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:

NORTHEAST AIRPORTS (UPDATE) - Dulles and Reagan airports will each have at least one runway open for flight operations beginning Monday morning. BWI will gradually resume regular operations over the next 24 hours. Flight cancellations will continue on Monday. Crews continue to work around the clock to remove the snow from the runways. During the storm airlines cancelled nearly 11,000 flights for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As of Monday, the boards show mostly cancellations, however later on in the day this could possibly change. Philadelphia International Airport will gradually resume regular operations over the next 24 hours. After runways reopen, it takes considerable time for airline flight schedules to return to normal. Expect many flight cancellations to continue. Check directly with your airline or travel provider to find out more information regarding delays, cancellations and re-booking procedures.

UNITED STATES(VISA WAVER PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT & TERRORIST TRAVEL PREVENTION ACT OF 2015) - The United States has begun implementing changes under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, passed December in the wake of the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris that left 130 dead. Under the act, nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or were in Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on or after March 2011 are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, with limited exceptions for diplomatic or military travel in the service of a VWP country. In addition, nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria are excluded from VWP. These individuals can apply for a U.S. visa using the regular immigration process at their embassies or consulates. U.S. embassies and consulates will expedite processing for urgent business, medical and humanitarian travel. The new law also revokes Electronic System for Travel Authorizations from travelers who have previously indicated holding dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on their ESTA applications. The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive any of the above restrictions forcertain categories of travelers if such a waiver is in the law enforcement or national security interest of the United States. ESTA waivers will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Homeland Security announcement underscored, "The new law does not ban travel to the United States or admission into the United States, and the great majority of VWP travelers will not be affected by the legislation." The U.S. Travel Association, which backed the VWP measures passed by Congress late last year, reiterated USTA president Roger Dow's prior call for a steady hand as DHS implements changes. "When it comes to national security policy, there is no such thing as a perfect, finished product that stands for all time," said USTA vice president of public affairs Jonathan Grella. "The VWP has always been a shining example of the fact that the balance between security and freedom is not a zero-sum choice, and we welcome an informed and clear-eyed congressional discussion about the next logical steps for growing the program."

NIPPON AIRWAYS - All Nippon Airways is adding Wi-Fi to domestic routes, ranging from Ľ550 (US$4.65) for 40 minutes to Ľ1,050 (US$8.87) for the entire flight. The service will begin on Boeing 777-300 aircraft flying from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Hokkaido, Fukuoka and Okinawa and expand through March 2018. ANA already offers Wi-Fi on its international routes.

ITALY(ROME(ALITALIA AIRLINE)) - Unionised employees of Alitalia airline are expected to observe strike action in Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino international airports, from 10:00 to 18:00 local time on 25 January.  Italy's aviation sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as specific labour disputes. Although Alitalia is likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppage, flight disruptions should nevertheless be anticipated.  Clients intending to transit through airports in Rome on 25 January are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

FRANCE - Air traffic controllers' union, SNCTA, has called on its members to observe a countrywide 48-hour strike on 26 and 27 January. The strike has been called over various labour disputes. The action is expected to result in countrywide flight disruptions and possible cancellations. Although it is currently unclear how well the strike action will be observed, disruptions are anticipated, including delays and possible cancellations. Residual delays are also likely once the labour action concludes, due to the backlog of flights to be cleared. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is likely during the strike period. Persons intending to make use of air transport services in France during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information regarding the status of their flight(s).

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND/VANUATU - Qantas and Air New Zealand have reportedly suspended all flights to and from Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, amid ongoing concerns over runway safety at Bauerfield International Airport. The removal of Port Vila from their flight routes will impact on international travel from Australia and New Zealand to Vanuatu. The suspensions, which were announced on 22 January, are set to remain in place until such a time as appropriate repairs have been carried out on the runway. It should be noted that other international airlines may similarly cancel flights to Vanuatu in the near-term. Clients intending to make use of Bauerfield International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s).

NEW CALEDONIA - Significant disruptions to Air Caledonie flights are expected in New Caledonia, from 25 to 27 January, due to two separate aviation sector strikes. Employees of the domestic airline are set to launch a work stoppage from 19:00 local time on 25 January until 20:00 on 26 January. In addition, a second action is possible from 00:00 on 27 January. The motivation behind the aforementioned strikes is unconfirmed; however, some reports suggest that they are related to financial grievances. Although the airline has confirmed the implementation of contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to the flight schedule, flight delays and/or cancellations remain a possibility over the aforementioned period. Clients flying with Air Caledonie on the aforementioned dates are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

FRANCE(PARIS) - A union-led mass demonstration is set to take place in France's capital, Paris, on 26 January, amid a countrywide public sector strike. Union members and their supporters are expected to gather in two locations, in the Gennevilliers and Saint-Denis areas, at 09:00 local time before proceeding to Montparnasse Place for a rally at 13:30. The upcoming strike and protests have been called over low pay and deteriorating work conditions. The strike is expected to impact on public services countrywide, including public transport; however, participation and affected sectors will vary according to region. It should be noted that union-led demonstrations are often well attended. Accordingly, localised traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the upcoming rally. Clients in France are advised to expect a disruption in public services on 26 January and should monitor local media for region-specific information. All street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

GERMANY - Rallies in support of, and against, PEGIDA, are set to be held in multiple locations in Germany on 25 January. The far-right Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) are set to hold rallies in; Druisburg at the Hauptbahnhof (rail station) at 19:00 local time; in Dresden at the Theaterplatz on Sophienstrabe at 18:30; in Munich at the Feldherrnhalle monument near the Metro Odeonsplatz at 19:00; in Hannover at the Georgsplatz at 19:00. In addition, anti-PEGIDA groups will demonstrate in Berlin at the Hauptbahnhof at 18:30. Further demonstrations in smaller cities are possible. Precedent suggests that each of the demonstrations will be accompanied by a deployment of security forces. 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 25 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.

AUSTRALIA(CANBERRA) - The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a severe thunderstorm weather warning in the capital, Canberra, on 25 January. The weather warning has been issued in response to inclement weather, including rain, hail and resultant damages, in Tuggeranong and parts of Canberra's northern suburbs. Emergency services have been deployed to the affected area after hail resulted in moderate infrastructural damage to homes and commercial property late on 25 January. Sporadic power outages have also been reported in the north of the city, particularly in Curtin and Theodore, due to damaged power lines. The adverse weather is expected to bring further heavy rain, strong winds and hail to the affected areas until at least 29 January.  Storm systems generally bring heavy rainfall to the country's eastern regions and have caused major flooding in the past, particularly between October and April. Continuing adverse weather conditions in the affected areas may result in travel delays and further disruptions to electricity supply. Utility disruptions to water and telecommunications are also possible. Additionally, further thunderstorm warnings, as well as evacuations, are possible. Persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen power lines and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.  Persons in the affected areas are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media or the BOM website (http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings) for updates. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions to travel, as well as to utilities such as electricity and water. Persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen or damaged power lines and infrastructure.

JAPAN - Adverse winter weather, including heavy snowfall, continues to impact on Japan, particularly central and western Japan and coastal areas bordering the Sea of Japan. The adverse weather has impacted on road, rail and air transport services. Dozens of All Nippon Airways Company and Japan Airlines Company flights have been cancelled or disrupted on 25 January. Shinkansen bullet train services have been delayed between the Hamamatsu and Shin-Osaka stations. The forecast indicates that weather is expected to improve on 26 January. Disruptions to transport services during winter are common in Japan; however, these are generally not lengthy and services are typically restored within a short period of time or alternative services are made available to travellers. Nonetheless, delays and disruptions, even after services have resumed, remain possible. Persons travelling in Japan are advised to reconfirm the status of their preferred mode of transport or scheduled transport service with their travel provider or the relevant local authority prior to departure.

CHILE/ARGENTINA - Landslides and flooding have led to disruptions at the Los Libertadores land border crossing between Chile and Argentina since 23 January. Operations aimed at clearing the route are ongoing and the crossing is expected to resume full operation within the next 24 hours. Persons intending to travel via the route should contact the local authorities prior to departure, to check the status of the border.

ISRAEL/SYRIA/LEBANON/JORDAN - Adverse winter weather conditions are anticipated in parts of the Levant in the coming days. The Israeli Meteorological Service (http://www.ims.gov.il/IMSENG/All_Tahazit/homepage.htm) has issued several warnings for 25 and 26 January, including for snowfall in elevated regions in the north and centre of the country, potential flooding and cold weather. The Jordan Meteorological Department (http://www.jometeo.gov.jo/) has issued similar warnings for the same period. The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) has also placed its emergency services on their highest alert to respond to any calls for assistance. Lebanon has been impacted by adverse weather since 22 January; heavy snowfall has been reported in many areas. On 24 January, two ports in Tyre were closed and the government ordered the closure of a number of schools. Roads have also been closed in many elevated regions. Low temperatures, snowfall and rainfall are also likely in southern Syria. The adverse weather in the region is expected to lift on 26 and 27 January. The weather conditions coincide with the region's winter period. Snowfall and heavy rain are common during this period, particularly in elevated areas. Flooding can be particularly disruptive, particularly in areas that are traditionally dry. Low-lying areas, including dry river beds (wadis) are susceptible to flash flooding. Travellers to the Levant should anticipate disruption to road, rail and air services over the next 48 hours. Clients operating in the Levant are advised to monitor local media and official channels for updates and advisories. Caution is advised while travelling in affected areas, particularly by road. Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled transport services with their travel provider prior to departure.

CUBA(HAVANA) - A cold front has triggered significant flooding along the northern coast of Cuba's capital, Havana, since 23 January. Emergency services have been deployed to high-risk areas and several evacuation centres have been established. Although no flood-related fatalities have been reported, at least 130 people have been displaced to date. Vedado, Centro Habana, and Old Havana are among the worst affected areas in Havana. The weather system, which is expected to persist until 27 January at least, has resulted in localised disruptions to travel and business services in Havana. Further inclement weather may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by the recent coastal storm surges.  Persons operating in Havana in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised along coastal roads which are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas.

MOROCCO(AL HOCEIMA) - A 6.1 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported 62km north west of Al Hoceima, located in northern Morocco, on 25 January. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of approximately 10km. There have been no immediate reports of property damage and/or casualties. A tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area.  Persons in the affected area are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the authorities.

EGYPT(NORTHERN SINAI PENINSULA) - As part of the broader security preparations for the 5th anniversary of the anti-government uprising in Egypt on 25 January, travel restrictions are expected to be imposed in the northern Sinai Peninsula until 29 January. According to authorities, northern Sinai will be closed to all excluding registered residents, workers and students. Security measures have also been heightened in the governorate including frequent body searches, patrols and security checkpoints. These measures are reported to have been imposed as an attempt to prevent terrorist activity and militants from entering into the governorate. The anniversary provides militants with an opportunity to conduct attacks against state facilities and personnel. Egypt has experienced a spike in low level bombings against state targets since the military overthrew the Islamist-dominated government in 2013. In addition to anticipated further low-level attacks, larger scale bombings are also possible; however, given extensive security measures in place, the possibility of a successful infiltration and attack are lowered, particularly in primary urban centres and tourist areas including the southern Sinai Peninsula and eastern Red Sea coastline. Clients in Egypt are advised to monitor local developments closely in the run up to and on 25 January. All street protests should be avoided. Caution is advised near police, military and government buildings and personnel due to the risk of terrorism.

EGYPT - The fifth anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution, the name given to mark the events leading to the downfall of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, is likely to result in significant disruptions in major urban areas on 25 January if protests proceed. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has vowed to use heavy handed measures to crack down on any protesters on the day, which is coinciding with National Police Day, a public holiday. A number of opposition groups have called for protests on the anniversary in protest against the current military-backed government, although many of these calls were made via social media platforms whose page administrators were subsequently arrested, according to reports. Mahmoud Ezzat, a Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leader in exile in Turkey has called for peaceful protests on the date while Ikhwanweb.com, the official MB website has called for Egyptians to turn out in large numbers in protest. A number of measures have been implemented in advance; hundreds of activists and regime opponents have been arrested in recent months; plainclothes police officers have been arresting young people in Cairo for interrogation regarding information about planned protests on 25 January; state-linked religious institutions have issued rulings concerning the illegality of opposition to the regime; military tanks have been reported on the streets of Cairo, for the first time since the 2011 clashes between protesters and security forces; security patrols and checkpoints have been erected around Tahrir Square. Similar measures have been reportedly deployed in other cities across Egypt. The anniversary commemorates the start of the 2011 uprising against the Hosni Mubarak regime. Specific details regarding the location of possible demonstrations are unavailable; however, prominent public squares are popular protest spots as well as outside mosques, government buildings and universities. In 2015, on the anniversary, approximately 16 people were killed and 38 others injured in clashes with security forces. In light of the extensive security measures in place, the extent of demonstrations are not expected to be widespread. Nonetheless, given the symbolism of the day, a larger than expected turnout is possible. In any event, due to the large presence of security forces, protests are not likely to be long in duration. In addition, significant protests are unlikely in prominent tourist resorts located along the southern Sinai Peninsula and eastern Red Sea coastline. The threat of violence at all anti-government protests is considered high.  Clients in Egypt are advised to monitor developments in their area of travel closely in the run up to the anniversary. Clients are advised to monitor local media for immediate updates on the situation. All street protests should be strictly avoided. Caution is advised in the vicinity of protest hotspots.

CAMEROON(BODO, FAR NORTH PROVINCE) - At least 25 people were killed and dozens others wounded when multiple suicide bombers attacked the town of Bodo, located in Cameroon's Far North province, on 25 January. As many as four suicide bombers attacked Bodo's main marketplace as well as the entrance to the town. Cameroon's Far North province is frequently affected by acts of terrorism. The majority of incidents are blamed on or are claimed by Nigeria-based Boko Haram. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted states bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in 2015. These attacks have coincided with ongoing regional counterinsurgency operations aimed at weakening the group. In light of the recent attack in Bodo, travellers should anticipate possible increased security measures (patrols and checkpoints) and/or travel restrictions (curfews). Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North (Extreme-Nord) province. Persons operating in the area should implement robust travel, personal and residential security measures. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

NIGERIA(GIREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ADAMAWA STATE) - At least 19 people were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the Girei local government area, located in Nigeria's north eastern Adamawa state, on 24 January. The gunmen, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, targeted a number of communities in the area, including the Demsare, Wunamokoh, Dikajam and Taboungo. Local authorities assert that the attack may have been a reprisal for recent clashes between the herdsmen and the aforementioned communities. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes, which are triggered by ongoing disputes over access to land and resources, occur fairly frequently. Localised disputes are also often underscored by persistent ethno-religious differences. As the perpetrators of this latest incident remain at large, further attacks are possible. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to several north eastern states, including Adamawa. Persons in the area should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is within secure compounds.

JORDAN/SYRIA - The military engaged a large group of armed persons, estimated to be 36 people, attempting to cross from Syria into Jordan on 23 January. The engagement left 12 of the infiltrators dead. The authorities stated that they recovered a large cache of narcotics following the engagement. The exact location of the incident is unclear. Jordan has maintained an elevated security level near its shared border with Syria since 2011. This border force regularly confronts persons attempting to enter the country illegally, including militants and criminal groups. The border is considered a relatively insecure area. Heightened caution is advised in the immediate vicinity of the shared borders with Syria and Iraq, due to the threat of conflict spillover.

LAOS(XAYSOMBOUN PROVINCE) - An explosion killed two Chinese nationals and wounded one other in Laos' central Xaysomboun Province on 24 January. The blast occurred on or near the vehicle transporting the victims while it was travelling along an intercity roadway. The motive for the attack and the identity of the attackers is unknown. The incident may be connected to a personal dispute or be politically motivated. The perpetrators of the apparent attack remain at large and further incidents are possible. Clients, particularly Chinese nationals, travelling outside of major urban centres are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Personnel are also advised to monitor local media for further information regarding the recent incident and for further advice or information from the local authorities.

INDIA(NEW DELHI) - Security has been heightened across India, particularly in the capital, New Delhi, ahead of Republic Day celebrations on 26 January. Security forces across New Delhi are on high alert and barricades have been erected on a number of approaches to the city centre; identity verification checks are set to take place at the barricades. A number of roads are set to be closed to traffic and non-security personnel from late on 25 January, including Nizamuddin Bridge, Ring Road, all approaches to New Delhi Railway station, Minto Road, Connaught Place and the South Extension road. A commemorative military parade is expected to mark the day. Thousands of troops and vehicles will proceed along the Rajpath road, from 10:00 local time on 26 January. Security has also been heightened in major urban centres throughout India. India generally faces a high threat of terrorism due to the ongoing presence of separatist formations and Islamist extremists in the country. As a result, events that celebrate the Indian state, including political holidays such as Republic Day, typically warrant heightened security measures across the country. The current event also faces a number of indirect threats from separatist militants in the northern Jammu and Kashmir state who, in addition to calling for a general strike on the day of the event, may seek to target Republic Day celebrations in the state. Clients are advised to exercise caution for the duration of Republic Day and to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to local authorities. In addition, clients should anticipate possible localised travel disruptions due to the increased security measures. Furthermore, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), an alliance of a number of political, social and religious organisations, has called for strike action in the towns of Handwara and Kupwara, in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state, on 25 and 27 January, respectively. Both towns are located in the Kupwara district. The strikes have been called to commemorate the deaths of protesters at the hands of the military in two separate incidents that took place on 25 January 1990 and 27 January 1994. The APHC has also called for state-wide strike action, to mark India's Republic Day, on 26 January. A number of militant organisations, including Hizbul Mujahideen, have publicly supported the calls for a state-wide strike on Republic Day. Security has been significantly elevated across the state since 23 January, ahead of Republic Day celebrations, particularly in Srinagar. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected on the affected days in each of the aforementioned locations due to the strikes. Possibly disruptive protest action is possible during the strikes. Furthermore, solidarity demonstrations may also take place in the summer capital of Srinagar and elsewhere across the state, particularly in the districts of Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama. 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 strikes and protests, the events on 25, 26 and 27 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 against violent civil unrest.

TUNISIA(TUNIS) - Thousands of protesting police officers gathered outside of the Carthage Palace (Palace of the Republic) in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 25 January to demand higher wages. Roads around the area were blocked by members of the Presidential Guard. No violence was reported. It is unclear if the protest is ongoing. Socio-economic protests are common in Tunisia. The country has experienced a surge in related civil unrest since mid-January that has prompted the local authorities to implement a night-time curfew across the country. The police protest on 25 January is not connected to the recent violent and disruptive protests led by unemployed youth. The planned demonstration may be replicated in the coming days until the demand for higher pay is met. The risk of violence at the protest is considered low. Caution is advised near the Carthage Palace. All street protests should be avoided in Tunis.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.