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

UNITED STATES - The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Current information suggests that ISIL, al-Qa'ida, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

EMEA / NEW ZEALAND - Emirates has launched its first non-stop service between Dubai and Auckland, one of the world's longest scheduled flights, bringing 39 European destinations and another 38 in Africa and the Middle East within just one stop of New Zealand. Emirates' new service will bring New Zealand much closer to destinations in Europe and the Middle East than at present, with an estimated flight time of just under 16 hours from Dubai to New Zealand and 17 hours, 15 minutes in the other direction, cutting journey times by almost three hours each way. Tourists, in particular, will now have more options - travelling to Auckland with a stopover in Australia on one of the award-winning airline's three daily A380 services, flying non-stop direct into Auckland on the Boeing 777-200LR, or flying to the South Island on the daily Boeing 777-300ER Christchurch service. With the introduction of the non-stop service, Emirates will fly more than 2,000 seats a day in each direction on New Zealand services.

SOUTH AMERICA - LATAM has unveiled revamped frequent flyer programmes for its member carriers LAN and TAM, as the group continues to roll out its new brand identity. LAN's loyalty scheme will now be known as LATAM Pass, while TAM's will be known as LATAM Fidelidade.

The tiers of the respective scheme will now also mirror each other, as follows:

*Gold (previously Premium for LAN and Blue for TAM)

*Platinum (previously Premium Silver and Red respectively)

*Black (previously Comodoro and Red Plus)

*Black Signature (previously Black across both programmes)

The revamped programmes have improved the "Courtesy Upgrade" benefit offered to members. Previously members would request an upgrade and not find out if it had been granted until they reached the gate - under the new rules members will request the upgrade between 48 and 12 hours before departure, and be emailed with confirmation of any upgrade 12 hours before the flight. This enhancement will be rolled out throughout 2016. LATAM also says that the new programmes "incorporate significant improvements, making it easier to accumulate kilometres and gain access to superior categories, while enhancing the benefits offered to frequent flyers". These include a reduction in the number of tier miles needed to reach Gold, Platinum and Black tiers, and increased miles/points earning in selected classes and on selected routes. Members of the two schemes will receive new membership cards with their updated tier classifications in March - LATAM Pass members will continue to earn kilometres, while LATAM Fidelidade members will earn points.

SOUTH KOREA/UNITED STATES - South Korea and the United States will begin joint military drills and exercises in and around South Korea on 7 March. Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, as the two drills are known, are scheduled to run in parallel and will conclude on 30 April. The operations will entail deployments of 300,000 South Korean and US troops, almost double the amount in comparison to previous years, for the drills. Troops will be deployed to several locations in and around South Korea, and will simulate a defensive exercise to test the ability of South Korean and US forces to defend South Korea from a North Korean invasion. The drills, which have been conducted on an annual basis, have historically been a source of tension between North Korea and South Korea. Indeed, during past military drills, tensions escalated significantly over North Korean opposition to the drills, resulting in belligerent rhetoric from the two countries and particularly from North Korea. In addition, North Korea also carried out a number of aggressive, if only symbolic actions in the recent past in response to the military drills; however, no open conflict or clashes arose from these tensions. It should be noted that in the nearly 60 years since the signing of the Armistice Agreement that ended open conflict in the Korean War, there have only been isolated incidents of military action between the two countries. It is currently assessed that the threat of open conflict between the two Koreas is low. Clients travelling to the Korean Peninsula are advised to monitor local media for any relevant security developments.

FRANCE(PARIS) - The emergency services (police, fire, medical and city administration) and private and public organisations (SNCF rail network and businesses) in France's capital, Paris, will be conducting flood management exercise between 7 and 18 March. The exercise, named Sequena 2016, is designed to improve response times and processes to potential flooding of the river Seine. Public announcements and the deployment of emergency service personnel are likely in parts of the city during the exercises. These could result in some minor disruptions to road travel and public transportation in places. Clients in Paris during the affected period should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities, particularly references to potential road travel and public transport disruptions.

FRANCE - SNCF and Paris' RATP rail workers affiliated to various trade unions are expected to observe a strike across France in the coming days. The strike is expected to cause disruptions to rail services from 19:00 local time on 8 March until 08:00 on 10 March. The industrial action has been called to demand a rise in salaries, improvements to working conditions and for more staff to be recruited. The disruption of rail services will likely result in an increased demand for alternative forms of public transport on the affected days. Furthermore, residual delays should be anticipated once rail services resume on normal schedules. Clients intending to make use of rail services in France on the strike-affected days are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

AUSTRALIA(SYDNEY) - (Update) A security incident at an industrial site in Ingleburn in south western Sydney, Australia, has concluded. The local security forces stormed the Inline National Signage and Property Services building, located on the corner of Heald Road and Stennett Road, at approximately 17:00 local time on 7 March. During the operation a gunman was killed and three hostages were released. The lone gunman had entered the building earlier on 7 March at approximately 10:45 local time and shot and killed one person and wounded two others. The motive for the incident and the identity of the gunman is unknown. Normal travel can continue in the affected area following the conclusion of the incident.

TUNISIA(BEN GARDANE & DJERBA) - (Update) A large band of armed assailants entered Tunisia from Libya during the early morning on 7 March and attacked military and police facilities in the town centre of Ben Gardane, south eastern Tunisia. The resultant clashes with the security forces left 13 gunmen, five civilians and one soldier dead. Six other gunmen were captured. In response the authorities have ordered residents in the town to remain indoors. Access routes to the nearby Djerba resort area have been closed. Unconfirmed reports citing local residents indicate that the gunmen are affiliated to the Islamic State (IS). The attack is significant and underlines the increasing insecurity along the shared Libya-Tunisia border. The area has been the scene of regular clashes between non-state armed groups and the Tunisian military and related civil unrest since the Libyan Civil War in 2011; however, committed assaults, like the one on 7 March, have been less frequent. The incident follows a similar incident on 2 March when gunmen and the military clashed in the El Aouija area near Ben Gardane leaving five gunmen and one civilian dead. The 2 and 7 March incidents point to a possible relocation of some Libya-based militants to Tunisia. Militants in Libya have come under increasing pressure in recent weeks. On 19 February, US air strikes targeted IS positions in Sabratha, located 100km east of the shared border, leaving dozens of suspected IS fighters dead. Following the strikes Sabratha militiamen and IS fought a number of battles. It is possible that IS forces here may be seeking to travel into southern Tunisia or from Tunisia into Algeria. Further violence in towns along the heavily secured shared border remains possible. A heightened level of caution is advised within 50km of the shared border with Libya. Persons in Ben Gardane should remain indoors until the current situation is resolved. Concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided. Clients in Djerba are advised to limit road travel to the Tunisian mainland until the security forces lift their blockade of access routes.

INDIA - (Update) In addition to increased security measures in India's capital, New Delhi, and the state of Gujurat, on 5 and 6 March respectively, other large cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore have also been placed on high alert, according to media reports on 7 March. Security measures are also being increased in secondary cities, including Lucknow, Jaipur, Vijayawada, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Panji. The measures follow Pakistani intelligence of a potential terrorism-related threat, received by India on 5 March, which suggested that up to ten suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operatives had infiltrated Kutch district in Gujarat. The group is suspected of intending to target either Shivratri festivities on 7 March in Delhi, or a session of Parliament in the capital. In response, police and National Security Guard personnel have stepped up patrols and have increased security at temples, markets, malls, bus stops, railway stations, airports and other sensitive locations. In addition, roadblocks and car searches have been reported in multiple cities. There is a high risk of terrorism in India, stemming predominantly from Islamist extremists, including the LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Warnings and associated security increases are regular occurrences in India. The warnings serve to underline the continued threat to the country. It should be noted that crowded areas such as marketplaces, tourist areas, public transport hubs and services, as well as government and security force personnel and facilities, are considered at elevated risk of being targeted. Persons operating in India should adhere to any directives or warnings issued by the authorities regarding the implementation of any security measures. Clients are advised to exercise heightened security awareness and to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities.

SOMALIA(BELEDWEYNE) - An explosion has been reported in the vicinity of the Beledweyne Airport in central Somalia on 7 March. The blast at the airport, which serves the city of Beledweyne, reportedly resulted in a number of casualties. The cause of the blast is unknown. Local media have indicated that the explosion may have been caused by a bomb. If confirmed as a bomb blast, the incident would be the latest to impact on the aviation sector in the country in recent weeks. On 2 February, a bomb detonated on a Daallo Airlines flight en route from Somalia to Djibouti. The blast, claimed by Al-Shabab, wounded two people and led Djibouti to later suspend flights to and from Somalia. Al-Shabaab claimed further attacks near Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport on 10 and 11 February. In late February, the Kenyan authorities reportedly increased security measures at major airports in light of potential threats by militants affiliated to Al-Shabaab. The group maintains a strong presence in Somalia and despite its battlefield losses in recent months, it continues to maintain the ability to conduct attacks throughout the Somalia territory, including against aviation interests. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Recent violence-affected sites should be avoided.

PAKISTAN(SHABQADAR(KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE) - A suicide bombing has been reported outside a court building in the Shabqadar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, north eastern Pakistan, on 7 March. The blast left at least eight people dead and 18 wounded. There is an elevated risk of terrorism in Pakistan. The threat stems from Islamist militant organisations, including Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP). Acts of terrorism are frequently reported, particularly in the restive north east of the country. In light of the recent incident in Shabqadar, an increased security force presence, including additional patrols and checkpoints should be expected. Clients are advised against all travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Persons operating in this area should travel with a security escort. Travellers in the Shabqadar area should avoid concentrations of security force personnel and maintain a low public profile.

GERMANY(LEIPZIG, MUNICH & HANOVER) - Demonstrations organised by the far-right group Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) are anticipated in numerous cities in Germany on 7 March. The protests are expected at Richard-Wagner-Platz in Leipzig, at Odeonsplatz in Munich, and at Georgsplatz in Hannover, all beginning at 19:00 local time. The upcoming demonstrations are the latest in a series of weekly protests initiated by PEGIDA. Most of the demonstrations have concluded without incident, although they have often prompted counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Nevertheless, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces remain possible. The upcoming gatherings may result in localised travel disruptions. Persons in the affected cities on 7 March are advised to avoid the upcoming protests, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

SLOVAKIA(BRATISLAVA) - Activist and civic groups are set to hold an anti-fascist demonstration in Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, on 7 March. Participants are expected to gather at SNP Square from 18:00 local time. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and police, cannot be discounted. The event is expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration site. Persons in Bratislava on 7 March are advised to avoid the vicinity of the protest if possible, and to expect localised disruptions.

BRAZIL(RECIFE) - Taxi unions and associations are set to stage a go-slow protest in Recife, Brazil, on 7 March. The protest has been called against illegal carriers and the implementation of Uber taxi services in the city. Participants are expected to gather at Derby Square and proceed to the municipal office, located on Avenue Cais do Apolo from 07:00 to 13:00 local time. The upcoming protest is the latest in anti-Uber protests held in the city in recent days, with similar protest action having taken place on 3 March. The protest is expected to be well attended; as such, significant disruptions to road travel are expected. The go-slow is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Recife are advised to anticipate travel disruptions and to use alternative forms of transport. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

NEPAL(KATHMANDU) - Travel disruptions are expected to occur in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on 7 March during the annual Maha Shivaratri Hindu festival. Hundreds of thousands of devotees are expected to congregate in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple, located on Pashupatinath Road in the Gaushala area of Kathmandu. Multiple road closures are expected in the vicinity of the temple, including the major Ring Road that connects the city's Tribhuvan International Airport with the city centre. In addition to the disruptions in the vicinity of the aforementioned temple, travel disruptions are also anticipated in the vicinity of the Tundikhel grounds, located along the city's Kantipath Road, due to the annual Shivaratri parade. An additional 3,000 security force personnel have also been deployed in the vicinity of the temple to secure the event. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu religious festival and occurs annually during the Hindu month of Maagha, which usually coincides with either February or March. The Pashupatinath Temple is widely considered to be one of the most significant Hindu temples of Shiva in the world; accordingly, this is a major location for pilgrims during Maha Shivaratri. Aside from the anticipated travel disruptions, it should be noted that due to the large crowds expected at the Pashupatinath Temple and the Tundikhel grounds, there is an elevated threat of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing. Clients in or intending to travel to Kathmandu in the coming days are advised to anticipate travel disruptions in the aforementioned areas and plan accordingly.

KENYA(MALINDI(KILIFI COUNTY) & kERICHO COUNTY) - Two by-elections will be held in Kenya on 7 March. These will be held in Malindi, located in the south east Kilifi County, and in Kericho County, located in the west of the country. Additional security, including the establishment of roadblocks, is anticipated in both areas. The election period has been relatively peaceful to date; however, the risk of violence or disruptions on polling day and following the election cannot be discounted. Clients operating in the affected areas are advised to exercise a generally heightened level of personal security awareness and should avoid all street protests, concentrations of police forces and election-related facilities.

NETHERLANDS - Students across the Netherlands have called for protest action on 8 March against the government's plans to encourage students to use rail services outside of peak hours. The proposal aims to alleviate overcrowding on trains. As part of the protest action, thousands of students are expected to occupy trains in the Netherlands between 07:30 and 19:00 local time. The demonstrations, should they proceed, are likely to result in delays to rail services for the duration of the day. Protesters may also stage demonstrations at train stations in an effort to cause further disruptions to draw attention to their grievances. The protests are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in the Netherlands on 8 March should monitor local media for related developments. Clients intending to make use of rail services are further advised to make allowances for potential travel delays.

HONDURAS - A countrywide transport sector strike is expected in Honduras on 8 March. The strike has been called over the non-payment of bonds. Strike organisers have stated that the strike action will be escalated if the government does not respond to the demands of the transport sector. It is unclear how well observed the strike will be; nonetheless, disruptions to public transport services, including bus services, should be anticipated. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely on the day. Although none have been confirmed, associated protests are also possible, particularly in the capital, Tegucigalpa. The possibility of violence at any potential protest cannot be discounted. Clients in Honduras on 8 March are advised to monitor local media for related updates. Clients intending to utilise public transport services during the strike period should anticipate disruptions and plan accordingly, or contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

COLOMBIA(BOGOTA) - Women's rights activists have called for a protest march in Colombia's capital, Bogota, on 8 March. The protest will coincide with International Women's Day. Participants are expected to gather at Parque Nacional at 15:00 local time and proceed to Plaza de Bolivar. Related gatherings are possible in urban centres elsewhere in Colombia. The protest is expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised travel disruptions along the protest route. The event is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Bogota are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

INDIA(MAHARASHTRA STATE) - Various transport sector unions have called for a 24-hour strike in India's western Maharashtra state on 8 March. The strike will be supported by tourist and commercial transport providers, including taxi, private bus and auto rickshaw operators, as well as truck drivers. The strike has been organised in response to increases in a number of statutory charges, which include permit charges, renewal fees, penalties and other charges. The strike is likely to lead to an increased demand for alternative forms of transport and further disruptions. The possibility that striking operators may block major roads, including in the state capital, Mumbai, in an effort to draw attention to their cause, cannot be discounted. Furthermore, protest-related gatherings may accompany the strike action. Should protests take place, there is a likely threat of clashes between police and protesters. Clients operating in Maharashtra on 8 March are advised to ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for possible travel delays. Persons operating in the state should consider organising and/or booking other means of intra- and intercity transport in advance. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BANGLADESH(DHAKA) - The Ganajagaran Mancha group has called for a protest in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 8 March. The group is demanding that the conviction and death sentence for war crimes committed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Quasem Ali, be upheld. The Supreme Court's verdict on Ali's appeal against the death sentence is scheduled for 8 March; the protest has been organised to coincide with the verdict. The protest gathering will be held at the Shahbagh intersection. The group was also expected to hold a sit-in protest in Dhaka on 6 March, although details pertaining to the demonstration are unknown and it is not clear if the sit-in has commenced. The upcoming protest is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of Shahbagh. Rival demonstrations are also possible on the day. The possibility of low-level violence occurring cannot be discounted. Clients in Dhaka on 6 and 8 March are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

INDONESIA(BALI) - Significant disruptions and movement restrictive measures are expected to affect Bali, Indonesia, from 9 to 10 March as a result of the Hindu festival of Nyepi (Day of Silence). Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport, DPS) will be closed for 24 hours from 06.00 on 9 March. Disruptions to businesses are also anticipated for the duration of the festival. Vehicles and other road-based transportation modes will be prohibited from conducting travel during the affected days; emergency vehicles will be permitted to operate. The Benoa ferry and shipping port in Denpasar is expected to remain closed. Authorities have deployed additional security force members, known locally as Pecalang, in anticipation of the day. Also known as the day of silence, Nyepi commemorations will be observed as of 06:00 local time on 9 March. During this time, all entry to Bali will be prevented and business, transport and other services will also be suspended. Security is expected to be significantly elevated for the duration of the commemoration as a result of the high threat of terrorism in Indonesia, and particularly on Bali, which has manifested into mass-casualty bombings in the past. Clients in Bali on the affected days are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid all public festivities linked to the commemorations, and should report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities. Disruptions to business and transportation services should also be anticipated for the duration of the festivities.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Trade unions, student organisations and other civic groups are set to hold a demonstration and associated protest march in France's capital, Paris, on 9 March. The events have been called in protest against the proposed labour reform bill. The main demonstration is expected at the Place de la Republique from 14:00 local time. An associated protest march by trade unions is also expected on the day, with participants expected to gather outside MEDEF headquarters on Avenue Bosquet from 12:30 and proceed to the Ministry of Labour building, located on Rue de Grenelle, where a demonstration will be held. Although the upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. An increased police presence is expected to accompany the events; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites and march route. Persons in Paris on 9 March are advised to avoid the upcoming events and concentrations of security forces, as a general precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential delays.

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