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

U.S. AIR CARRIERS(SOUTHWEST, DELTA, UNITED & AMERICAN) - U.S. air carriers have implemented their third fare hike since the beginning of 2016. The latest hike, amounting to $10 per roundtrip, was initiated on Feb. 19 by Southwest. Delta, United and American matched the increase later that day, and the new prices have held since, according to the website Fare Compare. This hike comes on the heels of increases initiated on Jan. 4 (by Delta) and Feb. 10 (by JetBlue). In total the three hikes amount to $22 per roundtrip. By comparison, U.S. carriers initiated just two successful fare hikes in 2015. Two other attempts to raise fares this month failed, according to Fare Compare. Fare Compare noted that business travelers, those who purchase tickets at the last minute and those who live in smaller markets would shoulder most of the fare increases. Hikes were not detected on fare sales or hotly contested routes. Airfares in January were down 1.7% compared with 2015, according to the Consumer Price Index, but they increased a seasonally adjusted 1.2% between this past December and January.

FINLAND/SWEDEN(SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES) - (Update) Further disruptions to Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight services have been reported in Finland and Sweden on 25 February, due to an extended strike action by unionised pilots. Flight service disruptions were reported in Turku and Vaasa in Finland, as well as Stockholm and Ronneby in Sweden; affecting at least 225 passengers. Associated disruptions are anticipated on 28 February; such disruptions are also expected in other countries in the Nordic region, including in Denmark and Norway. The extended strike action comes amid failing negotiations between aviation unions, Unionen and the Swedish Airline Pilots Association (SPF) and SAS, regarding a collective labour agreement with UK-based regional carrier Flybe. The strike has been ongoing since February 8, with the latest disruptions having been reported on 22 February. While SAS has implemented a number of contingency plans, further associated disruptions are anticipated, with unionised pilots expected to observe strike action every Thursday, Sunday and Monday. As negotiations are ongoing in this regard, the strike may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons scheduled to fly with Scandinavian Airlines for the short- to medium-term are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information regarding cancellations and disruptions to their flight schedules.

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on Scandinavian Airlines who were ticketed through ATG.

NEPAL(MYAGDI DISTRICT(TARA AIR)) - (Update) Local authorities confirmed on 24 February that a light aircraft operated by Tara Air, which was earlier reported missing, was found crashed in Nepal's central Myagdi district. One Chinese national and a Kuwaiti national were among the 20 passengers and 3 crew members reported dead. The flight was reported missing when air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane shortly after it took off from Pokhara Airport en route to Jomsom early on 24 February. An operation to recover the victims and clear the wreckage has been hampered by difficult terrain and poor visibility. An investigation into the crash is ongoing; however, the cause is currently unclear. Domestic airlines in Nepal have a poor safety record. Indeed, the EU currently blacklists all Nepal-registered airlines due to safety concerns. In light of this, further incidents of this nature cannot be discounted. Persons intending to use Nepal-registered airlines should remain aware of the risks associated with travel on blacklisted airlines. Clients who intend to make use of Tara Air over the near-term, particularly those intending to travel into Jomsom Airport, are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider directly for the latest information on the status of their flight(s).

SINGAPORE(DENGUE FEVER) - The Ministry of Health in Singapore and National Environment Agency (NEA) have reported a sharp increase in the countrywide dengue fever infection rates according to reports issued on 23 February. At least 107 new cases were report in less than 24 hours between 21 and 22 February, bringing the total number of infection cases in 2016 to 4,072. Two fatalities have been reported thus far and both authority bodies have warned that infection cases may exceed 30,000 should the current weather conditions persist. The worst affected areas include Yishun, Bishan and Geylang. Due to the currently warmer weather conditions, the Aedes mosquito is breeding and maturing faster. As a result, the current outbreak is expected to continue, and potentially worsen, in the near-term. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. These symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Additional symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of dengue, include marked damage to blood and lymph vessels, bleeding from the nose, gums, or under the skin, and sometimes internal bleeding. This form of dengue fever can be fatal. Persons travelling to Singapore are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are generally most active. Individuals exhibiting the above-mentioned symptoms are advised to consult a medical practitioner immediately.

NIGERIA(IBADAN(OYO STATE)) - Rival gangs clashed in Ibadan, located in Nigeria's western Oyo state, on 24 February. At least one person, and possibly as many as six, were killed during the confrontation in the Oja'ba area. Gang-related violence and crime is common in Nigeria's major urban centres. Clashes between rival gangs can continue for a number of days as sides seek retaliation against opponents. Violence is triggered by local disputes, including control of territory. Elevated security measures, including additional checkpoints, police patrols and curfews, are possible following confrontations. Heightened caution is advised in a number of central Nigerian states, including Oyo. Persons in Ibadan are advised to travel with a trained security driver and should seek to avoid recent violence-affected areas.

INDONESIA - The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a security message warning of a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Indonesia on 25 February. The department advised travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia particularly in the capital, Jakarta, as well as Bali and Lombok. Further details remain unavailable at present. The threat from terrorism in Indonesia is rated high. Although aggressive counterterrorism operations by local security forces in recent years have resulted in an overall decrease in mass-casualty attacks in the country, militants have displayed the capacity and intent to perpetrate small-scale attacks as the 14 January Jakarta attack, in which at least seven people were killed, demonstrates. The primary threat stems from self-radicalised individuals and cells, many of which have loose ties, or are sympathetic, to the causes of both regional and international Islamist militant group such as the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group. Authorities have made numerous arrests in recent months of both locals and foreign nationals who were in possession of material showing support for IS, or who were in the early stages of planning an attack. Despite this, IS is not known to have a significant presence in the country and the most recent Jakarta attacks were relatively unsophisticated and logistically simple. Nevertheless, the high threat of terrorism remains. Areas of heightened risk include tourist spots, such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as shopping malls, marketplaces, hotels and embassies or consulates. Clients in or planning to be in Indonesia are advised to adopt a heightened situational awareness posture and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately. Local media should be monitored for emergency broadcasts and advisories from authorities.

NIGERIA(GULF OF GUINEA) - One Russian and one Nigerian sailor were reportedly kidnapped on 23 February, after their vessel came under attack off Nigeria's Gulf of Guinea coastline. Reports indicate that the ship's crew was able to send a distress signal at the time of the assault. The Nigerian Navy launched a security operation to repel the pirates early on 24 February, during which time at least ten other crew members were reportedly rescued. Both the ship and its crew were escorted to Onne Port, located in the southern Rivers state, following the aforementioned operation. Local media report that the vessel belonged to the French oil service company, Bourbon. Further details regarding the initial attack, as well as the current location of the kidnapped sailors, have not been disclosed. This latest incident serves to underscore the high risks of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea, and the Niger Delta region at large. Commercial ships, oil rigs and their crews are often the targets of such incidents; however, leisure boats are also occasionally targeted. Given the persistent and growing maritime insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Seafarers who intend to sail in 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.

SOUTH AFRICA(MAHIKENG) - Further protests are possible at the campuses of North West University, in South Africa, following violent protests on its Mahikeng campus on 24 February. Students reportedly clashed violently with private security officials and set fire to several buildings on the Mahikeng campus, located in North West province. The violence resulted in an undetermined number of injuries and prompted the suspension of classes and the indefinite closure of the campus. The protests took place in response to the dismissal of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the 24 February swearing-in of a new SRC. The university's other campuses in Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark were largely unaffected. There have been no further reports of similar violence on 25 February. Protests at universities across South Africa, over a range of issues, have become increasingly common in recent months, with several of these resulting in violence. Given that the issue (in this instance, the perceived unilateral dissolving of the SRC, allegedly for failing to perform its duties) is ongoing, further related protests are possible in the near-term. Recent student-led protests have been marred by incidents of clashes between participants and police and private security personnel; as such, the possibility of further incidents occurring at associated protests cannot be discounted. It should also be noted that solidarity protests at other tertiary education institutions cannot be ruled out. Persons operating in Mahikeng, and particularly at or near tertiary institutions, are advised to monitor local media for updates on the aforementioned protests and avoid any large related gatherings as a precaution. Recent unrest-affected areas should be avoided in the near-term and all advisories from the local authorities should be followed.

GUATEMALA - The National Day of Dignity for the victims of Guatemala's civil war (1960-1996) will be commemorated across the country on 25 February. The main events will take place in the capital, Guatemala City. A commemorative event is expected in the vicinity of the Plaza de los Derechos Humanos from 08:00 to 10:00 local time. Activists have also organised a protest march from the Congress building to Plaza de la Constitucion. Events in urban areas elsewhere are also possible. The events are expected to be well attended, particularly in the capital. As such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any commemorative events. The events are expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level clashes between protest groups and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Guatemala and particularly in Guatemala City on 25 February are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the vicinity of all commemorative events. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Finally, allowances should be made for any localised travel disruptions.

PAKISTAN(ISLAMBAD) - A protest, initiated by opposition political party Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), is underway in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on 25 February. The protest is taking place outside the Parliament buildings, located on Constitution Avenue and commenced at 11:00 local time. The protest has been called to oppose media censorship. Although there have been no reported acts of violence or unrest thus far, there is a credible risk of violent civil unrest at all protests in Pakistan, as security forces often use heavy-handed tactics when dispersing demonstrations. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the affected area for the duration of the protest. All non-essential travel to Pakistan is advised against. Persons in Islamabad are advised to avoid any large street gatherings as a precaution.

COLOMBIA - The Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) union has called for countrywide protests in Colombia on 25 February. The day of protests has been called over government economic policies, including those related to health and education. The main rally is set to take place in the capital, Bogota; participants are expected to gather at the District Administrative Centre (CAD) at 10:00 local time and proceed to Plaza de Bolivar. Protests in urban centres elsewhere in the country will likely centre on central squares and government buildings. The protests are expected to be well attended, particularly the protest in Bogota. As such, localised disruptions are anticipated along the protest route. The risk of violence at the upcoming is assessed to be low; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Colombia on 25 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions, particularly in Bogota.

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of protests in parts of Bahrain on 25 and 26 February. On 25 February, unauthorised protests are anticipated in Aali from 16:00 local time and in Sitra from 20:00. On 26 February, an unauthorised protest is expected in Sanabis from 16:00. Further information has not been provided. The planned gatherings are likely being arranged by members of the predominantly Shiite Muslim opposition. These groups regularly call for and hold demonstrations in the country. They are demanding political reforms and a greater devolution of power to elected bodies. The current protests coincide with several anniversary periods marking the events of February and March 2011, at which time there was a notable escalation in anti-government protest action by members of the Shiite majority in Bahrain. As such, upcoming protests and gatherings in the coming weeks may be larger than normal. The risk of violence at all events is considered elevated and increases further if protesters attempt to march into the capital, Manama, as well as to Sunni areas, along major roads or if militant elements within the Shiite community conduct further low-level attacks against state or Sunni minority interests. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding the capital, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Persons in the country should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Travel should be avoided at night, particularly in areas outside of the capital, the airport and main roads leading between the two.

SWAZILAND(MBABANE) - The Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) and a number of public sector trade unions are expected to lead major protests in Swaziland's capital, Mbabane, on 25 and 26 February. The demonstrations are set to take place amid a countrywide 48-hour general strike on the same days. The protesters are expected to gather at various locations in the capital before converging on Parliament on the affected days. The strike and protests have been organised in response to a number of issues, including government tenders, free primary school education and basic work conditions. A heavy security force presence is expected throughout Mbabane on 25 and 26 February. Related demonstrations are possible elsewhere in Swaziland, particularly Manzini. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended given that they will coincide with an overwhelmingly popular strike action. The strike itself may result in disruptions to public transport and business services in the country; numerous public buildings and offices are expected to remain closed on the affected days. It should be noted that security forces have employed robust crowd control tactics at previous union-led demonstrations. Although the unions have called for peaceful demonstrations, violent unrest during the upcoming gatherings remains possible. Clients in Swaziland on the affected days are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments on the upcoming strike and any associated protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ISRAEL(TEL AVIV) - The Tel Aviv Marathon will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 26 February. The start and finish is at Yarkon Park. The race will cover most of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Road closures and general traffic disruptions should be expected through the course of the day. Clients in the city on 26 February, particularly those who intend to travel by road, should monitor local media for updates on possible road closures. Further information is available on the Tel Aviv Marathon website (http://www.tlvmarathon.co.il/Default.aspx?l=en).

TURKEY(ANKARA) - Teachers and students from various schools in Turkey's capital, Ankara, are anticipated to partake in a march on 26 February. The march, which is to be held in celebration of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's birthday, is anticipated to proceed from the Bestepe Gendarmerie Command building to the presidential palace. Further details are unavailable. The upcoming event has caused a lot of controversy, with the opposition claiming that the event is an infringement on the students' rights to education, as they are expected to march amid the elevated threat of terrorism following the 17 February attacks in the city. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) intends to file a criminal complaint against the authorities unless the march is cancelled. Should the event proceed, at least 2,023 students and teachers are expected to participate in the march. The 17 February car bomb attack that killed 28 people and wounded dozens in Ankara is indicative for the elevated threat of terrorism in Ankara. The threat stems from numerous quarters, such as leftist militants, Islamist extremists and Kurdish separatists, including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), who are involved in an ongoing conflict in the south east. Further incidents of this nature cannot be discounted in the area over the near-term. Clients in Ankara on 26 February are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a standard precaution. Heightened situational awareness should be practised at all time, particularly in the vicinity of the upcoming event. Suspicious persons or unattended packages should be reported to the authorities.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS & BOLIVAR, MERIDA, CARABOBO & TACHIRA STATES) - Various health and education sector unions and students have called for protests in cities across Venezuela on 26 February. The protests have been organised over the perceived lack of resources in the health sector. The main protest is set to take place in the capital, Caracas; participants are expected to gather at Plaza Venezuela at 09:00 local time and proceed to Plaza Morelos in the vicinity of the Defensor�a del Pueblo on Avenida Mexico, where the demands of the protesters will be delivered to the ombudsman. Protests have also been organised in the states of Bolivar, Merida, Carabobo and Tachira. These will likely centre on the state capitals of Ciudad Bolivar, Merida, Valencia and San Cristobal. Although the exact protest details in these areas are unknown, they will likely centre on central plazas and government buildings. Localised disruptions to travel as a result of the protests should be anticipated, particularly in Caracas. The possibility of isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected areas on 26 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential road travel disruptions.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Civil society has called for a four-day protest in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia from 26 February. Participants are expected to camp outside the Parliament building from 17:00 local time. The protesters are calling for the resignation of the current government and for the prohibition of immigrants entering the country. At least 2,000 people are expected to participate in the four day campaign. Protests and demonstrations take place sporadically in Bulgaria, particularly in Sofia, and are typically prompted by domestic and/or political developments. Although the majority of protests in Bulgaria conclude without incident, skirmishes involving protesters and police have occurred on occasion. Clients in Sofia on 26 to 29 February are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, as the protest is expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO & RIO DE JANEIRO) - (Update) Protests organised by the Movimento Passe Livre (MPL) movement are expected in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 25 and 27 February. On 25 February, a protest in Sao Paulo is expected to be held at the Ramos de Azevedo Square at 17:30 local time. The protest in Rio de Janeiro on 27 February is expected to be held at Praca Seca at 15:00. 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. Further related protests should be anticipated in major urban centres in the short- to medium-term, at least. Clients in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on 25 and 27 February respectively are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution, in addition to making allowances for potential localised travel disruptions. Clients are further advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on upcoming protests.

NETHERLANDS(AMSTERDAM) - The Dutch faction of the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) has called for a demonstration in the Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam, on 27 February. A counter-protest by an anti-PEGIDA activist group is also anticipated on the day. Both rallies are set to take place at the official residence of the mayor, which is located at Heerengracht 502, from 13:00 local time. The ongoing European migrant crisis has prompted numerous anti-immigration and solidarity protests across Europe, including in the Netherlands, in recent months. These have been well attended and have been marred by incidents of low-level clashes between rival protesters and police in some countries at times. In light of this, the possibility of similar clashes between rival protesters marring the upcoming demonstrations cannot be dismissed. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the mayor's residence. Clients in Amsterdam on 27 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

POLAND(WARSAW) - Activist group, the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD), is set to hold a protest march in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 27 February. The march has been called in protest of espionage charges laid against labour activist, Lech Walesa. Participants are expected to gather on Zieleniecka Avenue from 13:00 local time and proceed over Poniatowski Bridge, through Jerusalem Avenue, Marszalkowska Street, Krolewska Street, to Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Square, where a rally will be held until 17:00. Although the march is expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be expected along the protest route and near demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Warsaw on 27 February are advised to avoid the protest gathering as a precaution, and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible, in order to accommodate for delays caused by the gathering.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - An anti-government protest is anticipated in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on 27 February. The protests, which will be led by the Democratic Front political party, have been called in demand of a transnational government and fair elections, following failed negotiations in Parliament. Although further information regarding the planned protest is unavailable, the gathering is likely to be held outside the Great National Assembly building, on Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard in the central district of the capital. The protest is likely to be well attended, and associated demonstrations have previously been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police and participants. An increased police presence is likely. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest area. Persons in Podgorica on 27 February are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

MYANMAR(YANGON) - Nationalist groups, including the Peace and Diversity Party (PDP), are expected to host a rally in Yangon, Myanmar, on 28 February. The rally is expected to take place at Bo Sein Hman Street, located in the Bahan area. The rally has been scheduled in support of Article 59(f), a clause in the constitution that prohibits Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), from seeking a bid for the presidency on account of her children, who are foreign nationals. The NLD is reportedly attempting to repeal the provision, while nationalist groups are attempting to preserve this section of the constitution. As such, the upcoming rally may be accompanied by counter-rallies by rival groups. The possibility of violent confrontations involving participants, opposing political groupings and/or security forces cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should also be anticipated. Persons in Yangon on 28 February are advised to avoid the vicinity of the upcoming gathering. Clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions during the rally. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates.

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