Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
GERMANY(COLOGNE BONN AIRPORT) - Authorities at Cologne Bonn Airport have reportedly closed Terminal 2 following reports of a security incident on 1 March. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that passengers were earlier forced to evacuate a Ryanair flight. An increased police presence should be anticipated at the facility. Clients scheduled to transit Cologne Bonn Airport are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to inquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious packages, persons and/or activity to the relevant authorities.
Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Cologne Bonn Airport who were ticketed through ATG.
GREECE(ATHENS) - Disruptions to public transport services are expected in Greece's capital, Athens, on 1 March. Unionised employees are set to observe a three hour work stoppage from 08:00 local time; affecting metro, rail and tram services. The action has been called regarding the administration of public transport services and work conditions. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, disruptions to metro, rail and tram services should be expected. Residual disruptions to services are anticipated beyond the strike period, due to the backlog of services. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. Persons in Athens on 1 March are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of their transport services. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for developments regarding the planned strike.
URUGUAY(MONTEVIDEO) - Taxi drivers affiliated with the SUATT union have called for a protest in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, on 1 March. Participants are expected to gather at the intersection of General Artigas Boulevard and Avenida General Rivera at 11:00 local time and proceed to the SUATT building in the Aguada area of the city. The protest has been organised to denounce the shooting of a taxi driver on 28 February, and will coincide with an ongoing strike by the union. The strike, which was initiated on 29 February, is scheduled to conclude at 15:00 on 1 March. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be; nonetheless, localised disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. While the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Finally, due to the strike, an increased demand for alternative public transport should be anticipated for the remainder of 1 March as a precaution. Clients in Montevideo on 1 March are advised to avoid street protests as a precaution. Clients who intend utilising taxi services on 1 March should consider alternative options, including arranging transport through their hotel, a local contact or the local airport.
FRANCE(PARIS) - Pro-refugee activists have called for mass demonstrations in France's capital, Paris, on 1 and 4 March. The actions have reportedly been called in response to the destruction of a migrant encampment in Calais, known as the Calais jungle, by security forces on 29 February. Participants are set to gather at Place de la Republique at 18:00 local time on 1 March, where a mass rally will be held. On 4 March, the activists intend to hold a demonstration at the Gare du Nord train station from 18:00. Further details regarding these actions have not been disclosed. It should be noted that low-scale clashes between security forces and residents of the Calais jungle were reported late on 29 February, at the onset of the demolition process. Further reports indicate that pro-refugee activists clashed with police when attempting to stop the clearance operation. Although there were no reported injuries following the unrest, at least three people were said to have been arrested. Given the emotive nature of the upcoming demonstrations, the potential for further skirmishes between police and protesters remains. Such unrest poses an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Paris on 1 and 4 March are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any related large street demonstrations as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored in order to remain cognisant of any developments regarding the protest actions; all directives issued by the local authorities should be followed. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for potential travel delays in the vicinity of any demonstration sites.
CANADA(ONTARIO & QUEBEC PROVINCES) - Canada's official weather service issued winter storm warnings for the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec provinces in Canada on 29 February. The winter storm is expected to bring significant amounts of snowfall, freezing precipitation and strong winds, which is forecast to intensify overnight on 1 March and continue on 2 March. Cities affected by the winter storm warnings include, but are not limited to, Hamilton and Toronto in Ontario province as well as Montreal and Quebec City on Quebec province. Significant disruptions associated with the winter storm are anticipated; these include cancellations or delays to air, rail and ferry services as well as possible highway closures due to hazardous driving conditions and reduced visibility. Disruptions to utilities and power outages are also possible. Clients in the affected areas are advised to make allowances for the anticipated disruptions, and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements. Persons in areas impacted by adverse weather should visit the Environment Canada website (https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html) for further information regarding weather warnings.
CZECH REPUBLIC(CENTRAL AREAS) - Various areas of the Czech Republic were affected by significant snowfall overnight on 29 February/1 March. The central region of the country, including the capital, Prague, has been worst affected. The adverse weather conditions have left thousands of people without power on 1 March. Additionally, numerous roads and railway lines have been blocked by the snow, resulting in significant disruptions. Some delays were also reported at Prague's Vaclav Havel Airport late on 29 February. Efforts to clear roads of debris remain ongoing. Residual disruptions associated with the adverse weather conditions are expected to persist over the near-term. These include further disruptions to air, road and rail travel. Efforts to restore power to affected areas remain ongoing; however, it is unclear when power will be fully restored. Clients in Czech Republic are advised to monitor local media, where possible, for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to allow for increased journey times in and around the affected areas and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.
SOUTH AFRICA(PRETORIA, GAUTENG PROVINCE) - At least seven people were wounded following clashes between protesters and members of a private security force at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria, South Africa, early on 1 March. Workers employed by the university were staging a demonstration affiliated with the 'Outsourcing Must Fall' campaign at the time of the incident. University officials reportedly brought in a private security company to oversee the protest action, in order to prevent the disruption of campus activities and mitigate the potential intimidation of students by the protesters. Although classes were reportedly unaffected by the unrest, tensions remain heightened following the clashes and subsequent injuries. Strikes and demonstrations stemming from political issues and labour disputes are common in South Africa. Moreover, protest campaigns against universities utilising outsourcing for cleaning, security, and catering jobs have been ongoing since late 2015. Such gatherings have turned violent in the past. Given that the grievances triggering demonstrations at TUT remain unresolved, further protests are possible in the near-term. Persons in Pretoria are advised to avoid areas recently affected by unrest at TUT; heightened tensions may trigger further protest action in the area in the near-term. Clients are further advised to avoid all demonstrations and large street gatherings as a standard precaution.
ISRAEL(KALANDIYA REFUGEE CAMP(WEST BANK)) - Israeli security forces shot and killed one Palestinian and wounded several others during confrontations with Palestinian residents of the Kalandiya refugee camp in the West Bank in the early morning of 1 March. The clashes were sparked after Israeli forces deployed to the camp to rescue two soldiers who had mistakenly entered the area. The incident is common for the West Bank. Clashes between Palestinian protesters and the Israeli security forces have increased in frequency since October. Dozens of Palestinians have been wounded or killed. The risk of further unrest in the Kalandiya refugee camp is considered elevated over the near-term. The intensity of any further anti-Israel agitation may increase during the funeral for the recently deceased protester. Additional security checkpoints and patrols around the camp should be anticipated over the near-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the West Bank. Heightened caution is also advised near Israeli security force checkpoints and closed military zones in the territory. Persons intending to travel in the vicinity of the Kalandiya refugee camp should avoid all security force positions and groups of protesters/people as a standard precaution.
POLAND(WARSAW) - A Chilean national reportedly sustained a head injury after being assaulted by a group of 'skinheads' in Poland's capital, Warsaw. The reports indicate that the victim, who had been a long-term resident in Poland, was attacked after being mistaken for being of Arab descent. Further details are unknown. The attack takes place amid Europe's ongoing migrant crisis, as well as an increase in anti-immigrant sentiment across the region, including in Poland. The sentiment runs parallel to the rise of nationalist and conservative parties and movements, such as the Law and Justice in Poland and other far-right organisations, and has at times translated into violence. In addition, skinheads are present in Warsaw and other Polish cities; in recent years, they have verbally abused and physically targeted foreign nationals, particularly individuals of African or Asian descent. A known hotspot for such incidents is the Praga district in eastern Warsaw. Further attacks of this nature are possible. Persons in Poland are advised to exercise basic security precautions to safeguard their property and person and should maintain elevated levels of situational awareness. When travelling alone in areas known to have a higher incidence of hate crime, avoid public transport and isolated areas, particularly at night.
JAMAICA - (Update) The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and its reservist force have been deployed across Jamaica, including to electoral offices, from 29 February to 7 March. The JDF has been deployed for the duration of the election cycle, including the vote count period and the announcement of the electoral results. Preliminary results on 25 February indicated a victory for the opposition Jamaica Liberal Party (JLP) with a 33-seat majority over the ruling People's National Party (PNP). However, following a final count of votes on 29 February, the number of seats was reduced to 32 of the 63, with one more constituency's votes to be recounted. The JLP has stated that it will call for a magisterial review of the results. Such a review may lead to further delays in announcing final election results. While Jamaica has a history of instability during election periods, recent elections have passed relatively peacefully. The increased police and military alert levels are viewed as being largely precautionary. It should be noted that election-related protests by PNP and JLP supporters remain a possibility in the near-term. Clients in Jamaica during the election period should monitor local media for updates. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Heightened caution should be exercised at all electoral facilities.
PAKISTAN - The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) political party has called for a series of protests across Pakistan from 1 March. Although exact details remain unclear, JI general secretary Liaqat Baloch has called for sit-in protests in front of the offices of allegedly corrupt officials in the administrative headquarters in districts across Pakistan. Further details remain unavailable. It is unclear how well attended the sit-in protests will be; however, given that corruption is an emotive issue that elicits strong emotions from constituents across the political spectrum, the response could be considerable. Although the gatherings are intended to remain peaceful, as with all protest action in Pakistan, the threat of violent civil unrest and clashes between security forces and demonstrators is elevated. In addition, should the gatherings be of a significant size, the possibility of localised disruptions cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to parts of Pakistan and against all travel to other parts of the country. Irrespective of area of travel, all protest action should be avoided as a standard precaution.
TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR) - The Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has called for protests in Turkey's Diyarbakir province, on 2 March. Participants are expected to gather throughout various locations within the Sur district from 16:00 local time, in defiance of the current curfew in the district. Further details regarding the associated protests are currently unavailable. Diyarbakir province is one of several south eastern Turkish provinces which have been affected by conflict and terrorist related activity linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) since late July 2015. In order to contain the violence, authorities imposed indefinite curfews in several districts in the province, including Sur. The upcoming protests are the latest in anti- curfew demonstrations in recent days, with associated demonstrations having taken place on 27 February. Such protests have been well attended and have often degenerated into violence. As such, there exists a credible risk of violent unrest, including clashes between police and participants, occurring at the upcoming protests. The insecurity in the province is expected to persist and may worsen should the curfew remain in effect for a lengthy period of time. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir. Clients in Diyarbakir should obtain a full security risk assessment from their security provider prior to departure. Travel should be conducted during the day, on main roads and with a security escort. This is particularly relevant for persons travelling outside of primary urban centres. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the curfew and should abide by all directives issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid all related street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.
INDIA(DELHI) - A demonstration, called Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), is scheduled to take place in India's capital, Delhi, on 2 March. Demonstrators are expected to march from Mandi house metro station to Parliament House; the rally will start at 14:00 local time. It has been called to show support for the student union leader at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kanhaiya Kumar, as well as two other JNU students, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya. They were arrested and charged with sedition on 13 February in connection with a controversial 9 February speech Kumar gave at an event that was being held at JNU. A bail hearing relating to the detention of the three will take place on 2 March, which has prompted the call for demonstrations. Solidarity rallies in urban centres elsewhere across the country are also possible. The demonstration is expected to be well attended. Moreover, given recent precedent set over Kumar's detention, the threat of violence at these demonstrations is high; indeed clashes between police and protesting JNU students have taken place in recent weeks. As such, a significantly elevated security force presence is likely to be in place. This and the number of protesters will also likely result in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Delhi specifically and in India more generally on 2 March are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings as a standard precaution.
NIGERIA(ABUJA) - Pro-Agatu activists are set to hold a mass demonstration in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on 2 March, in response to fatal attacks on Agatu communities in Benue state in recent days. The protesters claim that state authorities have done little to address the communal violence, believed to have been perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen. Participants are set to gather at the Unity Fountain at 09:00 local time and will march towards the Ministry of Justice. The protesters will also reportedly stop at a number of other locations in the city, including the headquarters of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMAN) and the National Assembly building, during the course of the march. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes, which are triggered by ongoing disputes over access to land and resources, occur fairly frequently. Indeed, at least 12 people were killed on 23 February when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked several communities within the Agatu local government area in Benue state. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude without major incident, the potential for clashes between local security forces and protesters cannot be discounted. Such unrest poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Heightened caution is advised in Abuja due to various security concerns, including medium to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest. Persons operating in the city on 2 March are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest route on the day.
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