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

EUROPE/SOUTH AMERICA - International Airlines Group (IAG) has signed a joint business agreement between British Airways, Iberia and LATAM Airlines Group on flights between Europe and South America. The joint business would benefit customers by providing better links between Europe and South America, greater choice of flights and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. The airlines plan to seek approval from the appropriate competition authorities in South America and will inform the regulatory authorities in the European Union. Under the joint business, British Airways, Iberia and LATAM Airlines Group would cooperate commercially on flights between the European Union and South America. They would expand their codeshare arrangements on flights between and within Europe and South America, significantly increasing the number of destinations that the airlines can offer customers. The announcement is a significant step towards strengthening customer choice. The agreement would also strengthen the oneworld alliance in which all the airlines are members. Customers would be able to travel more easily on the airlines' combined route network which would serve more than 100 destinations in South America and 87 destinations in Europe. By working together to provide enhanced links for connecting passengers the airlines would expand customer choice via integrated networks, new non-stop routes, additional frequencies on existing routes and combined fares. In addition, customers would have more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles (Avios, LANPASS and TAM Fidelidade) on flights worldwide as well as continued reciprocal airport lounge access. It is anticipated that regulatory approval could take between 12 and 18 months.

TUNISIA(TUNIS(TUNIS-CARTHAGE AIRPORT)) - Airport technicians are set to embark upon a strike at Tunis-Carthage Airport, in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 21 January. Workers affiliated with the Tunisian general labour Union (UGTT) are expected to observe the industrial action. The strike has been initiated in response to wage disputes. The strike action is not expected to result in significant flight delays and cancellations. Despite this, moderate disruptions to scheduled flights should be anticipated. In addition, disruptions may persist following the strike, due to a backlog of flights. Furthermore, associated protests remain possible. The risk of violence at all protests cannot be discounted. Persons intending to make use of Tunis-Carthage Airport in the near-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of the airport and all flights scheduled to arrive at and depart the airport. Clients should monitor local media for updates regarding the strike.

We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers affected by the strike who were ticketed through ATG.

ROMANIA(BUCHAREST(HENRI COANDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)) - Unionised baggage handlers are set to observe a two-hour warning strike at the Henri Coanda International Airport (also known as Otopeni Airport), in Bucharest, on 22 January. The strike action is expected to take place from 13:00 to 15:00 local time and may cause moderate delays, particularly to departing flights. Although authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppage, flight service disruptions should nonetheless be anticipated at the airport. Clients intending to transit through the aforementioned airport on 22 January are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers affected by the strike who were ticketed through ATG.

UNITED STATES(NORTHEAST) - A winter storm warning is in place for the US Northeast from 22 January. The US National Weather Service forecasts major snowstorms along the east coast, from Virginia to Boston, including Washington D.C. and New York. A blizzard watch has been issued for parts of Maryland. The storm is expected to begin in the Ohio Valley area and move north east. Heavy snowfall and generally adverse winter weather are likely to result in moderate to severe travel disruptions, including highway closures and cancellations or delays to air and rail services. Reduced visibility and whiteout conditions are expected. The I-95 Highway is expected to be covered by between 25 to 40cm of snow during the storm, with portions of interstates 64, 66, 68, 77, 70, 81, 83 and 95 likely closed during severe periods. In addition, disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity, telecommunications and power may result, as well as coastal flooding. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of services. Persons in areas affected by adverse weather should monitor local media for further information regarding weather warnings and take precautions against cold and icy conditions.

CHINA - The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has issued a severe weather warning, pertaining to heavy snow and associated disruptions, which will be in effect over 21 January, for several parts of China. Areas impacted by the weather warning include southern parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), central and southern parts of Hubei and Anhui provinces, south western parts of Jiangsu province, north western parts of Zhejiang province and northern parts of Jiangxi and Hunan provinces. As a result of the inclement weather, road and rail travel disruptions, as well as power outages and flight cancellations or delays are possible throughout the affected areas in the short-term, at least. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

JAPAN(HOKKAIDO) - The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for parts of the northern island prefecture of Hokkaido on 20 January due to inclement weather, including snowstorms, blizzards and rough seas, affecting the island. Hundreds of flights by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways were cancelled as well as Shinkansen services (bullet train) and travel on main roads and expressways. In addition, the Hokkaido Disaster Prevention Group has issued a voluntary evacuation advisory for parts of the island. The advisory potentially affects thousands of people in the Okhotsk and Nemuro subprefectures. Warnings are also in place for the Toyama subprefecture on the main island of Honshu. Heavy snows and strong winds have affected Hokkaido since 18 January. According to reports, the city of Amori received approximately 83cm of snowfall on 19 January. In response to the blizzard, authorities have opened emergency shelters in over 25 cities and town across Hokkaido. Disruptions to utilities such as electricity may still occur despite conditions forecast to improve as the low pressure system moves eastward into the Pacific. Further travel disruptions are also anticipated in the region. 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.

NIUE/TONGA - Tropical Storm Victor is currently impacting Niue, and is set to impact Tonga within the coming 12 hours as a Category 1 storm. Thus far, there have been no reports of disruptions on Niue, but reports pertaining to this are still likely to emerge in the coming hours. In Tonga, the Tonga National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) issued a cyclone warning for the islands of Eua and Tongatapu on which the capital, Nuku'alofa, is located, as well the Haapai island group. The storm is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges, over the coming hours in the affected areas. Associated flooding is possible. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime) cannot be discounted. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and follow the advisories of the local authorities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate for any possible travel delays.

COTE D'IVOIRE/SENEGAL - French authorities have reportedly warned the governments of Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire of an elevated terrorism threat which exists within the countries. According to reports, Islamist extremist militants may be aiming to execute attacks in major cities, specifically targeting areas and facilities popular with foreign nationals by utilising car bombs, suicide bombers and coordinated gun attacks. Details about the timing of such attacks have not been disclosed. The warning follows the 15/16 January militant attack on various facilities, including a popular hotel, in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou. At least 30 people were killed, including 18 foreign nationals, and 56 others wounded. The attack was claimed by al-Mourabitoun, an Islamist militant group affiliated to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The same group was responsible for a similar incursion in November at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Mali's capital, Bamako, in which 20 people were killed, including 13 foreign nationals. French authorities have warned that Islamist militants may be spreading from the traditional areas of operation in northern Mali into neighbouring countries, where they will continue to target Western personnel and interests. Clients in Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, limit time spent in crowded public areas and report all suspicious persons, vehicles and behaviour to the local authorities.

EGYPT(EL-ARISH, NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE) - At least five Egyptian security officers have been killed and a further three wounded, following an armed assault on a police checkpoint in El-Arish, located in Egypt's North Sinai governorate, early on 21 January. Although there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, suspicion has fallen on militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS)-aligned Sinai Province. Security forces are reportedly still looking for the attackers. Islamist extremist groups operate extensively in the North Sinai governorate, although they are reported to have cells operating across the Sinai Peninsula and in northern Egypt. The most noteworthy groups include the Sinai Province, the al-Qaeda-aligned Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM), and Ajnad Misr. These groups have conducted attacks with increasing frequency across the country since 2013. Further violence, including militant assaults and Egyptian military offensives, is expected to persist, particularly in the North Sinai governorate. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate due to the threats of crime, kidnapping and terrorism. The risk is particularly high in the vicinity of the shared borders with the Gaza Strip and Israel. Clients operating in the region should reside in secure compounds, maintain a low public profile, avoid travel near state facilities and personnel, and avoid travel at night.

MEXICO(MORELIA(MICHOACAN)) - A protest by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) is reportedly scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time in Morelia, the administrative capital of Mexico's Michoacan state, on 21 January. The protest action is scheduled to begin at the Monumento Lazaro Cardenas and proceed to the Government Palace. A number of protests linked to education reform have erupted in Mexico since 2015. These are generally well supported. Demonstrators often erect makeshift roadblocks on major thoroughfares between states and cities; consequently, all demonstrations have the potential to cause traffic disruptions and delays. The upcoming event is 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. Associated protests in other cities across Michoacan are also possible. Persons in Morelia on 21 January are advised to avoid the protest and any large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action and for 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.

MEXICO(TABASCO STATE) - A rally organised by unionised public sector workers is expected at the Plaza de Armas in Tabasco state's capital Villahermosa, located in southern Mexico, on 21 and 22 January. Union groups are calling for further strikes and work stoppages on these days, in order to attract at least 100,000 member signatures in order to repeal new laws affecting social security arrangements regarding the retirement age and increasing costs to workers. The strikes will likely impact a number of public services including the police, health, and education. The Social Security Institute of the State of Tabasco (ISSET) is a federal government agency in Tabasco state that offers government employees health and retirement benefits. On 19 January, approximately 600 workers gathered at the Plaza de Armas outside the local congress in Villahermosa to protest against the new legislation, the event passed without incident. While the rallies on 21 and 22 January are expected to pass peacefully, incidents involving strikers and security forces cannot be discounted. Associated travel disruptions may result. Clients in Villahermosa on 21 and 22 January are advised to avoid rallies as a general precaution and monitor local media for updates on the situation.

SENEGAL(DAKAR) - Anti-LGBT groups and their supporters have called for a protest in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on 22 January. Participants are set to gather at the Place de l'Obelisque (Obelisk Square) after Friday prayers. The action has been organised to protest against the perceived encouragement of LGBT lifestyles in the country. In line with their grievances, the protesters are demanding the revision of laws regarding LGBT persons as well as the resignation of the minister of justice, Sidiki Kaba, due to his perceived willingness to defend LGBT persons. Although the upcoming event is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Additionally, police have been known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent. This may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration. Persons in Dakar on 22 January are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest, as well as any advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for localised travel delays in the vicinity of Place de l'Obelisque.

VANUATU - General elections will be held in Vanuatu on 22 January. There is a possibility of small-scale, localised unrest on the day and in the days following the announcement of results. The election has been called nine months ahead of schedule, after the country's president, Baldwin Jacobson Lonsdale, dissolved the legislature on 24 November 2015. This was done following an impasse that resulted from the arrest and subsequent conviction of 14 members of Parliament, including Deputy Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil, on charges of corruption. Despite these developments, political tensions have not escalated to the point where widespread and disruptive protest action is expected. Nonetheless, rallies and demonstrations by opposing groups of supporters are possible in the coming days, during the election, and in the days following the release of results. Additional police and military deployments are possible in the capital over the near-term; these are likely to focus on strategic areas, including prominent state facilities. It should be noted that resort areas are unlikely to be affected by protests and civil disturbances. In addition, travel disruptions in the vicinity of any gatherings and related protests should be anticipated. Persons in Vanuatu are advised to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and election-related events and facilities, as well as concentrations of security forces, as a standard precaution. Local developments should be monitored.

RUSSIA(GROZNY) - A number of youth and pro-government groups are set to stage a major demonstration in Grozny, in the North Caucasus region, in support of Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic, on 22 January. The gathering, which is expected to be well attended, is expected to take place outside the Heart of Chechnya mosque, located on Putina Avenue. The upcoming demonstration has been sanctioned by the Russian authorities and is expected to conclude peacefully. Pro-government rallies are typically well attended and heavily policed. Significant travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the demonstration. Persons in Grozny are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution and should expect localised traffic disruptions. Due to high levels of violence, instability and terrorism in the North Caucasus region, clients are advised against all travel to a number of areas in the region, including Chechnya.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Two unrelated demonstrations are expected to commence in Liberty Square, in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, on 22 January. Opposition group New Armenia is set to stage a sit-in protest in the square. Meanwhile, a group of activists opposed to police brutality are set to gather in the square at 18:00 local time before proceeding to the central police station for a rally. A significant police presence is expected. The aforementioned demonstrations are expected to be well attended. The possibility of low-level clashes taking place between police and protesters cannot be discounted, particularly as protesters approach the central police station. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the gatherings should be anticipated. Persons in Yerevan on 22 January are advised to avoid large street protests as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstrations.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - A rally is expected in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, on 23 January at the Brion Square in Chacaito from 11:00 local time. The event has been called by the opposition Coalition for Democratic Unity (MUD) and is expected to attract thousands of MUD supporters and attendees. The event is usually held every year on 23 January to celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Perez Jiminez dictatorship on 23 January 1958. The event will be attended by Henry Ramos, president of the National Assembly, and Julio Borges, MUD National Assembly deputy, and is thus likely to be large, resulting in significant travel disruptions in the immediate and surrounding areas. The MUD appears to be using the theme of the fallen dictatorship to highlight its recent parliamentary election victory against the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), and is using the occasion to present a number of economic proposals designed to reverse Venezuela's serious economic and social crisis which has accompanied the global fall in oil prices since 2014. Although violence is not anticipated, the likelihood cannot be entirely discounted. Clients in Caracas on 23 January are advised to avoid the affected areas and are advised to monitor local media for updates and information about city-specific events.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - Civil society groups have called for a protest to take place in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 23 January. The protest has been organised by the Kongress Rakyat and Bantah TPPA; participants will gather from 14:30 local time at Masjid Negara, Masjid Jamek, Jalan Raja Laut and in areas close to Maju Junction Mall. From these locations, they will march to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), where the rally will be held, to protest against the government's expected accession to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a multilateral free-trade agreement. Organisers have stated that they expect at least 20,000 people to attend. Malaysia enforces strict regulations regarding public gatherings. Local officials denied the requisite permission for the event to go ahead at Dataran Merdeka, and offered Padang Merbok, located between Dataran Merdeka and the Parliament buildings, as an alternative. However, this has been rejected by organisers, thus elevating the potential of clashes between police and protesters. Regardless of its location, there is likely to be a significant security force presence at the rally. Severe public transport disruptions are also possible; at previous large-scale events in the capital, authorities suspended train services into Kuala Lumpur as a preventative measure to stop demonstrators from gathering. Clients in Kuala Lumpur are advised to monitor local developments closely, maintain a low profile on the affected days, and avoid all public protest action as a precaution against civil unrest.

HAITI - Haiti is scheduled to hold a run-off presidential election on 24 January amid considerably elevated tensions and associated protests. Haiti has been subject to sustained protests following the 25 October 2015 presidential ballot, which failed to yield a conclusive winner. Leading 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. However, this was postponed by the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) until 24 January. This announcement came after opposition groupings made allegations of widespread fraud and voting irregularities, and such issues continue to drive protests in favour of further postponement of the 24 January vote. Despite these calls, incumbent president Michel Martelly has stated that elections will proceed, thus escalating tensions further. As such, protest action is likely to continue, and possibly escalate in the coming days, and in the days following the ballot, particularly if Moise, who is Martelly's preferred successor, is successful. In the capital, Port-au-Prince, the CEP headquarters in the Petionville area remain a flashpoint for protests. Elsewhere, protests are possible in other urban areas such as Cap-Haitien, Croix-des-Bouquets, Petit Goave, as well as along National Route 1, particularly between Cabaret and Montrouis. Associated protests have been marred by incidents of violence between security forces and protesters, and have caused significant disruptions to road travel in the affected areas. As such, the risk of violence at all upcoming events is credible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. 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 election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and to avoid polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities.

ETHIOPIA(ADDIS ABABA) - Security measures have been heightened in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, ahead of the 26th African Union (AU) Summit to be held in the city from 21 to 31 January. The summit will be held at the AU Conference Center and Office Complex (AUCC) in the city's Lideta district. Although the Ethiopian government has not indicated that the event is at threat of an imminent terrorist incursion, such events are potentially attractive targets for transnational terrorist organisations. There have been persistent concerns that the Somalia-based Islamist extremist group, al-Shabaab may coordinate an attack in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, in particular, has been identified as a potential target, due to the city's status as the capital and the fact that it hosts the African Union headquarters. Consequently, robust security measures, such as road closures, security checkpoints and other movement-restrictive measures will be employed across the city. Such measures will be particularly stringent in and around the AUCC, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, as well as at hotels that will host foreign delegations attending the summit. Persons in Addis Ababa during the aforementioned period are advised to anticipate travel disruptions that may arise as a result of the increased security measures. Furthermore, clients in the affected areas are advised to keep certified copies of all identification documentation on their person at all times.

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