Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
UNITED STATES(SOUTHWEST AIRLINES) - Southwest Airlines announced it will be raising their fees slightly for their early-bird check-in service in the following announcement: "At Southwest, we love our Employees and our Customers and we want you to have the best travel experience possible. Sometimes that means we have to make slight price adjustments to a very popular product so Customer Experience remains unparalleled. So for the EarlyBird Check-In option, we're making a change to protect the value of the service. On Monday Mar. 14 the price of EarlyBird Check-In will increase ever so slightly from $12.50 to $15.00 one-way per passenger."
GLOBAL(DELTA AIRLINES) - Delta plans to begin daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport on Dec. 16, 2016, pending U.S. Department of Transportation and foreign government approval. L.A., the largest market for service to Asia, drives 21 percent of all U.S.-Asia demand, and the start of Beijing service marks Delta's fifth daily nonstop flight to the Asia-Pacific region in addition to Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Shanghai and Sydney. Shanghai service was added in July 2015, and Delta will be the only carrier to offer service to both Beijing and Shanghai from Los Angeles. The launch of service is timed to capture peak holiday and Chinese New Year traffic. Delta's Los Angeles-Beijing flight will offer customers convenient connections to more than 39 cities in China, including - Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Xian and Hangzhou on SkyTeam partners China Eastern and China Southern, while the Los Angeles-bound Beijing flight will offer key connections to Denver, Las Vegas, Portland, San Diego and Phoenix as well as 35 other markets throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America. The route will operate using a 291-seat Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with 37 full flat-bed seats in Delta One, 36 seats in Delta Comfort+ and 218 seats in Main Cabin.
VANUATU(BAUERFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Disruptions to scheduled services remain possible at Bauerfield International Airport, which services Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, due to scheduled maintenance. The runway repairs are scheduled to continue until 6 April. Although Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways and Aircalin are expected to continue operating at the facility, other airlines, such as Virgin Australia, have temporarily halted operations amid the repairs. Although the runway maintenance is expected to be completed by the stated deadline, construction delays and subsequent flight disruptions are possible. Additional disruptions remain possible once the runway is fully operational, due to the resultant backlog of scheduled services. Clients intending to transit Bauerfield International Airport during the affected period are advised to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s).
UNITED KINGDOM(NORTHERN IRELAND) - Security has been heightened in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland, ahead of the centenary of the Easter Rising rebellion; the uprising is traditionally commemorated by Republican dissident groups and their supporters on Easter weekend, which will take place from 25 to 28 March. A recent spike in low-level terrorist incidents prompted local police to warn of a high threat of terrorist incidents in the run up to the centenary. Indeed, police and army units from the UK and Ireland have reportedly foiled at least four bomb plots since 1 March. In at least one instance, on 4 March, a terrorist plot successfully targeted a police vehicle in east Belfast; one police officer was injured by a bomb blast. The Easter Rising was a short-lived armed rebellion in Ireland, which began on Easter Monday 1916. The rebellion was led by Irish republican groups against British rule of Ireland. Although the uprising was unsuccessful, resulting in the swift capture and execution of many of its leaders, it continues to inspire dissident Republican groups to increase acts of violence targeting security forces during this period. Explosive devices have in the past been planted by dissident Republican groups primarily targeting security forces in Northern Ireland. As 2016 marks the centenary of the uprising, the risk of violent plots is considered to be particularly elevated this year. Furthermore, commemorative events are traditionally held in Belfast and elsewhere in the run up to the annual militant parade in Belfast on Easter Sunday, which falls on 27 March. Although the majority of these events pass peacefully, they have been known to spark violent clashes between British unionist and Irish nationalist groups in the past. Clients in Northern Ireland are advised to exercise caution and avoid all associated gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, all suspicious persons or packages should be reported to the local authorities immediately.
ITALY - A number of major transport unions in Italy have called for strike actions of various lengths on 17 and 18 March. Rail services are expected to experience the greatest disruption as rail workers are set to observe strike action from 21:00 local time on 17 March; the strike will conclude at 21:00 on 18 March. In the aviation sector on 18 March, British Airways employees are set to engage in a work stoppage from 10:00 to 14:00, while Mistral Air workers are expected to stage a work stoppage from 14:00 to 18:00. Unionised taxi drivers are also set to strike countrywide, from 08:00 to 22:00 on 18 March. Finally, bus services are expected to be cancelled or significantly reduced in numerous cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strikes are expected to be well observed, and to result in significant disruptions to travel countrywide. Increased traffic congestion should be anticipated in major urban centres. Persons in the affected areas are advised to anticipate disruptions to local public transport services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.
AFGHANISTAN(NIMROZ PROVINCE) - A kidnapped Iranian national was released in in Afghanistan's Nimroz province on 13 March. The victim was recovered by the National Directorate of Security (NDS) from a house in the province's administrative capital, Zaranj, and released to Iranian authorities at the Abresham border checkpoint. The victim was allegedly abducted near the customs department in Nimroz in January and held in captivity amid ransom negotiations. Further details surrounding the release have not been disclosed. Although specific details relating to the incident have not been disclosed, a similar incident, in which an Iranian national was abducted in Nimrod province on 11 February and released on 9 March, was reported in recent days. This serves to underline the extreme risk of kidnapping in Afghanistan. The threat remains the highest in the southern and eastern regions of the country, especially along Afghanistan's porous border areas. The kidnapping threat stems from both criminal and insurgent groups, such as the Sunni-extremist Taleban, as well as local militias. Given high levels of insecurity in the country, further such incidents should be anticipated. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons in Afghanistan are advised to adopt heightened security measures, including the use of a security escort and residing in secure accommodation.
NIGERIA(MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE) - Incoming reports indicate that at least 22 people have been killed and 35 others wounded following a suspected suicide bombing in Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria's north eastern Borno State, early on 16 March. The attack is said to have targeted worshippers at a local mosque on the outskirts of the city, although this has yet to be verified. Further details remain unclear at this stage; however, an elevated security presence should be anticipated in the affected area of Maiduguri over the near-term. Although no immediate claims of responsibility for the bombing have been made, the attack was likely orchestrated by militants aligned with the Islamist extremist Boko Haram group. The sect has executed numerous fatal bombing attacks in the city in the past, and has a significant operational capacity in Borno state in general. As such, incidents of this nature are likely to continue in the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to the north eastern state of Borno due to elevated conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and crime risks. Persons operating in the state should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times. These include coordinating all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is sought within secure compounds. Travel to the affected area should be avoided at this time, due to the threat of secondary attacks.
LIBYA(SARIR AREA) - Suspected Islamic State (IS) militants attacked a water plant near the Sarir oil field in central Libya on 14 March. The attackers attempted to detonate a car bomb, but were foiled by local security forces, who shot and killed the driver. Supporting militants then fired on the plant and the guards. There was some minor damage to property in the area. Employees at the plant were later evacuated. The plant is part of the Great Man-made River (GMR) system, which provides water to Libya's coastal systems. The plant is considered critical state infrastructure. Any disruption to the water extraction and delivery process could have a severe impact on the Libyan population, most of whom rely on water extracted from the GMR. The area is, therefore, a prime target for non-state armed groups, including IS. The organisation predominantly operates in northern Libya around Sirte, but has the operational capability to attack any part of the country. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort, reside in secure compounds and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.
PAKISTAN(PESHAWAR) - At least 15 people were killed and over 30 more were wounded in a bomb attack in Peshawar, administrative capital of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on 16 March. The incident happened aboard a bus transporting government employees from Mardan into the city; the explosive device was reportedly planted in the vehicle and detonated in the vicinity of Sunehri Masjid. Further information remains unavailable. The incident highlights the extreme terrorism risk in Pakistan. As a major urban centre in close proximity to the chronically insecure Federally Administered Tribal areas (FATA), the threat of terrorist attacks in Peshawar is elevated. There are several groups with the operational capacity to carry out such an attack. These groups are known to carry out small-scale and mass-casualty attacks, targeting both state and civilian interests. Heightened security, including additional patrols and checkpoints, is expected to remain in the affected area for the short- to medium-term. Due to the threat of terrorism, all travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Peshawar, is advised against. Persons in the city should defer all travel to the affected area for the near-term. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.
POLAND(WARSAW) - In Poland, agricultural and farmers' groups have gathered their supporters at Three Crosses square in the central area of the capital, Warsaw, since 10:30 local time on 16 March. The demonstration has been organised in opposition to perceptions of increasing government involvement in rural land development. The gathering is expected to conclude at approximately 14:00. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level incidents of unrest cannot be discounted. Previous related protests have been well-attended and continued through the official end time. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration. Persons in Warsaw on 15 March are advised to avoid the ongoing demonstration and any concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Supreme Court is set to rule on the possibility of parole for two detained activists, Fred Bauma and Yves Makwambala, on 16 March. Given the emotive nature of their initial arrest in 2015, the judgment carries the potential to trigger demonstrations on the day. Moreover, supporters of the activists may attempt to hold solidarity protests ahead of the ruling. Such unrest is likely to centre on the capital, Kinshasa, where the aforementioned court is based. Bauma and Makwambala were detained on 15 March 2015 as a result of their involvement in a workshop affiliated with Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA), a pro-democracy youth movement in the DRC. The government has accused the activists of plotting an insurgency, a charge that many have claimed to be fabricated. The arrests came at time of elevated tensions in the country following proposed changes to the electoral law by incumbent president Joseph Kabila. Opposition activists asserted that these amendments would enable Kabila to extend his rule, catalysing significant protests. Kabila's administration responded to the ensuing unrest by way of a forcible crackdown on assemblies. It should be noted that a planned demonstration in Goma, marking the anniversary of Bauma and Makwambala's arrests, was dispersed by security forces on 15 March. As such, there is possibility of similar interventions by the police at related-demonstrations on 16 March. The crowd dispersal tactics of security forces may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Kinshasa on 16 March are advised to monitor local media in order to remain aware of possible demonstrations on the day. All protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are reminded that, due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to most of the DRC is advised against.
FRANCE(PARIS) - A number of major labour unions and civil society groups are set to stage large demonstrations against a proposed labour law amendment in Paris, on 17 March. In the earlier of the two demonstrations, student activists and unionised teachers are set to stage a rally in Place de la Nation from 11:00 local time. Elsewhere, union members and their supporters are expected to hold a protest march from Place de la Republic to Bercy train station, at 14:30. 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 17 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.
CHILE - The Agrupacion Nacional de Empleados Fiscales (ANEF), a group which represents civil servants, has called for countrywide labour action in Chile on 17 March. Further information regarding the planned protests is unavailable. The general strike has been called in solidarity with civil servants who embarked on protest action in the Chanaral province on 9 March. The union is demanding that the government adhere to the payment of bonuses, based on an agreement signed in 2014. There were reports of violence and protesters blockading roads at related gatherings held on 9 March. As such, low-level clashes, travel disruptions and violence at the upcoming countrywide gatherings cannot be discounted. Clients in Chile are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on the upcoming gatherings. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution, in addition to making allowances for possible travel delays.
INDIA(HARYANA STATE) - Protests and accompanying agitations remain possible across India's Haryana state on 17 March, following the extension of a deadline by the ethnic Jat community to the government regarding potential concessions. Protesters submitted a memorandum to the state legislative assembly on 14 March after threatening to escalate the protest action, should their demands not be met by 17 March. The Jat community is demanding reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC) quota, the withdrawal of criminal cases against agitators during the February protests, and compensation for the families of those killed during the most recent agitation in late February. This is the latest escalation in protest activity in the state by the Jat community in recent weeks. Community members are demanding equitable inclusion in India's caste-based quota system. Sustained violent and disruptive protests were reported from 17 to 22 February; authorities deployed additional troops, placed a ban on all gatherings and declared dawn-to-dusk curfews in the worst-affected areas. In light of this, associated protests and agitations may proceed at short notice, given the currently elevated tensions regarding the aforementioned unresolved concerns and grievances. Should related protests occur, the threat of violence between police and protesters is considered elevated. Protesters may also blockade roads, including major highways, as part of the agitation. Persons in Haryana state are advised to avoid all protest action, monitor local developments and anticipate localised travel disruptions. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel delays.
SENEGAL(DAKAR) - Education sector workers and students are expected to protest in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on 18 March. The protest will encompass a sit-in outside the presidential palace, and has been scheduled amid an ongoing 72-hour strike by the Union for the Defense of Public Education (UDEP), scheduled to conclude on 18 March. Further information remains unavailable. The protest action has been organised in response to various ongoing labour grievances in the education sector, including the proposed budgetary cuts. Significant levels of unrest are not anticipated, although security forces may attempt to forcibly remove the protesters; minor confrontations between protesters and police remain a potential risk. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Dakar on 18 March are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. In addition, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest gathering.
MEXICO(VILLAHERMOSA & MEXICO CITY) - Petroleum workers affiliated to the trade union Sindicato de Trabajadores Petroleros de la Republica Mexicana (STPRM) are anticipated to embark on protest action in Mexico on 18 March. A protest gathering is anticipated in the city of Villahermosa at the Plaza de Armas on the day. A related protest march is also expected from the Parque de la Bombilla, located in the Alvaro Obregon district, south of the capital, Mexico City, at 10:00 local time. The latter gathering will proceed to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Faculty of Economics. The labour action has been called in opposition to new energy reform policies and retrenchments resulting from the Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) budget cuts. The upcoming protests are anticipated to be well attended. Although the gatherings are expected to conclude without incident, the threat of violence cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the likelihood of localised travel disruptions near protest locations should be anticipated. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, as the gatherings are expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.
IRAQ(BAGHDAD & SOUTHERN CITIES & TOWNS) - Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the Al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, has called for further protests in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, from 18 March. He has called for a protest sit-in outside of the Green Zone (International Zone) and for his supporters to remain there until their demands are met. Al-Sadr is calling for action against corruption, a reshuffling of the cabinet and inclusion of more technocrats in the government. This is the latest call for protests by al-Sadr. He has led several peaceful and well-attended rallies recently, including on every Friday since 26 February. The rallies on 18 March, should they proceed, are likely to be well attended. Associated road travel disruptions and elevated security measures are likely in the vicinity of the Green Zone on the day and in subsequent days should the protest persist. Note that other common protest sites in Baghdad, including Tahrir Square and Sadr City, may also be affected by protest action. Additional al-Sadr-related protests are also anticipated in predominantly Shiite Muslim southern cities and towns from 18 March. Should the reform demands not be met, protests are likely to persist but will likely escalate on forthcoming Fridays (25 March and 1 April). The risk of violence at all protests is considered high. This may take the form of clashes between police and protesters or attacks by Sunni extremists against the protest gatherings. Extremists regularly conduct attacks against large gatherings. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons in the city should travel with a local security escort and reside in secure accommodation. Travellers in the city from 18 March should monitor local security developments closely in conjunction with their security provider. Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of the Green Zone and other possible protest areas. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.
NEPAL(KATHMANDU) - Opposition groups, including the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), are expected to hold a demonstration in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, on 19 March. The demonstration has been organised regarding issues relating to the draft constitution. Further details pertaining to the upcoming demonstration have not been disclosed. The ethnic Madhesi people in the Terai region have long complained of discrimination by the government. The new constitution, which has yet to be formally adopted, has prompted sustained protests, particularly by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF). The UDMF is a coalition of four political parties, specifically interested in the perceived lack of rights of minority groups in the country. The UDMF has repeatedly rejected the amendments, stating they still fail to represent Madhesi interests. Several incidents of violence and unrest at draft constitution protests have been reported in recent weeks. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in demonstration-affected areas. Clients in Kathmandu are advised to monitor local developments closely for information on the upcoming demonstration. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.
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