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:

QATAR AIRWAYS - Qatar Airways is to expand its services into Eastern Europe, with the launch of a new direct flight to Belgrade, and an increase in frequencies on several routes. The Gulf carrier will commence four-times weekly flights to Belgrade on March 16 - the airline currently offers a one-stop services to the Serbian capital via Sofia. Rival Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways owns a 49 per cent stake in Air Serbia

Qatar Airways will also increase frequencies to the following Eastern European destinations this year:

Zagreb - increase from daily to ten flights per week starting April 3
Budapest - increase from daily to ten flights per week from July 3
Baku - increase from daily to 11 flights per week from March 27

Increasing demand has also led Qatar Airways to roster its B787 Dreamliner aircraft onto one of its two daily flights serving Moscow Domodedovo airport, offering 122 more seats per departure than the previous A320.

Finally the carrier's Warsaw service will switch from an A320 to the larger A330 from July this year.

UNITED STATES(EASTERN STATES) - (Update) Flight delays and cancellations continue to be reported in the eastern states of the United States following a major winter storm. Over 1,500 flights were cancelled on 25 January and a further 1,200 cancellations are anticipated on 26 January as airports and airlines recover from the recent adverse weather conditions. The worst-affected airports on 26 January are Newark Liberty International Airport, in the New York metropolitan area, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Other airports in the New York City and Washington DC areas also continue to clear backlogs and have announced delays and disruptions. These are expected to continue to ease over the next 24 hours. Clients intending to travel by air in or to and from the United States, particularly to and from airports in the east of the country, are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their scheduled flight(s) prior to departure.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL(TURKISH AIRLINES)) - Turkish Airlines has reportedly cancelled over 100 flights to and from Istanbul, Turkey, on 26 and 27 January due to adverse winter weather conditions. The cancellations have impacted on operations at Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Air travel disruptions have been regularly reported in western Turkey recently due to heavy snowfall. The disruptions are set to continue over the near-term. Note that other airlines may also delay or cancel flights to and from Istanbul in response to the adverse weather conditions. Persons travelling via air in, to and from Turkey, particularly to airports in Istanbul, are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

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

GREECE - The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) has called for a 48-hour strike from 27 January in protest against government's austerity measures. Passenger and commercial sea transport services, including ferries, are expected to be impacted across the country should the strike proceed. Services are set to resume on 29 January. Clients intending to utilise sea transport services between 27 and 29 January are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority for an update on the status of services and for travel alternatives prior to departure.

FRANCE - Taxi drivers have called for a countrywide strike and protests on 26 January in protest against the low-cost Uber taxi service. Media reports indicate that taxi drivers may block access to some of the country's largest airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly, and major thoroughfares. The strike will coincide with a countrywide public sector strike and associated protests. Air traffic controllers are also expected to engage in a strike on the day. The authorities have stated that as many as 20 percent of flights to and from the country may be affected. Disruptions to transport services are expected across the country on 26 January. Services are likely to normalise on 27 January. There is a threat of violence and further road travel disruption at all related protests on 26 January, including at any potential roadblocks established by striking taxi drivers or other protesting groups. Clients in France on 26 January should monitor local media closely, avoid all street protests and unofficial roadblocks and exercise heightened personal security awareness near all major transport hubs, including airports.

FRANCE(PARIS) - (Update) Participants in a taxi strike and related protest have clashed with police in several parts of Paris on 26 January. The demonstration is against the low-cost Uber taxi service. The worst clashes have been reported at the Porte Maillot train station, where at least 19 arrests have been made. Elsewhere, significant disruptions and low-level clashes have been reported on the Boulevard Peripherique and the Paris Orly Airport approach road. The disruptive protest actions have been accompanied by a large police presence, as previous associated demonstrations have been characterised by incidents of violent unrest and vandalism. Residual disruptions to travel in the aforementioned areas, as well as in the vicinity of the Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly airports, are expected for the coming hours. Additionally, clients should expect a significantly lower number of taxis in service and an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. Persons in Paris are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and any related demonstrations. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for associated travel disruptions in the vicinity of any related protest action.

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

GEORGIA(ADJARA & GURIA REGIONS) - Heavy snowfall and high winds on 25 January have resulted in significant travel disruptions in the south western Guria and Adjara regions, on 26 January. The worst-affected city is Batumi, in the Adjara region, where fallen trees and icy conditions have prompted authorities to close all schools and issue a driving ban; roads are set to re-open on 27 January. Significant road travel disruptions, as well as power outages, have also been reported in Khelvachauri and Kobuleti, which are in the Adjara region. Widespread power outages have also been reported in the mountainous interior of the Adjara and Guria regions. In addition, a number of inter-city and national roads in both regions have been closed or placed under restrictions due to icy conditions, avalanches and fallen trees. Severe winter weather conditions are forecast to persist throughout 26 January, at least. The prevailing conditions are expected to result in further disruptions to travel services, including road and rail, as well as possible disruptions to maritime services in Batumi. It should be noted that snowfall and icy roads have resulted in hazardous driving conditions, which are expected to persist, in affected south western 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.

SYRIA(HOMS) - Two bombings, a car bomb and suicide bombing, were reported in the predominantly Alawite Muslim al-Zahra area of Homs city, central Syria, on 26 January. At least 22 people have been killed and approximately 100 wounded. The bombings occurred near a government checkpoint. Homs is a government-controlled city located in the central Homs governorate. The city has been subject to acts of terrorism and conflict since 2011. In late December 2015, rebel forces withdrew from the city following a ceasefire. While conflict levels have decreased in Homs itself, rebels continue to battle the regime north of the city, in the northern Homs governorate and southern Hama governorate countryside. Spillover, in the form of mortar fire, rocket attacks and bombings, regularly occur. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria, including Homs. Persons in the country should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated and reviewed.

JAMAICA(KINGSTON) - Heightened security measures have been implemented in Jamaica's capital, Kingston ahead of the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) which will be held from 26 to 29 January. The conference which is expected to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, is anticipated to be attended by high level dignitaries from 16 Caribbean countries as well as those from Canada, France the Netherlands, the US and the United Kingdom. Security measures at the Norman Manley International Airport, where a majority of the dignitaries will arrive and depart from is reported to have also increased security measures. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints and random identification checks, may be implemented in the vicinity of the conference venue and airport. Clients in the area advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO, RIO DE JANEIRO & JOINVILLE) - (Update) The Movimento Passe Livre (Free Fare Movement) has called for further protests in major cities in Brazil, on 26 January. The demonstrations are being held in protest against price hikes to public transport fares. Protests are expected at Estacao da Luz in Sao Paulo at 17:00 local time; at the Prefeitura and at the Candelaria in Rio de Janeiro at 07:00 and 17:00 respectively; and at Praca da Bandeira in Joinville at 18:00. Protests are also possible in other urban areas on the day. Protests over increases in public transport fares have sparked widespread, sustained and violent protest action in Brazil's urban centres in recent years, most notably in June 2013 and more recently in 2015/2016. Police have clashed with protesters on multiple occasions and often use teargas to disperse the groups. In light of this, the possibility of violence during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Additionally, the protest action has the potential to result in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Brazil's larger cities are advised to monitor local media for updates on times and locations of protests and avoid all protests as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(OAXACA STATE) - The National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) has called for protests in Mexico's Oaxaca state on 27 January. The main gathering is scheduled to take place at Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo) at 15:00 local time. The protests have been called to demand the release of political prisoners affiliated with the organisation. Associated gatherings are expected to place elsewhere in Oaxaca state, although further details have not been disclosed. Teachers unions frequently hold protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms; these are generally well supported. The upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated near the affected area of the city. Clients in Oaxaca on 27 January are advised to monitor local media for updates on times and locations of protests and avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

NAPEL(TERAI, KATHMANDU) - Protest action in Nepal, specifically in the southern Terai region, is likely to continue, after groups representing the interests of ethnic Madhesi people signified their intent to carry on with demonstration action in the short-term at least. This latest development comes after the country's legislature made several amendments to the constitution on 23 January, pertaining specifically to the rights of minority groups in the country. However, the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), a coalition of four political parties, has rejected the amendments, stating they still fail to represent Madhesi interests. Although an exact announcement relating to future confirmed protests has yet to be announced, any actions that do take place are likely to focus on district headquarters in the Terai region, and possibly Kathmandu. Given past precedent, the threat of violence is high at such events. In other developments, a blockade that has been enforced by Madhesi protesters at the primary crossing between India and Nepal has been partially lifted. Although officially still in place, the number of protesters at the Birgunj border crossing has dwindled considerably, allowing some goods to pass through. The crossing, which accounts for 70 percent of imports into Nepal, has been blocked since 24 September by Madhesi protesters in order to pressure the government into making constitutional amendments in their favour. Given that some goods are able to get into Nepal, months-long shortages of fuel and essential goods may ease somewhat. However, should protests escalate again, the blockade may be enforced more vigorously, thus exacerbating current shortages. Clients in Nepal are advised to monitor local developments closely. All protest action should be avoided as a precaution against violent unrest. In addition, heightened caution is advised in the Terai region.

SENEGAL(THIES) - Teachers in Senegal's western city of Thies will participate in a 48-hour general strike starting on 27 January. The industrial action is expected to be accompanied by demonstrations, although specific details of these gatherings have not been disclosed. The strike and associated protest action has been organised in response to various labour grievances in the city's education sector, including the proposed redeployment of scores of teachers at the Academy of Thies. Although the protest action is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for violence cannot be discounted, particularly if the gatherings draw the support of student activists. Consequently, clients in Thies should avoid all associated gatherings and, where possible, defer travel to education facilities that are observing the call to strike and protest action.

ROMANIA(BUCHAREST) - A major demonstration by timber industry workers is currently underway in central Bucharest on 26 January and is expected to conclude at 16:00 local time. The demonstration is taking place in Victoria Square, where a number of traffic restrictions have been implemented, including on Aviatorilor Boulevard and Paris Street. Although the demonstration is currently proceeding peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Residual disruptions to travel in the affected area are expected for the coming hours. Clients in Bucharest are advised to monitor developments closely and avoid the aforementioned affected site as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.