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:

UNITED STATES(NEW YORK & CONNECTICUT) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a number of adverse winter weather warnings for parts of the states of New York and Connecticut on 7 February. Significant snowfall and strong winds are expected to impact several areas in these states, including the counties of New Haven and Fairfield in Connecticut, and Long Island in New York. The weather alerts are set to remain in effect until at least 18:00 local time on 8 February. In addition to potential delays and cancellations to flights at major airports in the aforementioned states, the inclement weather may compromise road travel and public transport operations. Furthermore, disruptions to utility services may be experienced in the coming 24 hours. Persons travelling in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media closely or the NWS website (http://www.weather.gov/) for updates and advisories. Travellers should reconfirm all transport services, including flights, with their travel provider prior to departure. Caution is advised while driving on snow-affected roads.

UNITED KINGDOM(ENGLAND & WALES) - Several weather warnings (amber and yellow) were issued by the UK's Met Office (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/) for Southern England and South Wales on 8 February due to Storm Imogen. The storm is bringing gale-force winds and heavy rains. Reports indicate thousands of homes are without electricity in South West England. Public transport disruptions have also been reported; Channel ferry services between P&O and Brittany are cancelled or delayed. In addition, South West Trains, Arriva Trains, Southern Railways and Great Western Railways have all announced delays or speed disruptions to their rail services. Disruptions have also been reported on motorways, including on the M5, M48, M4. Flooding has resulted in the closure of part of the A35 bypass at Dorchester. Inclement weather is expected to continue in the aforementioned areas for most of 8 February. Road conditions, particularly along causeways and coastal roads, are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas; further localised disruptions to road and rail transportation remain possible in these areas. Furthermore, additional disruptions to utilities, such as electricity and telecommunications, should be anticipated. Persons in the affected parts of the UK are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories. Clients travelling in the affected areas are advised to anticipate weather-related disruptions to transport services, and should confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

GERMANY(MUNICH, BERLIN, HANOVER & DRESDEN) - Demonstrations against the far-right group Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA), are anticipated in numerous cities in Germany on 8 February. The protests are anticipated at Odeonsplatz in Munich at 19:00 local time, at Washingtonplatz in Berlin at 18:30, and at Georgplatz in Hanover at 18:30. An anti-PEGIDA concert is also planned at Theaterplatz in Dresden at 18:30. In addition, an off-shoot of the PEGIDA group in Dresden has also called for a demonstration on the day, despite the cancelling of the PEGIDA rallies in Dresden on 8 February. Although unconfirmed, PEGIDA rallies are possible in other cities as well. The upcoming demonstrations follow widespread PEGIDA protests in multiple European cities on 6 February, the largest of which was held in Dresden. PEGIDA has grown in popularity in Europe, with local branches being formed in several different countries since the group was formed in Germany in 2014. The possibility of violent confrontations between rival protesters and security forces at the upcoming events cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions in the vicinity of all protest sites are also possible. Clients in the aforementioned cities on 8 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

GREECE/BULGARIA - (Update) Protesting Greek farmers continue to block or limit access to border crossings with Bulgaria as of 8 February. Reports indicate that all traffic through the Ilinden-Exochi border crossing has been suspended, while traffic through the alternative Kulata-Promachonas crossing is limited to cars and busses, with miles of parked trucks reported on either side of the border. Localised disruptions as a result of the ongoing protests have been reported on Greece's shared border with Bulgaria since January. The protest by the farmers has resulted in severe road travel disruptions in recent days. The disruptions are set to continue until the government meets their demands. There have been no major acts of violence associated with the agitation to date; however, the risk of low-level clashes does exist. Clients intending to travel across any of Greece's land borders should contact the local authorities or their travel provider prior to departure to check the status of their intended route. All roadblocks or associated street protests should be avoided.

FRANCE - Farmers in multiple locations across France continue to erect roadblocks as part of an ongoing protest against falling agricultural prices. Reports indicate over 100 tractors and farm vehicles are blocking the A10 motorway in Saintes, located in the Charente-Maritime department, as well as the RN141 and RN150 as of 7 February. In the Pas-de-Calais department, farmers have gathered in Arras outside a government building and are blocking the highway, RN 39 (D 939), leading to Touquet. In Brittany, farmers have been blocking access in Bain-de-Bretagne, Gael, Grand-Fougeray, in Ille-et-Vilaine, and Saint-Gerand in Morbihan. The farmers threaten to maintain the current roadblocks until meetings with relevant authorities are held. Farmers associated with the FDSEA have been protesting against the decrease in prices for key agricultural products, including dairy and meat, as well as the official agricultural subsidy which they claim suffers from a 400 million euro shortfall. Hundreds of farmers in the regions of Brittany and Normandy held protests since late January, erecting roadblocks using farm vehicles and lighting fires on highways. Farmers have also created disturbances within local town centres. Persons in the affected areas over the coming days are advised to avoid protest locations as a precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate travel delays, or seek alternative routes to bypass roadblocks. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protest action.

LIBYA(TRIPOLI(LIBYAN AIRLINE)) - Unionised Libyan Airline staff are anticipated to participate in industrial action in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 10 February. The strike action is expected to mainly affect services at airports based in Tripoli, including Tripoli International Airport and Mitiga International Airport. The strike has been called in opposition to the dual-base management system of the airline. The Tripoli-based division of the company is currently operated by the government in Tripoli, while the Benghazi-based operations is are run by the Tokruk administration. Clients intending to transit through airports in the affected areas are advised to consult with their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s) and for travel alternatives. Please note that due to ongoing political instability and conflict in key locations, clients are advised against all travel to Libya.

COSTA RICA(SAN JOSE) - Taxi drivers in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, are expected to stage a number of disruptive protests in the city centre from early on 8 February. Precedent suggests the taxi drivers will stage go-slow protests on major roads, blockade intersections and potentially disrupt the operations of Uber drivers. Uber is a mobile application-based transportation network that uses a smartphone application to receive taxi ride requests from customers; requests are then sent to member drivers. Local taxi drivers consider this a non-competitive practice and therefore a threat to their business. Although the gatherings are likely to be peaceful, anti-Uber protests in other countries have turned violent, with both operators and passengers of the taxi service coming under attack by demonstrators. Clients in San Jose on 8 February are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Furthermore, clients should consider refraining from using Uber services on the day as a precautionary measure.

GHANA - A countrywide transport sector strike is anticipated in Ghana on 8 February. The industrial action has been organised against a recent increase in third-party insurance tariffs, which is a mandatory expense for all taxi operators in the country. The strike is expected to be supported by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Committed Drivers' Association (GCTDA). The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has stated that it does not intend to be a part of the strike; however, there remains a possibility that some GPRTU transport operators may still observe the strike. Although the anticipated participation in the strike remains unclear, disruptions to public transport and taxi services should nonetheless be expected in major towns and cities across Ghana. However, as negotiation efforts are ongoing, the upcoming strike action may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Clients in Ghana on 8 February should ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for any travel delays. As a precaution, visitors should refrain from using public transport services not observing the strike action.

NIGERIA/BENIN(LASSA FEVER) - An outbreak of Lassa fever continues to be reported in Nigeria and Benin. Since August 2015, over 100 people who contracted the virus in Nigeria have died. Nigerian health officials state that 175 people have been infected and that 19 states across the country have been affected. The outbreak was only reported by the authorities in January and there are concerns that the actual number of cases has been under-reported. Benin has also been affected, with 25 suspected cases and 12 fatalities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dispatched teams to the country to assist the authorities in containing the disease. Lassa fever is an acute viral illness. It is particularly prevalent in West Africa, with thousands of cases reported annually. The disease is spread by rodent excretions. The virus is transmitted to food or other substances that humans ingest or inhale. Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever (hemorrhaging, respiratory distress, repeated vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen, and shock) typically occur one to three weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. Approximately one percent of infected people die. Clients operating in Benin and Nigeria should exercise appropriate levels of cleanliness in living and operating areas. All consumables should be securely stored to prevent rodents from passing near the items. Persons displaying symptoms are advised to contact their medical practitioner immediately for further recommendations and advice. Please note that due to various concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria, and against all travel so some north eastern and Niger Delta states.

INDONESIA(WEST SUMATRA) - Authorities have indicated that at least five people were killed and two others declared missing, following landslides in Indonesia's West Sumatra province, on 8 February. The West Sumatra Disaster Management Agency has attributed the landslides to heavy rains and overflowing rivers in the Solok Selatan, Limapuluh Kota and Agam districts. As many as 6,000 people have been displaced in recent days. Emergency relief operations remain ongoing. Indonesia experiences its monsoon season between the months of November and March and flooding and landslides frequently occur during this period. Settlements located along the slopes of saturated hillsides are at a heightened risk of being impacted by landslides. Further rains, conducive to flooding and landslides, are likely in the short- to medium-term, and this is likely to exacerbate the current situation. Accordingly, disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity, telecommunications and travel remain possible. Clients in the impacted areas of Indonesia are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides. Travellers should confirm the status of scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure.

JAMAICA(MONTEGO BAY) - A shooting incident, in which at least three people were killed and several others wounded, was reported amid an opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) rally in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 7 February. The incident occurred while party leader, Andrew Holness, addressed a crowd regarding the JLP's manifesto in the run up to the general election scheduled to take place on 25 February. The gathering subsequently dispersed; the assailant remains unaccounted for. Jamaica has a history of instability during election periods; however, recent national elections have passed relatively peacefully. Additionally, there is a high risk of crime in Jamaica, including homicides, attributed to gang-related activities which primarily affect locals in low-income areas. Although it remains unclear if the incident was politically or criminally motivated, the possibility of further such incidents occurring at election-related events and facilities cannot be discounted in the run up to and after the election on 25 February. Clients in Jamaica during the election period should monitor local media for updates and advisories with regard to planned public events. Election-related events should be avoided as a standard precaution.

AFGHANISTAN(BALKH PROVINCE) - At least four people were killed and 18 others wounded as a result of a suicide bomb attack reported on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, on 8 February. The attack reportedly targeted an Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicle transporting personnel through the Dihdadi district of the city near a military compound at approximately 07:45 local time. The Taleban subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack. Further details remain unavailable. There is an extreme threat of terrorism throughout Afghanistan, stemming from a number of Islamist extremist organisations, of which the Taleban is the most prevalent. The group has previously proven to have the capacity to conduct attacks throughout the country, targeting government and administrative interests, and ANA as well as local and foreign civilian interests. In light of the recent incident, a heightened security force presence is expected to remain in the affected area for the immediate-term at least. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country are advised to exercise maximum security measures.

HAITI - (Update) President Michel Martelly departed the office of the president on 7 February amid growing concerns regarding Haiti's political impasse. Additionally, presidential run-off elections have been scheduled for 24 April and a new president is expected to be sworn in on 14 May. Parliament is due to elect an interim president and install a transitional government, who are due to govern for a four-month period, in the coming days. 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 was due to expire after Martelly signalled his intention to remain in office beyond 7 February. Violent and disruptive protests ensued as a result. 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. Celestin's main opponent, Jovenel Moise, who won the first round of elections in November 2015 amid allegations of fraud, and who is backed by Martelly, is expected to contest the upcoming election. This has the potential to elevate tensions in the run up to and following the election on 24 April. Despite Martelly's resignation and the announcement of run-off elections, protests and unrest between supporters of opposing political parties remains likely. The risk of violent unrest at all politically motivated gatherings in considered elevated at this time. 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.

BELARUS(MINSK) - An activist group representing small business owners and entrepreneurs has called for a demonstration in Minsk on 8 February. The entrepreneurs are opposed to legislation requiring them to label products that originate outside the country. The gathering is expected to take place amid a large police deployment in October Square. A related protest is possible in Vitebsk on the day, although it remains unconfirmed. The upcoming demonstration is expected to be the first in a series of protests against the new legislation. Entrepreneurs claim that the legislation is harmful to small business owners and has indirectly led to several businesses shutting down. It remains unclear if the protest has been sanctioned by the local authorities. Local police are known to respond swiftly and with force to unsanctioned displays of dissent. Indeed, even sanctioned street actions are often robustly dispersed by police with little warning. Belarus has been suffering from a worsening economic situation and the government has implemented several, sometimes unpopular, measures to reverse the country's economic trajectory. As the issues are unlikely to be resolved over the short-term, further related protests should be anticipated. Clients in Belarus on 8 February are advised to avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

NIGERIA - Two unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, as well as social activists, have called for a demonstration across Nigeria on 8 February to protest against electricity price increases. The primary protest will be held in the capital, Abuja, from 08:00 local time. The demonstration will start at Labour House in the CBD and then proceed to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) office, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, and finally to the National Assembly. Other protests have been called outside of electricity sector facilities across the country, including NERC offices. Negotiations aimed at preventing the protest are ongoing. Should the protest proceed, they are likely to draw large crowds. In addition to localised road travel disruptions, there is an additional risk of confrontations between protesters and the security forces. The risk to foreign nationals is considered incidental only. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja. Persons in the country on 8 February, particularly those who anticipate operating in or near actual or possible protest venues, should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

CYPRUS(LIMASSOL) - Unionised bus drivers employed by the Transport Company for Limassol District (EMEL) are expected to observe 24-hour strike action in Limassol, 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 strike action follows similar action by drivers of Larnaca's bus company Zenon, who began a strike of indefinite duration on 3 February. Although it is currently unclear how well the strike action will be observed, disruptions to bus services are anticipated. Persons in Limassol on 9 February are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and possible associated demonstrations. Clients are also advised to expect disruptions to bus services on the day with a corresponding increase in demand for alternative transport services during the strike period.

ISRAEL - Histadrut, an organisation of trade unions, has called for a countrywide strike in Israel from 00:00 local time on 9 February. The strike action is set to affect public sector services and has been called in response to the delayed payment of bonuses to public sector employees. Associated demonstrations are possible in a number of prominent urban centres, including in Tel Aviv. Further details regarding the strike have not been disclosed. The strike is expected to be well observed and attendance at possible associated demonstrations is expected to be high. However, as negotiation efforts between Histadrut and the Financial ministry are ongoing, the upcoming strike action may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. In the event of associated protests, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any associated demonstrations. Persons in Israel on 9 February are advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming strike. Clients are further advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should remain flexible on the affected day.

NIGER(NIAMEY) - The anniversary of the 1990 killing of three students in Niger's capital, Niamey, falls on 9 February. The students were killed by police forces and the event sparked a democracy movement in the country. Precedent suggests that student protests may be organised on or around this date in the capital. The event precedes a general election in the country on 21 February. Political parties may use the anniversary as a pretext to organise rallies in support of their respective candidates. Should protests proceed there remains an elevated risk of confrontations between demonstrators and the police. Gatherings are likely along major roads, near major government buildings and in public squares. Kennedy Bridge (Pont Kennedy) is also a possible demonstration location. Localised travel disruptions could also occur. The risk to foreign interests is considered largely incidental. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Niger, including Niamey, due to various security concerns. Clients in Niamey during the anniversary period should monitor local media for updates on possible protests or rallies. All street protests and large public gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - The unionised employees of the state-owned telecommunications operator, Organisme de Gestion et d'Exploitation de l'ex Radio Orient (OGERO) have called for strike action and associated protest on 10 February. Further information pertaining to the protest is not available; however, the protest is likely to take place outside the Grand Serail building, coinciding with a cabinet meeting that is expected to be held on the same day. The strike has been called in demand of back pay for unpaid salaries. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that employees at the company's southern branches staged a two-hour work stoppage during the morning of 8 February. Should the strike proceed, disruptions to telecommunication services, including telephone and internet services, can be anticipated. Furthermore, OGERO has more the 3,500 employees across Lebanon, as such the associated protest is likely to be well observed, causing localised disruptions in the vicinity of the protest area. A common protest tactic is roadblocks, which have the potential to impact on major intra- and intercity highways. Foreign nationals are rarely targeted during periods of unrest; however, travel disruptions caused by roadblocks can occur and typically result in delays. Although the protest gathering is expected to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings, as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the protest is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays, and plan accordingly.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR) - Separatist group, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), has called for a 48-hour strike or shutdown in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state from 9 February. The JKLF has called for an associated protest in Lanchow on 10 February and a memorial service is expected to take place in Trehgam Kupwara on 11 February. The strike has been initiated to commemorate the deaths of militant separatists Muhammad Afzul Guru and Muhammad Maqbool Bhat who were detained and killed by security forces in 2013 and 1984 respectively. Further information is currently unavailable. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected on the affected days due to the strike. Additional protests and solidarity gatherings are possible during the affected period. It should be noted that there is a risk of civil unrest at all protests in India, and the possibility of violence between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. 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. All protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

IRAN - Iran will commemorate the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on 11 February. Precedent suggests that large-scale commemorative events are likely in major cities, including the capital, Tehran, on the day. Events are also organised ahead of the day during the 10-Day Dawn festivities, which started on 1 February. In Tehran, events are likely to centre on the mausoleum of former Iranian Supreme Leader, Imam Khomeini, and possibly on Azadi square. The events are likely to be well secured and the threat of violence at related gatherings is considered low. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated at times, particularly during events on 11 February. Note that events may also occur on 12 February. The gatherings are expected to display a strong pro-Iran and anti-Western/Israeli sentiment. Clients in the country should monitor local media for updates on planned events. Foreigners should exercise heightened personal security awareness during this period. All street rallies should be avoided as a standard precaution.

JAMAICA - Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller announced on 31 January that general elections in Jamaica would be held on 25 February. The police and military have issued statements indicating that they are preparing to safeguard the current election period. The police have also indicated that they are increasing their presence countrywide as a precaution. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a warning of the likelihood of increased campaigning ahead of the poll and that these events could result in road closures at times. The upcoming election in Jamaica is likely to pass by without major incident. While the country has a history of instability during election periods, recent national elections have passed relatively peacefully. The increased police and military alert levels are viewed as being largely precautionary. Clients in Jamaica during the election period should monitor local media for updates and advisories with regard to planned public events and road closures. Election-related events should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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

need assistance with your travel plans.