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

CANADA(NEWLEAF TRAVEL) - NewLeaf Travel, which had planned to launch low-fare service in Canada on Feb. 12, postponed the launch and is refunding all tickets. The company had envisioned bringing the ultra-low-cost carrier concept to Canada using the aircraft and crew of Flair Airlines, a 10-year-old Canadian charter carrier. But Gabor Lukacs, a self-styled "consumer advocate" who has targeted Canadian airlines over the years, questioned whether the arrangement was legal because NewLeaf does not have its own license to operate an airline. Jim Young, chief executive officer of NewLeaf, maintains that NewLeaf does not need a license because Flair already has one and will be operating flights. Nevertheless, the Canadian Transportation Agency has decided to review its licensing regulations at Lukacs' urging. Young said that because the CTA's decision would likely come after the Feb. 12 launch date, travelers would be subjected to uncertainty. NewLeaf postponed the launch to avoid disrupting anyone's travel plans, he said. NewLeaf had hoped to be the first company offering ULCC service in Canada, vying with Canadian Jetlines and Jet Naked for the title. Young had briefly served as Jetlines' president, but he left because getting the carrier off the ground was taking too long. Jet Naked, which refers to stripped-down fares rather than passengers, is the "placeholder" name of a subsidiary of Enerjet, a charter airline based in Calgary. Tim Morgan, Enerjet's chief executive officer, was a co-founder of WestJet.

UNITED AIRLINES - United Airlines will join its rivals in introducing a stripped-down economy fare later this year as part of a move toward larger pricing segmentation, executives said during the carrier's fourth-quarter earnings call. This month, United introduced bundled fare offerings for travelers buying Economy Plus seats, vice chairman and chief revenue officer Jim Compton said. The packages include such amenities as an extra checked bag, Premier Access privileges and lounge access. In the second half of the year, United will follow up with an "entry-level fare that will appeal to the purely price-sensitive customer," Compton said. The move would echo Delta Air Lines' expansion of its Basic Economy fare, a no-frills option that precludes changes and seat selection, among other restrictions, in an effort to compete with the likes of Spirit Airlines. American Airlines also plans to introduce a similar fare this year. Compton said such segmentation has become essential to airline revenue management. "This will allow us to compete with ultra-low-cost carriers for passengers looking for that price point," he said. "It will also help us remove some of the dilution we have in our pricing structure." United projects its revenue also will get a boost as it upgrades aircraft. The carrier will begin receiving 40 new Boeing 737-700 aircraft in mid-2017, helping phase out more than half of the 50-seat aircraft it uses in regional markets by 2019. Beside extra seating capacity, those aircraft allow United to pull in additional revenue with first-class and Economy Plus seating, Compton said.

UNITED STATES - The "major storm" bearing down on Washington, D.C., "has life and death implications, and all the residents of the District of Columbia should treat it that way," Mayor Muriel Bowser said. She said that the snow would arrive earlier than expected, with the first flakes now anticipated around 1 to 3 p.m. Friday ET. The nation's capital, though, is not alone in expecting blizzard conditions. The National Weather Service has extended its blizzard warning to include New York City and Philadelphia. All flights to and from Philadelphia International Airport will be canceled Saturday. More than 5,000 U.S. flights have been called off Friday and Saturday due to the storm. Local media should be monitored for updates on the situation, as well as advisories from the local authorities.

We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers who may be affected by the snow storm that are booked through ATG.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL(TURKISH AIRLINES)) - A number of airlines, including Turkish Airlines, have pre-emptively cancelled dozens of flights in Istanbul, Turkey, on 22 January. Turkish Airlines is reported to have cancelled at least 109 domestic and international flights for 23 January to and from Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. The flight cancellations are due to reports of impending heavy snow, poor visibility and strong winds. The snowfall is forecast to persist until 24 January, at least. Accordingly, further flight disruptions, including cancellations and delays are anticipated. It should be noted that flight disruptions are likely to persist even after weather conditions improve, due to the resultant backlog. Persons scheduled to transit Ataturk International Airport or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to confirm the status of their flight(s).

We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers who may be affected by the snow storm that are booked through ATG.

AUSTRALIA - Unionised pilots employed by airline operator, Regional Express (Rex) in Australia are set to strike from 22 January. Pilots are expected to observe strike action on Mondays and Fridays every week for an indefinite period. The strike has been called in protest of current work schedules and wages. The strike action comes amid failed negotiations between the airline and aviation union, Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP). It is currently unclear how well the strike action will be supported; nonetheless, should the strike proceed, significant disruptions to Rex flight services are anticipated. Furthermore, it should be noted that the strike action may be postponed, cancelled or extended on short notice. Persons scheduled to fly with Regional Express for the short- to medium-term are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

SWEDEN(GOTHENBURG) - Authorities have closed the Goteborg Landvetter Airport, in Gothenburg, after a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight, travelling from London to Stockholm, made an emergency landing at the airport following a bomb threat on 22 January. All flights to and from the airport have been suspended. The aircraft in question has been evacuated of its 70 passengers and a bomb disposal unit is on the scene. It remains unclear when flights will resume. Clients scheduled to transit Goteburg Landvetter Airport are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to inquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious packages, persons and/or activity to the relevant authorities.

ARGENTINA(FORMOSA & MISIONES PROVINCES)- According to statements by local health officials in Argentina on 21 January, more than 1,100 cases of dengue fever have been reported in recent weeks. The most severely affected areas include the provinces of Formosa and Misiones, in Argentina's north east, where the bulk of dengue cases have been recorded. More than 30 cases were reported in Buenos Aires province during the week starting 18 January. Local media report that most of those who have contracted the disease were returning from visits to high-risk areas in the northeast. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within 3 to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. The disease usually begins appearing in February and March, but has occurred earlier due to the rain and temperature changes caused by the El Nino weather system. Clients in Argentina are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local health authorities. Precautions should be taken against being bitten by mosquitoes. Persons displaying symptoms are advised to contact their medical practitioner.

MADAGASCAR(SOFIA REGION) - At least 5,000 people have been displaced by major flooding in settlements in Madagascar's north west Sofia region after the Bernarrivo dam burst, late on 21 January. The town of Mampikony, from where over 4,000 people have been displaced, has been the worst affected, with the majority of the town submerged by floodwaters. In Mahajamba, significant flooding has been reported in the town, while at least 1,000 people have been evacuated from houses situated on the Mahajamba river. A number of national roads north of these locations have also been closed by local authorities. The dam burst following several days of heavy rain in the north of the country. Heavy rain is ongoing in the above-mentioned locations; this is expected to exacerbate flood conditions. Settlements located on the banks of the Mahajamba river are at a heightened risk of being impacted by flooding as the surge of floodwaters moves downriver. Persons operating in the Sofia region are advised to avoid the affected areas until the situation has stabilised. Local media should be monitored for updates on the situation, as well as advisories from the local authorities.

SOUTH SUDAN(YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE) - Clashes between government forces and rebels aligned with the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) were reported in Yambio, capital of South Sudan's Western Equitoria state, on 21 January. According to reports, SSNLM militia launched an assault on various locations in the town at approximately 05:00 local time. The motivation behind the attack is unclear, although some reports suggest that it may have be related to the encroachment of government forces on Gangura Payam, a nearby stronghold of SSNLM. At least five people are said to have been killed in the conflict. This latest incident follows ongoing efforts to end hostilities between the SSNLM, a rebel group led by Victor Wanga, and the government since November 2015. Moreover, sporadic incidences of violence between forces loyal to incumbent president, Salva Kiir, and those aligned to former vice president, Riek Machar, continue to occur despite both parties entering into a ceasefire agreement in late August 2015. Given ongoing tensions in the region, further clashes of this nature remain possible in the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the country. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representation and have a comprehensive contingency plan in place.

NEPAL(RANGELI) - An elevated security force presence remains in the border town of Rangeli, in Nepal's southern Morang district, on 22 January following fatal clashes there on 21 January. Violence erupted after a rally by supporters of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), which is part of the ruling coalition, clashed with protesters from an organisation representing the interests of ethnic Madhesi people, the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM). Shortly thereafter, police intervened, using teargas and live ammunition to disperse the opposing groups of protesters; two of them were killed, while at least eight more were wounded. Another person was killed in similarly motivated violence in nearby Gainiya, although details pertaining to this are unclear. The CPN-UML rally was being held as a show of support for the constitution, which was promulgated in September 2015. However, organisations representing the Madhesi and Tharu people have strongly opposed the charter, stating it does not adequately protect their interests or give them sufficient voice in determining how the country is run. These groups have initiated violent protests since the months leading to the constitution's promulgation. The violence has left over 45 people dead since early August 2015, primarily in the Terai region, wherein Rangeli is located. 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 Rangeli 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.

TUNISIA - (Update) Authorities in Tunisia have announced a countrywide curfew on 22 January amid concerns of ongoing protests over unemployment rates spreading to other cities. The curfew will be in effect daily from 20:00 to 05:00 local time for an indefinite duration. Tensions in Tunisia remain elevated in light of the current protests in Kasserine governorate that began on 16 January and have spread to the capital, Tunis, Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa. Protest action is likely to persist over the near-term. Due to the emotive nature and strong anti-government sentiment carried by the protests, associated incidents of unrest, including clashes between protesters and security forces, and acts of vandalism, are likely. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Furthermore, should protest activity and associated unrest persist, the imposition of additional security measures are anticipated. Persons in Tunisia in the near-term are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the ongoing protests, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Kasserine governorate due to the threat of terrorism.

ARGENTINA - Protests in support of local political leader Milagro Sala, founder of the Tupac Amaru social welfare organisation, are expected in multiple locations across Argentina from 22 to 24 January. On 22 January, protests are anticipated in the capital, Buenos Aires, along Route 3 in Isidro Casanova, in La Matanza Partido, at 14:00 local time. On 24 January, participants will gather at the Plaza Bomberitos, in Gral. Acha, at 17:00. The organisation has also called for national protests on 23 January; however, further information on these is not yet available. The Tupac Amaru organisation has approximately 70,000 members advocating for social welfare programmes in support of the poor in various Argentine provinces. Its leader, Sala, was arrested on 16 January following accusations of embezzlement and inciting anti-government protests and violence. Protests in support of Sala have been held on a number of occasions since 16 January, and have mainly concluded without serious incident; nonetheless, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in Argentina between 22 and 24 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.

IRELAND(URBAN CENTRES COUNTRY WIDE) - Right2Water, a major activist group campaigning against water taxes in Ireland, has called for demonstrations in urban centres countrywide, on 23 January. The largest protest is expected to take place at Connolly Station, in central Dublin, from 13:00 local time. A related event is also expected in the Phibsboro area of Greater Dublin. Another major protest is expected in the Grand Parade, in Cork, from 14:00. Elsewhere, events will also be held in Limerick, Galway, Donegal, Kildare, Tipperary and numerous other urban centres on the day. The upcoming demonstrations are the latest protests related to the water charges in recent months. Related rallies have drawn large crowds and have resulted in significant travel disruptions. Although the upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between protesters and police cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the gatherings. Persons in Ireland on 23 January are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - (Update) Opposition-led anti-government protests are set to continue in the centre of Moldova's capital, Chisinau, on 22 January, ahead of a parliamentary review of the decision to approve the government of Prime Minister Pavel Filip. The protest is set to commence in the Grand National Assembly Square, outside Parliament. Participants in previous related protests have remained in the square for many hours; however, large groups of several thousand protesters have been known to march to other government buildings, including the headquarters of the national telecommunications operator, Moldtelecom, on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard. Large demonstrations by pro- and anti-government groups have been ongoing in the capital since early September 2015. Opposition protesters have routinely called for early elections and for the legislature to reject the government of newly appointed Prime Minister Pavel Filip. Filip's cabinet was approved by Parliament on 20 January, sparking violent unrest in the capital on 21 January, when hundreds of protesters stormed the National Assembly. Following a meeting between the protest leaders and a government representative, Parliament has indicated that they would debate whether to review their earlier decision to approve Filip's government; an announcement is expected in the afternoon of 22 January. It should be noted that further pro- and anti-government protests are possible in the coming days, regardless of Parliament's decision. Clients in Chisinau should monitor media broadcasts for updates on political developments and possible protests. All protests and related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE) - Two unrelated protests are set to take place in central Skopje, Macedonia's capital, on 23 January. In the earlier of the two protests, the National Association of Driving Schools has called on supporters to protest outside the Skopje City Mall on Bulevar Partizanski Odredi from 12:00 local time. Elsewhere, the Funeral Association is set to stage a protest march from the Institute of Forensic Medicine to Paris Street via the National Assembly building from 11:00. The threat of violence at the events is considered low. Persons in the city on 23 January should anticipate localised road travel disruptions near the protest sites during the course of the day. Clients in the affected areas on 23 January are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution, and should keep itineraries flexible in order to accommodate travel delays.

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