Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
GLOBAL(DELTA AIR LINES, KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, JET AIRWAYS) - Delta Air Lines has entered into a codeshare partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Jet Airways to provide convenient connections for passengers to and from key destinations across North America to the Indian Subcontinent via Amsterdam. Effective March 27, 2016, Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, will launch daily non-stop flights from Amsterdam to each to its hubs in Mumbai and New Delhi. These will complement KLM's daily flight between Amsterdam and New Delhi. Furthermore, Jet Airways will also operate a daily flight to Toronto from Amsterdam. The three-way partnership will enable customers to enjoy enhanced connectivity and seamless travel throughout the combined networks of Jet Airways, KLM and Delta. Schedules of all three flights have been planned to allow quick and convenient connections between India and Toronto via Amsterdam.
SLOVENIA(ADRIA AIRWAYS) - Unionised pilots employed by Slovenia's largest airline carrier, Adria Airways, are set to participate in a strike and an associated demonstration, on 18 March. The strike has been called with regard to the airlines' alleged failure in establishing a new collective agreement regarding work conditions and wages. Unionised pilots will observe a 24-hour strike, from 05:00 to 23:59 local time; affecting domestic and international Adria Airways flights countrywide. An associated demonstration is also expected outside the airlines offices at the Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport, located in the capital, Ljubljana. Further details regarding the associated demonstration are currently unavailable. It should be noted that negotiations between the airline and the relevant unions are ongoing at this time. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the strike may be postponed or averted with little warning. Should the strike go ahead significant disruptions to domestic and international flight services are anticipated. Clients scheduled to fly with Adria Airways on 18 March are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).
JORDAN(MUDAWARA BORDER CROSSING) - A passenger bus carrying Palestinian pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia from the West Bank crashed near the Mudawara border crossing point in southern Jordan on 16 March. The crash left 14 Palestinians dead and 36 others injured. The cause of the crash is unclear. Primary road infrastructure in Jordan is generally sufficient; however, driving standards tend to be erratic and dangerous and accidents are frequently reported. Motorists should adopt a defensive driving posture, particularly when travelling at night. Persons travelling by bus should ensure that speed limits are adhered to and that the vehicle is in at least a visibly sound condition.
PAKISTAN(GILGIT-BALTISTAN REGION) - At least three militants and two security force members were killed amid a security operation in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region on 17 March. Authorities engaged in a gun battle with militants in the Chilas district, after receiving intelligence relating to the whereabouts of the suspects. The militants are said to have been involved in attacks on a number of targets in recent months. Security forces have cordoned off the Gayal village, where operations remain ongoing. Although information relating to the militants remains limited, authorities believe the suspects may have been affiliated with the Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan or Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which are known to operate in the aforementioned area. The latest security operation serves to underscore the extreme threat of terrorism in the country, including the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The primary threat stems from Sunni Islamist extremist groups, as well as other militant organisations operating in the north western regions of the country. These groups regularly conduct attacks in retaliation for military offensives targeting militant positions in the highly insecure Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where many of these groups maintain an operational presence. Given the general insecurity in the country, further such incidents, including security/military offensives and targeted militant attacks, are likely to continue. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to most of Pakistan is advised against, including Gilgit-Baltistan. Persons in Gilgit-Baltistan are advised to implement robust personal, residential and travel security protocols at all times.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - Amended travel advisory for several areas within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The new advisory, which is included in the 'advisory' section below, covers specific travel recommendations for the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Orientale, Katanga and Maniema. It should be noted that the country is still rated as a high-risk travel destination overall. Crime, conflict and civil unrest continue to pose a high risk to persons operating in the DRC. These threats are elevated in the country's eastern North Kivu and South Kivu provinces due to the pervasive presence of various armed groups in these areas, the most notable of which is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The northern Tanganyika district in Katanga province continues to experience attacks by various Mai-Mai groups, as well as incidents of communal violence. In Orientale, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) remains a noteworthy threat to the province's Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele districts, as does the Patriotic Resistance Front in Ituri (FRPI) in the Ituri Interim Administration. Crime and civil unrest are assessed to be the most significant threats in the rest of the country, including the capital, Kinshasa. While crime levels are certainly exacerbated in areas affected by conflict, incidents of both petty and violent crime are frequently reported throughout the country. Large urban centres in the DRC experience periodic incidents of unrest; these are typically triggered by political and socio-economic concerns. It should be noted that demonstrations often turn violent and security forces are known to resort to heavy-handed tactics when dealing with incidents of dissent. Due to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups, all travel to the eastern North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the Tanganyika district of Katanga province, and the Ituri Interim Administration, Haut-Uele district and Bas-Uele district of Orientale province, is advised against. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the rest of the Orientale and Katanga provinces, as well as the Kabambare territory of Maniema province, due to general insecurity. Clients in these areas should consider travelling with a security escort and residing in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should also be regularly updated in conjunction with a security provider. Finally, heightened caution is recommended in the rest of the DRC, including Kinshasa, due to the high risk of crime and civil unrest. Outside of elevated risk zones, clients should seek to limit intercity road travel where possible, travel with a local escort and ensure that basic personal and travel security precautions are adopted.
NORTHERN SYRIA/NORTHERN IRAQ - The shared Iraq-Syria border, connecting the country's respective Kurdish regions, has been closed. The closure was announced on 16 March. The reason for the closure and the anticipated reopening of the crossing is unclear. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria, against all travel to Iraq's northern Ninewa governorate and against all non-essential travel to most parts of the northern Dahuk governorate. Persons in the affected area who intend crossing the land border should contact the local authorities prior to departure to check the status of the crossing.
TURKEY(ANKARA & ISTANBUL) - Media reports on 17 March indicate that the German Embassy in Ankara (located along Ataturk Boulevard) and the German Consulate General in Istanbul (located along Inonu Caddesi) have been temporarily closed due to a terrorism threat. It is unclear what the exact nature of the threat is or when the diplomatic facilities will re-open. The closures follow a major terrorist attack in Ankara on 13 March and a general spate of attacks in the country since mid-2015. Numerous warnings of planned terrorist attacks have been issued by foreign governments. Clients in Istanbul and Ankara should avoid the German diplomatic facilities until they re-open. Persons requiring consular assistance should telephone the embassy or consulate.
SOUTH AFRICA(ZANDSPRUIT, JOHANNESBURG) - Tensions remain elevated in the Zandspruit area of Johannesburg, South Africa, following violent unrest in the township since 15 March. Hundreds of residents have been protesting in response to several service delivery-related grievances, including the recent disconnection of illegal electricity supply to the township. At least six people were wounded on 16 March following clashes between protesters and security forces, who had been deployed to the area to address the unrest. Police resorted to the use of teargas and rubber bullets in order to disperse the gathered crowds. Reports on early 17 March indicate that several thoroughfares in the vicinity of the township have been closed due to the resumption of protest action. Protests and demonstrations related to political issues, labour disputes and service delivery occur frequently in South Africa. These events predominantly affect lower-income, outlying areas of major urban centres, such as Zandspruit. As highlighted in this latest incident, protest gatherings often degenerate into violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. It should be noted that several businesses in Zandspruit were reportedly looted overnight on 16/17 March; a number of cars were also said to have been set alight. These incidents of vandalism are believed to be related to the aforementioned protest. The residents have asserted that their agitation will continue until the power supply is restored. As such, further incidents of vandalism and protest-related disruptions are expected to continue in the near-term. Clients transiting through Zandspruit are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, avoid areas recently affected by violence, and ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for possible travel delays. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.
VENEZUELA - Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called for countrywide demonstrations, ostensibly to protest against hostile US policies, including sanctions on senior Venezuelan officials. Maduro has called for the protests to continue until 14 April, having commenced on 12 March. Likely protest locations in Caracas include; Altamira, Sebucan, Chacaito, Chacao, Las Mercedes, Los Samanes, Los Dos Caminos, Macaracuay, Plaza Venezuela, Plaza Bolivar, Santa Fe, as well as the Palacio de Miraflores and Cuartel de la Montana. In addition, many cities throughout the country are experiencing frequent incidents of civil unrest. On 16 March for example, protests erupted in Tinaco in Cojedas state over food and water shortages; protests took place in Maraicaibo in Zulia state due to water shortages; protests in the Sucre municipality of Caracas occurred due to water shortages; protests took place in Yaracuy due to food shortages; teachers protested in Zulia and Merida states over labour issues. In addition, riots have been reported at the University of Los Andes in Merida City since 14 March, with a number of students injured after clashes with riot police. The protest action has been called for by Maduro amid a protracted political and economic crises affecting the country. The ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) party recently lost its majority in the legislature during the December 2015 election to the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD). In February, opposition figure Henrique Capriles called for a referendum campaign to remove Maduro from office, blaming him and the PSUV's socialist policies for the dire state of the Venezuelan economy, marked by shortages of basic goods, foodstuffs and medicines. The lengthy protest action called for by Maduro is an attempt to generate support for the PSUV by positioning the party as defender of Venezuela in the face of 'imperialism', which according to Maduro, includes the MUD opposition. Protests in Caracas are expected to be particularly well attended and will likely result in travel disruptions in the affected areas. Counter demonstrations by opposition groupings are also likely. Clients in Venezuela are advised to monitor local media for immediate updates on upcoming protest events. Clients are advised all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate travel disruptions if passing through or in affected areas.
BERMUDA(HAMILTON) - Ongoing protests have been reported in Bermuda's capital Hamilton since 14 March. Protesters have gathered daily in front of the Bermuda House of Assembly in opposition to the proposed immigration reform. The government has offered a series of concessions over the opposed reforms of which are scheduled to be debated on 18 March. Although no major incidents of violence have been reported to date, tensions remain high. Further protests are likely in the near-term. Clients in Bermuda are advised to monitor local broadcasts for updates on possible protests. Clients are further advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings.
SPAIN(LAS NAVAS DEL MARQUES, AVILA) - A mass commemorative march is expected in Las Navas del Marques, located in Spain's Avila province, on 17 March. The march will mark the one year death anniversary of Sergio Martin Pena, who was killed in a violent crime incident in the city in 2015. Participants will gather at the Plaza de la Villa from 19:00 local time and proceed to march to Plaza del Cristo, where a demonstration will be held. Pena's death sparked a number of protests in the city and surrounds in 2015. To date, at least two people have been arrested in connection to Pena's death. The commemorative march is expected to be well attended and concluded without any major incident. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated along the march route and associated gathering sights. Persons in Las Navas del Marques are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a general precaution. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of gathering sights.
REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - An opposition pre-election rally is expected to be held on Boulevard Alfred Raoul in the city of Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, on 17 March from 10:00 local time. The upcoming rally, which is likely to be very well attended, forms part of the official campaign period ahead of the Republic of Congo's presidential ballot, scheduled to be held on 20 March. The election will see incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso, of the ruling Congolese Party of Labour (PCT), contest the presidency for a third successive time following the elimination of a two-term limit in a constitutional referendum on 25 October 2015. The results of the referendum were widely disputed by opposition forces, who consequently staged a series of protests and civil disobedience campaigns in the country. Tensions regarding the upcoming presidential ballot have remained heightened since the referendum, with several political groups calling for delayed polling. Given the current political tensions, there is a risk of violent or disruptive civil unrest at all election-related events during the campaign period, which is set to continue until 18 March. Persons in Brazzaville on 17 March are advised to monitor local developments for updates on the rally and advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the rally site.
PARAGUAY(ASUNCION) - Localised travel disruptions are expected in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, on 17 March due to a mass demonstration by members of the National Peasant Federation (FNC). The protest action, which is set to commence at 08:00 local time, has been called to demand the resignation of incumbent President Horacio Cartes. Participants have accused the president of failing to address numerous socio-economic grievances affecting the country. The FNC will stage a march from Avenida Kubitschek to the Plaza de Armas; this will be followed by a protest rally until 12:00. The aforementioned demonstration is expected to be well attended; local media assert that there will be approximately 4,000 participants. Although additional security forces have been deployed to mitigate potential disruptions on the day, localised traffic disruptions are expected nonetheless. The protest is likely to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes occurring cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Ascension on 17 March are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action and for advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration route.
BRAZIL - (Update) President Dilma Rousseff's recent appointment of Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as chief of staff sparked wide-spread protests across the country on 16 March. Further protests of this nature are expected in the coming days. The anti-government group Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL) has called for a protest over the issue at the Palacio do Planalto in the capital, Brasilia, at 17:00 local time on 17 March. Protests in other urban areas are also expected. It should be noted that related protests may coincide with pro-Rousseff protests, which are expected to be held in various parts of the country on 18 March. The release of an audio recording by a federal judge on 16 March led opposition groups to state that Lula's appointment to a ministerial position was an attempt to protect Lula from prosecution by all except the supreme court; Rousseff has denied these allegations. The recent development takes place amid an ongoing corruption investigation, in which Lula has been implicated, as well as separate impeachment proceedings against Rousseff, who has been blamed for the country's economic crisis. These issues have sparked large-scale countrywide protests since 2015. Most recently, major countrywide protests demanding Rousseff's resignation were held on 13 March. The upcoming protests are also expected to draw large crowds, particularly in Brasilia and Sao Paulo. The possibility of violence between rival protest groups, as well as security forces, cannot be discounted. Clients in Brazil in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on political developments and details on any other protest events. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are also advised to make allowances to accommodate potential localised disruptions.
RUSSIA(MAJOR URBAN CENTERS) - Demonstrations to mark the second anniversary of the annexation of Crimea are expected to be held in a number of urban centres in Crimea and Russia on 18 March. In Russia's capital, Moscow, a rally will be held in Vasilyevsky Spusk square, in the city centre, from 14:30 local time. Elsewhere in Russia, related demonstrations and rallies will be held in Petrozavodsk, Blagoveshchensk, Pyatigorsk, Stavropol, Abakan and Perm. In Crimea, a parade is expected to take place through central Simferopol before a rally is held in the central Lenin Square. Although unconfirmed, precedent suggests events to mark the day will also be held in Sevastopol. Authorities in Crimea held a referendum on the status of the region on 16 March 2014. Residents overwhelmingly voted for reunification with the Russian Federation; Crimean authorities declared independence from Ukraine the same day. The Russian State Duma (State Assembly) ratified the formal application for reunification on 18 March 2014. Despite persistent denials that Russian armed forces deployed beyond the Russian naval base area in Sevastopol, it is now widely accepted that Russian servicemen actively supported pro-Russia paramilitary 'self-defence' units in occupying government buildings and other key sites throughout the Crimea. The commemorative events will likely proceed under close police supervision and are expected to conclude without major incident. Nevertheless, the likelihood of public disorder cannot be entirely discounted, should disruptive elements infiltrate the gatherings. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all related events. Persons in the aforementioned locations on 18 March are advised to avoid the upcoming events and associated gatherings as a precaution.
GERMANY(MUNICH) - LGBT activists have called for a demonstration in Munich against fundamental interpretations of Christianity and in support of LGBT reproductive rights, on 19 March. The rally is expected to commence at 12:00 local time outside the town hall on Prinzipalmarkt. Although recent LGBT rights-related events in Germany have proceeded without major incident, LGBT events have the potential to prompt counter-demonstrations. In the present instance, although unconfirmed, counter-demonstrations by conservative Christian groups are likely. As such, the threat of isolated skirmishes and low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should also be anticipated. Clients in Germany are advised to exercise caution in the aforementioned area on 19 March. All related protest gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.
UKRAINE(KIEV & ODESSA) - Events to mark Saint Patrick's Day are set to take place in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, and the south western city of Odessa, on 19 March. In Kiev, the parade will commence at 13:00 local time and proceed from the Taras Shevchenko monument on the eponymous boulevard to Kontraktova square via Sophia square and Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew's Descent). In Odessa, a parade will take place from 12:00 and proceed from Deribasivska street to Luna Park on Uspens'ka street. The upcoming events are expected to be well attended and will likely be accompanied by an elevated police presence. Despite the increased police presence, the upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully. It should be noted that due to the large crowds expected at the events there is an elevated threat of petty crime, particularly pickpocketing. Localised travel disruptions due to road closures should be anticipated in Kiev and Odessa. Clients in Kiev or Odessa on 19 March are advised to anticipate travel disruptions in the aforementioned areas and plan accordingly.
IRAN - Iran will commemorate Oil Nationalisation Day on 19 March and the Persian New Year (Norooz) on 20 March. Norooz public holidays are anticipated on 21, 22 and 23 March. Associated commemorative events, including rallies and other public gatherings, are anticipated from 19 March. The forthcoming holiday has already been partly commemorated. On the evening before the last Wednesday before the Persian New Year, known as Chaharshanbeh-Soori, locals commemorate the event by letting off fireworks and jumping over bonfires. During commemorations this year, on 15 March, at least three people were killed and 2,500 injured in related events. Further related celebrations are likely during Norooz. In addition to the safety risk, there is a possibility of travel and business disruptions during the holiday period. Increased demand for transport services and limited government and business operating hours should be expected. Clients in the country should exercise caution near related commemorative events. Local media should be monitored for advisories from the local authorities.
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