009. According to reports, the protesters are using the memory of Markelov and Baburova to highlight the rise of alleged right-wing sentiment developing in Russia. The protesters blame the killing of the two activists on nationalists and far-right groups, and have called for authorities to crack down on these groups. Previous protests by the group have been well attended, with occasional confrontations with police. Travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protests are anticipated. Clients in Moscow on 19 January are advised to avoid the Pushkin Park area and are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays if in the area. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

TURKEY(ANKARA, ISTANBUL, BURSA) - Commemorative marches will be held in a number of urban centres countrywide, on 19 January, to mark the 9th anniversary of the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. The largest event is expected to be held in Istanbul where commemorators will gather at the scene of Dink's murder, in the Sisli district, at 13:30 local time, before proceeding to Taksim Square for a rally. In Ankara, a rally will be held before the Insan Haklari Aniti (Human Rights Monument), on Yuksel Street, at 15:00. Finally, in Bursa, a commemorative event is to be held near the statue of Setbasi Mahfel on Namazgah Avenue from 19:00. Hrant Dink was shot and killed outside the offices of the Agos newspaper, of which he was editor, in Istanbul's Sisli district, on 19 January 2007 by an ultra-nationalist youth, Ogun Samast. Dink's killing and subsequent murder trial prompted numerous protests, with civil society and opposition figures in the country continuing to express dissatisfaction with the investigation into Dink's murder and the prosecution of those considered involved. The upcoming events are set to be well attended, particularly in Istanbul. Due to the emotive nature of the gathering, the possibility of minor incidents of unrest cannot be entirely discounted. Accordingly, a strong police presence should be expected at the commemorative events. Furthermore, localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the events and associated marches. Clients in the aforementioned locations, as well as elsewhere in Turkey, on 19 January are advised to maintain a low profile, closely monitor local developments and avoid all related protest action as a precautionary measure.

TUNISIA(TUNIS) - Security force, civil protection and prison workers are expected to embark upon protests in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 19 and 20 January. The protests have been scheduled to take place from 10:00 local time until 12:00 outside the Ministry of the Interior headquarters. The gatherings have been called in response to failed negotiations between the unions representing the aforementioned groups and the government. The risk of violence at the gathering is considered low; however, confrontations between the police and protesters remain a possibility. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated near the affected area. Clients in Tunis on 19 and 20 January should anticipate localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protests and monitor local media closely for updates. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

INDIA(SRINAGAR) - The Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) political grouping, an alliance comprising a number of political, social and religious organisations, has called for a general strike and associated protest to be held in Srinagar, the capital of India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, on 21 January. The strike will be centred on the Gawkadal area of Srinagar; further details regarding the exact duration of the strike remain unavailable at this time. The strike has been called to commemorate the anniversary of the Gawkadal massacre, which took place on 21 January 1990. On this day, scores of people were killed after Indian security forces opened fire on protesters who were demonstrating for the independence of the Kashmir region from India. Official reports put the death toll at 50, although the actual figure is thought to be considerably higher. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected on the day due to the strike. Further, possibly disruptive, protest action is possible in Srinagar and elsewhere across the state on 21 January. It should be noted that demonstrations and gatherings associated with general strikes seldom conclude without any incidents of violence between demonstrators and security forces; the latter often use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with protests. Given the precedent set by previous APHC strikes and protests, the events on 21 January are likely to be well attended. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients should abide by the conditions of the general strike and avoid all protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

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