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

UK/INDONESIA - Five-star airline Garuda Indonesia is to begin services from London to Jakarta, operating from their new UK base at Terminal 3 of London's Heathrow Airport. The new service will be the first and only non-stop flight to connect the UK and Indonesia, beginning Thursday 31 March 2016. It is expected that seats will be on sale from the third week of February. As part of the move, the Indonesian flag carrier will increase its service frequency to five times per week, departing every day except Mondays and Fridays. Cutting out the previous stopover at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the service will cater to business travellers travelling to Jakarta. Return flights to the UK will be direct via Singapore. The move to Heathrow is part of Garuda Indonesia's strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe and meet its commitment as the national flag carrier, to connect Indonesia to the world. Once in Jakarta passengers will be able to take advantage of Garuda Indonesia's onward routes to Australia, various South East Asian destinations and 58 domestic locations. The change will allow the airline and passengers to take full advantage of the SkyTeam facilities available at Heathrow, including streamlined connections from regional UK and Irish airports.

UNITED STATES - JetBlue Airways announced plans to launch new non-stop service between Buffalo, New York and Los Angeles on June 18. The carrier will operate the daily flights using Airbus A320 aircraft. Flights are scheduled to depart Buffalo Niagara International Airport at 6:40 p.m. and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport at 9:06 p.m. From Los Angeles, flights will depart at 10:09 p.m. and arrive back in Buffalo at 6:05 a.m. the next morning. JetBlue's Airbus A320 aircraft are equipped with 42 seats in Even More Space, the airline's premium economy lite section, and 108 seats in coach. Premium economy lite-seats are 17.8" wide, and have a pitch of 38" to 39". The new flight will be the first non-stop from upstate New York to California. JetBlue currently offers non-stop service to nine California destinations from New York State.

CANADA - Marriott Rewards expands program to include stays at Delta Hotels and Resorts, which was acquired in 2015 by Marriott International. Twenty-one Delta properties across Canada are already participating and the remaining fourteen hotels will join by April 2016. Current Delta Privilege members will also enjoy the full benefits of membership in Marriott Rewards.

SOMALIA/DJIBOUTI - At least two people were injured following a low-scale explosion on a Daallo Airlines flight en route from Somalia to Djibouti on 2 February. The Airbus A321 was reportedly carrying 74 passengers at the time of the incident. Airline officials have stated that only one of the passengers failed to disembark the plane after it returned to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu; unconfirmed reports suggest that the missing passenger may have been killed in the blast. Although the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, several aviation experts have indicated that an explosive device may have been involved. Should the use of an explosive device be confirmed, the incident will serve to underscore both the extreme threats of terrorism in Somalia as well as the poor security standards of airports in the country. Moreover, the incident would signify an escalation in the operational scope of terrorist organisations in the country. The primary threat of terrorism stems from the Islamist extremist group, al-Shabaab, which is currently engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Somali government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) forces. The group frequently carries out attacks against government installations, security forces and civilian interests in Somalia. However, it should be noted the group has yet to orchestrate a significant attack on an airline. In light of this latest incident, as well as protracted insecurity in the country, travellers in Somalia should anticipate increased security checks at the Aden Adde International Airport in the near-term. In light of the aforementioned incident, persons scheduled to fly with Daallo Airlines are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information regarding possible disruptions to their flight schedules. Furthermore, due the extreme threats posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping, all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, is advised against. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to within 5km of Djibouti's border with Somalia.

ITALY(LAZIO) - A union-led 24-hour strike is expected to cause disruptions in Italy's Lazio region, which is located in the province of Rome, on 4 February. CONTRAL and ATAC services are expected to be affected. Italy's public transport 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 by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well observed, and to result in significant disruptions to rail and bus services in the country. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely on this day. Persons in the affected areas are advised to anticipate disruptions to local public transport services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

EGYPT(CAIRO) - Taxi drivers have reportedly called for a protest in Mostafa Mahmoud Square in Giza, Greater Cairo, starting at 18:00 local time on 4 February. The protest has been called to demand that the government ban low-cost taxi services, Uber and Careem. At present it is unclear how many taxi drivers will heed the call to protest. Should the protest proceed, there is a threat of confrontations in the vicinity of the protest venue. Localised road travel disruptions are also possible. Clients in the affected area on 4 February are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all protest gatherings as a precaution.

IRELAND/UNITED KINGDOM - The far-right group Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA), is expected to officially launch an Irish division at an inauguration rally expected in the capital, Dublin, on 6 February. The rally is scheduled to commence at 15:00 local time in O'Connell Street. Additionally, PEGIDA in the UK has called for a mass protest march in Birmingham on 6 February, scheduled to commence at the International railway station in the city. Both events are expected to be accompanied by counter-demonstrations organised by a number of anti-fascist groups in the same vicinity. PEGIDA, founded in Germany, has established branches in as many as 15 countries, including the latest branch in Ireland. The group has titled 6 February as a "Day of Action", saying it is a campaign encompassing a series of protests across Europe to oppose the increase in immigration and the proliferation of Islam in the region. PEGIDA has grown in popularity in Europe, with local groups and branches being formed in different countries. It should be noted that demonstrations related to religious or ethnic issues in Ireland often prompt counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Furthermore, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have been reported in the UK. Although the upcoming gatherings will take place amid an increased police presence, the risk of violent civil unrest remains. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the affected areas. Persons in Dublin on 6 February are advised to expect an increased police presence and should avoid the vicinity of the upcoming rally as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions during the scheduled events.

AUSTRIA(VIENNA) - Security has been considerably heightened in Austria's capital, Vienna, in anticipation of the annual Opera Ball scheduled to take place on 4 February. An increased police deployment and counter terrorism unit are expected to be deployed in the vicinity of the State Opera House due to the high profile attendees and foreign dignitaries scheduled to attend the event. Ringstrasse Road is expected to be closed for the duration of the event. As many as 5,000 people are scheduled to attend the event; localised disruptions due to road closures and increased security measures should be anticipated for the duration of the event. Although authorities in Austria have given no indication of an imminent terrorist threat, additional measures have been taken as a precaution against the increased threat of attacks across Europe. Persons in Vienna on 4 February should anticipate potential travel disruptions due to the increased security presence and road closures in the affected area.

EASTERN EUROPE - (Update) According to health officials on 3 February, an outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, has caused fatalities in a number of Eastern European countries since mid-December. The most widespread and severe outbreaks have been reported in Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and Armenia. In Ukraine, which is the worst affected country, at least 185 people have died of the infection; 37 deaths have been reported in the capital, Kiev. In Russia, at least 107 people have die; St Petersburg remains the worst affected city, with 36 fatalities and thousands of reported infections. In Turkey, health officials stated that approximately 60 people have been killed by the virus. Elsewhere, a low number of infections and fatalities have been reported in Georgia, Poland and Latvia. Influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu, is a subtype of the influenza A virus and is believed to be a combination of the swine, human and avian flu viruses. The virus is transmitted through the air. The H1N1 virus can manifest as typical influenza-like symptoms or severe and even fatal pneumonia. Those at risk of contracting the disease are typically persons in close contact with swine, poultry or other infected persons. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the world was post-pandemic for H1N1 in 2010, the virus still circulates during the autumn and winter seasons in various countries around the world. In response to the infections, health authorities are expected to launch preventative campaigns in places where they have not already commenced. Clients in the aforementioned countries, particularly in the worst-affected areas, are advised to monitor local developments and follow the directives of the authorities regarding public health advice and precautions. Furthermore, persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

EGYPT(CAIRO) - An Italian national, Giulio Regeni, was reported missing in Egypt's capital, Cairo, on 25 January. On 3 February, the Italian government issued a statement indicating that Regeni was likely deceased but was awaiting final confirmation from the Egyptian authorities. Unconfirmed media reports indicate that the victim's body was discovered in a Cairo suburb. Further media reports that cited a friend of Regeni indicate that he initially went missing after leaving his Cairo home to visit another friend in downtown Cairo. His disappearance coincided with the anniversary of the 2011 revolution in Egypt, which led to the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. During the 2016 anniversary, anti-government protests were reported across Egypt, including in Cairo. Further details regarding Regeni's disappearance and likely death are unavailable. The incident is peculiar for Cairo. Violent crime and kidnappings impacting on foreign nationals are rare in Greater Cairo. Over the past year there has only been one noteworthy incident affecting a foreigner, the July 2015 kidnap and murder of a Croatian national by Islamic State (IS)-linked militants. Despite an increased countrywide militant threat since 2011, Cairo remains a relatively secure city, and has been the focal point of the government's counterterrorism efforts. Clients in Cairo are advised to adopt a basic level of security precaution, including reducing travel at night, avoiding all street protests, considering travelling with a local escort, avoiding travel on foot, and ensuring that they maintain a heightened level of personal security awareness at all times.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - (Update) A protest organised by Movimento Passe Livre (MPL) against price hikes to public transport fares is anticipated in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 4 February. Participants are expected to gather at Largo de Sao Mateus at 17:00 local time. Protests in other urban centres remain a possibility; however, further details have not been disclosed. 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. Given this dynamic, the possibility of violence during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. In addition, the protest action has the potential to result in localised travel disruptions. Further related protests should be anticipated in major urban centres in the short- to medium-term, at least. Clients in the Sao Paulo area on 4 February are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to make allowances for potential localised disruptions. Local media should be monitored for updates on related upcoming events.

ALBANIA(TIRANA) - Environmental activists have called for continued protests in Albania's capital, Tirana, according to reports released on 3 February. The activists are protesting the construction of a hydroelectric plant in the Nivice Canyon, which was approved by the Ministry of Culture on 23 November 2015. According to environmental experts and activists, the plant's construction is likely to impact on the area's archaeological and natural heritage. Further information regarding the upcoming protests is unavailable. Protest activity occurs periodically in Albania. Given the nature of the planned protests, activists are likely to blockade the Nivice Canyon area, in addition to holding related protests in the capital. These events are likely to be well attended, and non-violent; however, confrontations cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are also to be anticipated. Clients in Tirana are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on upcoming protests. Although the protests are expected to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings, as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the protests are expected to result in travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN - Official festivities associated with the annual Carnival are set to take place in countries throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean between 3 and 10 February. In Brazil, official events will be held between 5 and 9 February; while festivities have been cancelled in as many as 48 cities across the country due to an economic downturn, celebrations are still expected in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Salvador. Additionally, large festivities will be held in Colombia (Barranquilla), Venezuela (El Callao) and Argentina (Gualeguaychu) from 6 to 9 February, Bolivia (Oruro) from 5 to 8 February, Peru (Cajamarca) from 6 to 10 February, Haiti (Port-au-Prince, Cayes and Jacmel) from 7 to 9 February, Mexico (Mazatlan) from 3 to 9 February and Trinidad and Tobago (Port of Spain) from 8 to 9 February. Smaller gatherings are possible in other urban centres in all of the above-mentioned countries as well as elsewhere across South and Central America and the Caribbean. Mardi Gras celebrations should also be anticipated in the US from 5 to 9 February, particularly in New Orleans (Louisiana) and Mobile (Alabama). Localised travel disruptions are likely for the duration of the events, as there will be numerous road closures in place; a high demand for public transport is expected. In addition, Carnival celebrations usually attract opportunistic criminal elements who take advantage of the large crowds to conduct petty theft; an increase in street crimes, such as pickpocketing, is thus probable. There is also a possibility of protests occurring during the carnival period, as protesters may oppose the prioritisation of the carnivals amid economic downturns, such as in Brazil, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. It should also be noted that Haiti's carnival period from 7 to 9 February will coincide with the end of president Michel Martelly's term of office on 7 February amid the country's political crisis. Pro-and anti-government protests, which have the potential to turn violent, may coincide with festivities in Port-au-Prince. Clients in host cities are advised to seek further information on events from local contacts and news sources. Persons in these areas should plan for travel disruptions and are advised to exercise heightened security awareness when attending carnival events. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

PERU(LIMA) - Unionised police officers and their supporters are expected to stage a demonstration in Peru's capital, Lima, on 5 February, amid a strike action. The participants are expected to proceed from the Plaza Dos de Mayo to the Government Palace. The protest is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Given the coinciding industrial action, the protest is expected to be well attended and localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. Persons in Lima on 4 February are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions and avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest.

RUSSIA - Freight truck drivers in Russia are expected to protest in various cities on 6 February in opposition to 'Platon', a federal highway toll system. A protest is expected to take place at 12:00 local time in the South Primorsky district in St Petersburg. Additionally, truck drivers are expected to protest in the capital, Moscow, near the Alexander Bridge, from 11:00. Related gatherings have been scheduled at Central Square at 11:00 in Izhevsk and at the Kosmodemyanskoy monument in Tambov on 6 February. Additional gatherings related to the aforementioned protests are expected in urban centres across the country. The long-distance freight haulers are opposed to the new system, implemented in October 2015, as it has imposed restrictions on vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes and increased road taxes. Freight truck drivers have previously staged significantly disruptive go-slow protests over related issues. Ongoing negotiations regarding the aforementioned law have been reported; should the protesters' demands not be met, further protests may occur in the near-term. The protests are not expected to be accompanied by significant levels of violence; however, the possibility of altercations between truck drivers and security forces cannot be discounted. Significant travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the protests. Clients in Russia on 6 February are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential delays and localised disruptions. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

COTE D'IVOIRE - Workers aligned with the Societe Nationale d'Operations Petrolieres de la Cote d'Ivoire (Petroci), the national oil and gas company in Cote d'Ivoire, initiated a 72-hour strike on 2 February to protest against recent staff redundancies. Several associated sit-ins are scheduled for 5 February. These are expected in the Plateau and Treichville areas of Abidjan, the economic capital. To date, there have been no reports of violence during the labour agitation. While largely peaceful to date, the potential for clashes between striking oil and gas workers and the authorities remains elevated. In addition to the above-mentioned protest areas, gatherings near Petroci facilities countrywide are possible. There is also a potential for the strike to continue beyond 5 February. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Cote d'Ivoire, due to various security concerns. Persons in the country should exercise caution in the vicinity of all Petroci facilities. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Factory workers formerly employed by a pipe factory in Ferizaj, located in southern Kosovo, are expected to hold a demonstration outside the Kosovo Privatisation Agency (AKP) building in the capital, Pristina, on 4 February. The workers are protesting to demand the implementation of a court ruling ordering their former employer to compensate them for unfair dismissal. Further information regarding the planned protest is unavailable. Protests in Kosovo are largely peaceful; however, low-level acts of violence are occasionally reported. The general risk to foreign nationals is considered largely incidental. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest venue should be anticipated. Although the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings, as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the demonstration is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) has called for a protest in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 5 February. Participants are expected to gather at Los Pinos, the official residence of the president, at 10:00 local time, and proceed to the Secretariat of the Interior building. The protest has been organised over grievances relating to the government's education reforms. CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms. The upcoming demonstration is expected to be well attended and will likely result in road travel disruptions along the protest route. The 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. Clients in Mexico City on 5 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for possible travel delays in the vicinity of the protest.

INDIA(IMPHAL) - Multiple civil society groups will participate in a large-scale rally in Imphal, the administrative capital of India's north eastern state of Manipur, on 6 February. The exact starting time and location for the rally remain unclear. The rally is being held to protest against the 3 August 2015 signing of a framework agreement between the central government and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), who are representatives of the ethnic Naga people. The agreement provided for the greater autonomy of Nagas in Naga-dominated areas outside of Nagaland state, namely Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, critics of the agreement assert that this will violate the territorial integrity of the impacted states, such as Manipur, and have organised the rally to protest against this. Although the exact numbers attending the rally are not known, it is expected to cause localised disruptions, especially due to the high likelihood of security forces being deployed for the event. In addition, although the rally is supposed to remain peaceful, the potential for violence exists. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to several north eastern states, including Manipur, is advised against. Clients in Imphal on the day are advised to avoid all demonstrations and monitor local developments as a precaution.

MALDIVES(MALE) - Heightened security measures are in place in the Maldives' capital, Male, ahead of the 4 February presidential address to the legislature for the first sitting of Parliament. The address by President Abdulla Yameen will take place at the Dharubaaruge Exhibition Hall on Ameenee Magu road. The exact measures remain unclear, but are likely to include increased security force deployments and checkpoints in the vicinity of the Dharubaaruge Exhibition Hall. Elsewhere in Male, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will be holding a rally during the evening of 4 February, although further details pertaining to this are unclear. Political tensions remain elevated in the Maldives in light of the controversial arrest, trial and subsequent jailing of several prominent political figures, including MDP leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed, during 2015. Given this, and that the MDP retains considerable support, the rally in is likely to be well attended. This, along with the likely security force deployment for the presidential address, means that localised disruptions in Male are expected during the course of 4 February. In addition, given past precedent, the possibility of violence between police and rally attendees cannot be ruled out. Clients on Male on 4 February are advised to monitor local developments closely, anticipate localised disruptions and avoid all politically motivated events as a precautionary measure.

CHILE - Mass rallies against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) are set to be held in various cities across Chile on 4 January. The capital, Santiago, as well as Arica, Chaiten, Concepcion, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Temuco and Valdivia, are among the urban centres set to be affected by the demonstrations. Given the city's prominence, the largest gathering is likely to take place in Santiago, where participants are set to gather outside La Moneda (Presidential Palace) at 18:30 local time. Protests and demonstrations, often motivated by economic, social and labour concerns, frequently occur in Chile. The anti-TPP rallies are expected to be well attended and to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest venues. Persons in Chile on 4 February are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on rally locations, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Clients should make allowances for localised travel delays in the vicinity of any protest gathering.

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