Header NEWS
 
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
WORLDWIDE ALERT(ZIKA VIRUS) - (UPDATE) The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has upgraded its advisories regarding the Zika Virus. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can be spread from mosquito to human, as well as from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby.  Research is ongoing; however, there have been reports of a serious birth defect (microcephaly) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Two people in Brazil contracted the Zika Virus through blood transfusions, the first reports of that sort of transmission in an outbreak that is projected to infect millions in the coming months. The American Red Cross, as well as health officials in Canada and Britain, have been urging people who have traveled to regions affected by the Zika Virus to wait at least 28 days before giving blood. For additional information about Zika, including travel advisories, visit the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov and view the White House's Zika page. To obtain CDC travel notices, call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) from within the United States, or 1-404-639-3534 from overseas.
The CDC has confirmed active Zika virus transmission in the following foreign countries and territories:
UNITED KINGDOM / IRAN(BRITISH AIRWAYS) - British Airways is resuming direct flights to the Iranian capital Tehran following the lifting of western economic sanctions against the country. Starting July 14, the airline will operate a six-times weekly service during the summer before moving to daily flights towards the end of the year. The service, which resumes after operations ended in October 2012, will be operated by a four-class Boeing 777 and depart from Heathrow Terminal 5. Neil Cottrell, British Airways' head of network planning, said: "Iran is a large and growing economy and Tehran is a brilliant business city so we are incredibly excited to be adding another gateway to the Middle East for our customers. The recent lifting of sanctions opens up exciting new prospects for Iran as a tourist destination and with its rich heritage, unique architecture and world-class food it's unsurprising Tehran is tipped to be a popular destination for 2016." The airline has a long history of flying to the city and offered the first scheduled flights between London and Tehran in 1946. Tehran is one of 14 new routes British Airways will be launching this year, which include San Jose, Costa Rica, San Jose, California and Lima in Peru.
  
EUROPE(EUROWINGS) - Lufthansa's low cost airline Eurowings has announced a route from Dusseldorf to East Midlands airport. The service, which starts on March 27, will operate six-times weekly with weekday flights leaving Germany at 11:25 and arriving in the UK at 11:50 (local time). The return journey leaves East Midlands at 12:25 and arrives in Dusseldorf at 14:45. On Sundays the flight will leave at 06:50 and arrive in East Midland at 07:50. The service will be operated by a Bombadier CRJ-900.

BANGLADESH(UNITED AIRWAYS) - United Airways Bangladesh temporarily suspended all international and domestic flight operations on 4 February. The suspension comes amid technical and financial challenges; reports indicate the Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) owes a significant amount of dues to the airline. Additionally, a permit to operate its aircraft has been denied to the carrier by CAAB on technical grounds. Unconfirmed reports indicate the airline may be operational by 15 February. Further information is unavailable. In September 2014, the airline also suspended all services amid financial constraints. Additionally, reports allege the airline has been criticised due to frequent delays and poor service since 2014. Should scheduled services resume in the near-term, the possibility of further flight cancellations at short notice, remains possible. Clients scheduled to fly with United Airways Bangladesh are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to enquire as to the status of their travel arrangements.
 
Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on United Airways Bangladesh Airlines who were ticketed through ATG.
 
PAKISTAN(PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES) - (Update) All domestic and international flights on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan's national carrier, remain cancelled on 5 February amid an ongoing strike by PIA employees. Reports indicate that strikes will continue until 7 February. Flights have been cancelled after violent protests outside Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on 2 February left two people dead and over 15 others wounded. It is unclear at this point when PIA services will resume. If and when they do, ongoing disruptions are expected while PIA services normalise. In addition, increased demand on other carriers is also expected. It should also be noted that if PIA employees, who are protesting against the proposed privatization of the airline, engage in further demonstrations, such actions may block access to airport facilities across the country.  Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Pakistan is advised against. Clients intending to travel to or within the country by air in the short-term, especially on PIA, are advised to contact the airline, their departure airport or their travel provider for updates on the status of services.
 
Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers on Pakistan International Airlines who were ticketed through ATG.
UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has called for industrial action in the UK's capital, London, on 6 February. The Tube strike, which will be conducted by RMT-affiliated London Underground (LU) station staff, is expected to begin at 21:00 local time on 6 February, and conclude at 21:00 on 8 February. The strike, which is expected to result in major travel disruptions for LU commuters, has been called in opposition to the 'Fit for the Future - stations' programme.  Alternative transport services, which include busses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Thames Clipper boat, London Overground and National Rail services are expected to be available during the duration of the industrial action. Clients in London should note that the strike action is anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions across the city, and delays should be expected. As the strike will more than likely result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport, clients should consider organising and/or booking other means of transport in advance.

EUROPE - (Update) In addition to rallies in Dublin and Birmingham planned by the far-right group "Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident" (PEGIDA) on 6 February, protests will also be held in Austria, Germany and Poland on 6 February. Reports indicate that protest rallies will be held in Austria on the Andritzer Hauptplatz in Graz from 14:00 local time; in Germany at the Hauptbanhof in Berlin at 14:00 and at the Wiesenweg at 16:00 and in Dresden at the Konigsufer at 16:30; in Poland at the Plac Zamkowy w Warszawie in Warsaw at 15:00. Counter demonstrations will also be held in Paris, France, at the Fontaine de Innocents at 14:00 and in Berlin, Germany at the Hauptbanhof at 13:30 and in Potsdam at the Potsdam Hauptbanhof at 12:40. Precedent suggests that each of the demonstrations will be accompanied by a deployment of security forces. In addition to the aforementioned protest locations, PEGIDA officials indicated in statements on 23 January that protests would also be held in Estonia, Finland, Slovakia and Switzerland, although these are unconfirmed. Although the upcoming gatherings will take place amid an increased police presence, the risk of violent civil unrest remains. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstrations. Persons in the affected areas on 6 February are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any counter-demonstrations as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Reports on 5 February indicate that 'voitures de tourisme avec chauffeur' (VTC) taxi drivers are converging on the Place de la Nation in the eastern part of France's capital, Paris, as part of a demonstration. VTC refers to the category of private chauffeurs linked to ride-sharing apps like Uber, which has angered regular taxi services, some of whom are forced to pay up to 200,000 euros for taxi licences on secondary markets, due to limited quantities issued by the state. The move follows an earlier blockade of the A1 highway en route to Charles de Gaulle Airport, which began at 05:30 local time on the morning of 5 February, but which has now been lifted. Reports indicate that residual delays from the airport into Paris may still exist. Organised by the Alternative Mobilite Transport Group, representing 10 VTC companies, the protest action marks the fifth day of protest against government measures to impose restrictions on private chauffeur operations. Previous protest gatherings have occurred elsewhere in the capital, including at the Republic Square on 4 February. In addition, a number of skirmishes between opposing taxi organisations at protest and blockade locations have been reported. Clients in Paris are advised to avoid the vicinity of the Place de la Nation for the remainder of 5 February, and to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate likely travel delays if operating in the affected areas.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES(DUBAI) - The Dubai Tour (http://www.dubaitour.com/) cycle event is ongoing and will continue until 6 February. The event will take cyclists through various parts of Dubai, resulting in the closure of roads at times and possible localised road travel disruptions. Travellers in Dubai should monitor local media, including the Dubai Tour website, for further information on the tour itinerary and for planned road closures.

SOMALIA(MOGADISHU & MERCA) - A bomb detonated in a vehicle in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on 5 February. The blast occurred in the Wadajir area and killed three people. The bomb reportedly targeted a Somalian government official's vehicle. Elsewhere, Al-Shabaab militants reportedly captured the town of Merca on 5 February. The group took control after the withdrawal of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) force. The reason for AMISOM's withdrawal is unclear. The town is located 90km south west of the capital. Acts of terrorism are regularly reported in Mogadishu. Most incidents are claimed or attributed to Al-Shabaab. The militant group currently controls parts of southern and central Somalia. Despite territorial losses in recent years, the organisation maintains a significant operational capability and regularly conducts attacks in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya. Fighting against AMISOM and Federal Government of Somalia military forces is also common across the centre and south. The capture of Merca, if confirmed, would be a major victory for Al-Shabaab. If they manage to hold the town, their ability to plan and execute assaults against their rivals in central Somalia, including in Mogadishu, would be enhanced. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

MALI(TIMBUKTU) - Assailants attacked a UN facility in Timbuktu, northern Mali, on 5 February. The attackers detonated a car bomb at a Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)-run building, located at the site of the former Hotel Palmeraie, in the early morning. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the attackers have entered the facility and have taken hostages. A security operation is underway to clear the building. A gun attack was also reported on a Malian security force checkpoint in the Kabara area of the city. There is an elevated risk of terrorism in Mali, stemming from various non-state armed groups, including Islamist extremists. Given the apparent method, Islamist militants are the likely perpetrators of the 5 February incident. Further violence is possible as security forces deploy to retake the MINUSMA facility and deploy in the city to pursue the attackers. Clients are advised against all travel to the Timbuktu region. Persons in Timbuktu city should seek shelter in a secure location and monitor local emergency broadcast channels/media for updates and advisories. Concentrations of security force personnel and security and government facilities should be avoided.

HAITI(PORT-AU-PRINCE) - (Update) President Michel Martelly has made an announcement indicating his intention to depart the office of the president on 7 February. The presidential coalition group, Group of Eight (G8) initially called for a series of protests in Port-au-Prince in the lead up to 7 February to demand the resignation of Martelly, whose term is due to expire. Sustained protests were reported in Port-au-Prince in recent days after Martelly signalled his intention to remain in office beyond 7 February, in the absence of any other legitimate candidate to succeed him and citing article 136 of the constitution. On 4 February, disruptive protests marred by gunshots and low-level violence were reported in the vicinity of the Parliament building where a joint session of the 50th legislature took place. Additionally, further protests are possible in light of the anniversary of the overthrow of the Jean-Claude Duvalier regime, on 7 February. Despite these latest developments, continued protests are anticipated due to the current political instability in the country. Haiti has been subject to sustained protests following the October 2015 ballot, which failed to yield a conclusive winner. The run-off election initially scheduled for 24 January was postponed indefinitely amid escalating violence, protests and civil disturbances initiated in response to claims of electoral fraud and corruption by opposition candidates, namely Jude Celestin, who threatened to boycott the election. Despite Martelly's intention to leave office, new election dates and a successor has yet to be announced. Furthermore, opposition and other groups remain at odds regarding who should lead the country following Martelly's announcement signalling his imminent departure from office on 4 January. Select opposition groups initiated protests demanding that former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide who was ousted in a coup in 2004, return to office as head of the interim government. These protests were reported in the vicinity of Parliament and were well-supported on 4 February. A contingent of opposition parties and their supporters have advocated the appointment of a Supreme Court Judge as president of an interim government who can assist with scheduling and overseeing free and fair elections. This has the potential to prompt protests; unrest between supporters of opposing political parties is possible. Opposition and other groups may also seek to highlight their respective causes and grievances on the anniversary of the overthrow of the Jean-Claude Duvalier regime in 1986. Despite this latest political development which may serve to placate opposition parties in the near-term, the overarching political impasse and high levels of political instability in the country are likely to result in sustained protest action in the short- to medium-term. As evidenced in recent months, low-level unrest, incidents of violence between security forces and protesters, civil disturbances, road-blockades and travel disruptions have been reported at many of these protests. The risk of violent unrest at all politically motivated gatherings in considered elevated at this time. Although the capital has been a focal point for much of the protest activity, protests remain 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. 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 as a standard precaution.

NIGERIA(NIGER DELTA REGION) - (Update) A foreign merchant vessel that was hijacked in waters off Nigeria's Niger Delta region was reportedly released on 31 January. The Liberian-flagged vessel, MT Leon Dias, was hijacked by a group of men initially believed to be pro-Biafra militants in the Bakassi Peninsula, within the Gulf of Guinea, on 29 January. Circumstances surrounding the vessels' release are unclear, as are the identities of the hijackers. The vessel and its crew are reportedly being escorted to the Port of Cotonou, Benin, by the Beninese navy. The hijackers had demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group and director of Radio Biafra, in return for the safety of the ship and its crew. The perpetrators initially gave the government 31 days to comply with their demands, after which they threatened to destroy the vessel and kill its crew members. Nigerian authorities have since asserted that, other than the aforementioned demand, there was little to link the hijackers with pro-Biafra agitators. It is suspected that these demands were made to conceal a simple act of criminality. Regardless of the motivations behind the hijacking, the incident serves to underscore the high kidnapping and piracy risks in the Niger Delta, including in the Gulf of Guinea. Commercial ships, oil rigs and their crews are often the targets of such incidents; however, leisure boats are also occasionally targeted. Given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa, Cross River State, Delta State and Rivers State due to various security concerns, particularly crime, kidnapping and piracy. Seafarers who intend to sail in the Niger Delta, including the Gulf of Guinea, are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming victims of piracy. Local maritime authorities should be consulted prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity.

INDIA(TAMIL NADU) - Localised disruptions have been reported as a result of a train derailment in India's Tamil Nadu state on 5 February. Several coaches reportedly derailed near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border near Patchur in the Vallore district and resulted in numerous injuries. The train was en route from Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) to Bengaluru (Karnataka) when the incident occurred. The cause of the derailment remains unknown. Railway services in the affected area have been temporarily suspended amid cleanup and rescue operations. Southern Railway express train services, including Double Decker, Lalbagh and Brindavan, have been cancelled. Additionally, traffic on the Chennai-Bengaluru thoroughfare has been affected. Disruptions, including the suspension of services and delays on the affected lines, are likely to continue in coming hours, due to a backlog of scheduled services. Additional road-based travel disruptions also remain possible. Clients intending to utilise the affected railways in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on possible delays and should monitor local media for ongoing information on the status of services.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - A low-level bomb explosion in a rubbish container on Fatih Street, in the Sultanbeyli district of Istanbul, Turkey, wounded two people on 4 February. The incident follows several recent shootings in the country. On 3 February, three people were wounded in a shooting at a teahouse in the Sultanciftligi area of the Sultangazi district. Two further shootings, in the Kanarya area (Kucukcekmece district), targeting a teahouse, and in Eyup district, targeting a cultural association, occurred on 1 and 2 February respectively. The attacks on 1 and 2 February left three people dead. The motive for the attacks is unclear. There is a high risk of terrorism in Istanbul and incidents are periodically reported; however, the information at hand suggests that the bombing and shootings may be related to personal disputes or criminal activity. A connection between the incidents has not been made. An increased security presence is possible in the affected areas over the near-term. Clients in Istanbul should exercise heightened caution when travelling at night. Particular caution is advised in the vicinity of recent affected areas.

CYPRUS(LARNACA) - Unionised bus drivers employed by Zenon Coaches are currently observing a strike action of indefinite duration, in Larnaca, on 5 February. The strike has been organised as part of an ongoing dispute with the government and the employer over pay. Persons in Larnaca are advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements of possible future strike action.

CYPRUS(LIMASSOL) - Unionised bus drivers employed by the Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) are expected to observe a 24-hour strike action in Limassol, a city in Cyprus, on 9 February. The strike has been organised as part of an ongoing dispute with the government and the employer over pay. The decision to strike followed a meeting on 3 February by labour unions including the Cyprus Workers' Confederation (SEK) and the Pancyprian Federation of Labour (PEO). The 24-hour strike has been called in connection with the failure of EMEL to reinstate worker salary rates and benefits that were reduced in 2014 and 2015 as part of a temporary arrangement. The level of salaries and benefits has not yet been restored. The strike action follows similar action by the drivers of Larnaca's bus company Zenon, which began indefinite strikes on 3 February. Persons in Limassol on 9 February are advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements of possible future strike action.

SOUTH AFRICA(JOHANNESBURG) - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is set to stage a demonstration at the office of the National Economic Development and Labour Caucus (NEDLAC), in Johannesburg, on 5 February. The demonstration, which is expected to be the first in a series of protests, has been organised in opposition to amendments to tax laws governing retirement funds. The NEDLAC offices are located on Jellicoe Avenue, in the city's Rosebank area. Protests and demonstrations stemming from political issues and labour disputes are common in South Africa. Although anticipated to pass peacefully, precedent suggests that the potential for violence at COSATU demonstrations cannot be discounted. Furthermore, significant disruptions to road travel should be anticipated for the duration of the protest action. Persons in Johannesburg on 5 February are advised to make allowances for possible travel disruptions on the day. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SRI LANKA(COLOMBO) - Human rights groups and activists are expected to stage a demonstration in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, on 6 February. The demonstration is expected to take place in the vicinity of Lipton Circus, and has been scheduled to coincide with the UN high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad Al Husseins's visit to the country from 6 to 9 February. The UN representative is expected to hold talks with the government regarding a UN resolution passed in 2015, which will assist the implementation of an accountability mechanism for the alleged mass atrocities committed during the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan civil war was fought between security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE or Tamil Tigers) insurgent group, who sought to establish an independent Tamil state in the north and east of the country. A UN panel indicated as many as 100,000 civilians were killed amid the conflict, which was reported between 1983 and 2009. Human rights and civil society groups are demonstrating in a bid to pressure the government into acknowledging the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution, in order to address the post-conflict issues that were not addressed after the end of the armed conflict in May 2009 when the government defeated the LTTE. Critics allege that very little has been done by the government to build reconciliation, address the perceived war crimes committed by the armed forces and assist those allegedly tortured during the conflict. Although the upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude without major incident, it should be noted that incidents of violence and unrest have previously been reported at demonstrations and gatherings related to post-conflict concerns, particularly regarding alleged human rights crimes perpetrated by the government, due to its emotive nature. Associated demonstrations and gatherings remain possible across the country, particularly in Jaffna, the capital of the Northern Province, where anti-government sentiment remains elevated and Eelam Tamils constitute a majority. Clients in Sri Lanka between 6 and 9 February are advised to exercise heightened caution and avoid all gatherings, demonstrations and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Allowances should be made for possible localised travel delays in the vicinity of the demonstration. Furthermore, heightened caution is advised in the Northern Province due to an increased military presence in the area.

CZECH REPUBLIC(PRAGUE) - The US Embassy in the Czech Republic has issued a statement indicating that protests are expected in the capital, Prague, on 6 February from 11:00 to 20:00 local time. The embassy anticipates that approximately 300 to 2,000 people will attend the gatherings, which are in response to various ongoing issues, including immigration and the status of the European Union (EU). The embassy has stated that the protests will impact on the Vaclavske namesti, Staromestske namesti, Malostranske namesti, Hradcanske namesti and Namesti Miru areas and their immediate surrounds. The events are likely to result in localised road travel disruptions. There is a low threat of violence; however, confrontations between protesters and the police cannot be discounted. Clients in Prague on 6 February should exercise heightened caution in areas where protests are anticipated. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

INDONESIA - Various trade unions, including the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI), are scheduled to participate in rallies across Indonesia on 6 February. The main rally is expected to take place in front of the Presidential Palace, in the capital, Jakarta. Associated rallies have been scheduled in Surabaya, Batam, Bandung, Medan, Aceh and Makassar. The rallies have been scheduled to oppose the minimum wage reforms, which form part of the economic policy package issued under President Joko Widodo. Critics allege this has resulted in job losses, particularly in the electronics industry. Further information is not available. An estimated 20,000 unionised workers are expected to participate in the labour action. Significant travel disruptions and a heightened police presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protest locations. The upcoming rallies are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients in Indonesia are advised to make allowances for possible road travel disruptions and avoid all protests and related gatherings. Local media should be monitored for information regarding further possible strikes and demonstrations. Furthermore, all non-essential travel to Aceh province is advised against due to numerous security concerns.

INDIA(MANIPUR) - A 48-hour general strike (known locally as a bandh), initiated by the United Naga Council (UNC), is currently underway in the hill districts, including Senapati, located in India's north eastern Manipur state, on 5 February. The strike began on 4 February and is scheduled to conclude at midnight on 6 February. In support of the work stoppage, the Chandel Naga People Organisation (CNPO) has announced a strike in the Chandel district. Thus far, there have been no confirmed reports of violence associated with the strike, although disruptions to businesses and road-based travel have been reported in the affected areas. The UNC is a political grouping representing the interests of the ethnic Naga people. The grouping generally calls for strikes protesting against the perceived inaction of the central government in addressing Naga demands for greater local autonomy in the administration of majority-Naga areas ofManipur. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected for the remainder of the strike period. The possibility remains that any associated protests, agitation or events may rapidly degenerate into violent clashes between separatist activists and security forces. Clients in the affected parts of Manipur are advised to avoid all strike-related activity as a precaution. Due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur, and a number of other states in the north eastern region, is advised against.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you  
need assistance with your travel plans.
  

Social Media LinkedIN  Social Media Facebook  Social Media Twitter