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

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS AIRPORT) - (Update) Authorities at Brussels Airport have stated that the facility will remain closed to all commercial air traffic on 23 March due to ongoing investigations into the terrorist bombings that took place on 22 March. Meanwhile, Eurostar services are set to resume on 23 March with moderate delays due to additional security checks. A significantly reduced metro service will be available in Brussels on 23 March; only 14 out of 68 metro stations are set to reopen after the network was shut down by authorities following the terrorist attacks. Increased security measures, particularly additional deployments of security forces, at the above-mentioned transport hubs, should be expected and are likely to cause some travel delays. Further disruptions to travel services across the region should be anticipated as Belgium and neighbouring states review and increase border controls and security measures in response to the incident. Persons currently in Brussels are advised to avoid any affected areas and limit all non-essential travel within the city at this time, due to the potential for further attacks. Clients are further advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and avoid crowded areas; all suspicious packages and/or persons should be reported to the authorities.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - Belgium's terrorism risk rating has been elevated from medium to high. The rating increase is in response to an assessed increased terrorism threat following the 22 March terrorist attacks in the capital, Brussels, a surge in counterterrorism operations and related arrests since mid-November 2015 and the presence of Islamist extremist support networks. In response to this change in the terrorism rating, Belgium now rates as a medium-risk destination overall. The elevated terrorism risk in Belgium is a consequence of several factors, including the country's status as the diplomatic centre of the EU and the NATO military alliance, the country's support for international counterterrorism initiatives, the presence of individuals sympathetic to extremist Islamist ideals and an alleged marginalised Islamic populace. Furthermore, recent high-profile security raids and related arrests have highlighted the existence of cross-border networks between France and Belgium. The ability of terrorists to undermine Belgium's security using these networks has been illustrated by the recent movement of fugitives and weaponry across the border. In November 2015, the perpetrators of the attacks in Paris, which left over 130 people dead, travelled to France from Belgium; at least one of the attackers crossed back into Belgium, where he was captured in Brussels on 18 March. In another incident, the assailant in an attack on the Jewish Museum in Brussels, in May 2014, was apprehended by security forces in France several days after the attack. The perpetrator was carrying the assault rifle used in that attack, as well as other weaponry. The most recent attack in Brussels marks a significant escalation due to its coordination, relative sophistication and subsequently high casualty numbers. The Islamic State (IS) militant group has since claimed responsibility for the 22 March attack, although this remains unconfirmed by authorities, and has issued a threat to target the country again. Given the currently heightened security environment in the country, further successful attacks appear unlikely in the immediate-term; however, given recent incidents, the presence of terrorist elements in the country, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Belgium's strategic role in regional counterterrorism, the risk of terrorism and the likelihood of future attempted attacks is assessed as high. Further low-level or mass-casualty attacks perpetrated by individuals or cells operating independently or with larger militant organisations cannot be discounted. Clients currently in or planning to be in Belgium are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly in major cities, such as Brussels. Caution is advised in busy public areas, such as transport hubs, on public transportation, near government or official buildings, and near security force personnel, which remain likely targets of militants. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities immediately.

UNITED STATES(ALASKA AIRLINES) - Frequent fliers can now use their Alaska Airlines miles to cover the cost of a prescreening, which may put them in faster-moving security lines. Alaska Airlines on Monday announced the program, in which passengers can redeem 10,000 miles to cover the $85 cost of a PreCheck screening charged by the Transportation Security Administration. The initial offer remains valid until April 30. According to the TSA's PreCheck website, acceptance into the program as a "known traveler" provides five years of access to expedited security lines, in which passengers don't have to remove shoes, jackets or belts. The airline said its mileage-based program to cover PreCheck's registration cost is the first of its kind. TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said Monday that Anchorage and Fairbanks have dedicated PreCheck lanes and more than 160 are in airports nationwide. PreCheck-approved passengers can still keep their shoes and jackets on when they go through regular screening lines at other airports. Interested passengers can begin the PreCheck process by sending an email to TSAredemption@alaskaair.com including their name and Alaska Airlines mileage plan number. After deducting the 10,000 miles from applicants' accounts, the airline will reply with a code that can be used on the TSA PreCheck application website.

UNITED KINGDOM/IRAN(BRITISH AIRWAYS) - British Airways is resuming flights to Tehran in July 2016, giving travelers even more choice and flexibility when they fly between London Heathrow and the Middle East. There will be six flights a week to the Iranian capital on board a Boeing 777 aircraft, increasing to daily services in Winter 2016. Tehran is one of 14 new British Airways routes for 2016, including San Jose in Costa Rica, San Jose in California and Lima in Peru.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Rail service disruptions are expected on the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground (LU) in the UK's capital, London, on 23 and 24 March due to an industrial action by unionised train drivers. The 24-hour strike action, which has been called in response to various work-related grievances, is set to begin at 22:30 local time on 23 March. It should be noted that the drivers have threatened two more strike actions on 9 and 21 April, should their grievances not be addressed. Given that negotiations between the union and LU management are ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or extended at short notice. Should the action proceed as scheduled, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be anticipated. Persons in London during the aforementioned period are advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming strike. Clients are further advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for travel disruptions along the affected line. To access tube service updates, visit the Transport For London website (https://tfl.gov.uk/).

AUSTRALIA - (Update) A 24-hour strike by unionised security and customs staff at Australia's major international airports, scheduled for 24 March, has been postponed. According to reports, the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) decided to temporarily suspend the action following the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, capital of Belgium, on 22 March. Incumbent Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reportedly asked the workers to halt their strike amid newly-elevated security concerns in the country. The strike action had originally been called to protest against the government's recent labour policies, which have caused a number of redundancies across all sectors, including aviation. Persons operating in Australia in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on any forthcoming strikes by the CPSU. Clients are further advised to contact their travel provider or airline(s) for an update on the status of their flights.

GREECE(ATHENS) - Metro employees in Greece's capital, Athens, are set to launch a 24-hour strike on 24 March. Workers have cited poor security as the main reason for launching the strike. The security concerns arose after several vandal attacks at central stations, as well as recent threats against ticket inspectors published on an anti-establishment website. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, the associated rail disruptions will likely result in an increased demand for alternative public transport services during the affected period. Persons in Athens during the aforementioned period are advised to monitor local media for developments on the upcoming strike. Clients intending to make use of metro services in Athens on 24 March are advised to contact their travel provider or the rail operator for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

CUBA(ZIKA VIRUS) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory warning against the Zika virus in Cuba on 19 March. The virus is allegedly being transmitted through mosquitoes in the country, and pregnant women have been warned against travel to the island. Health officials in Cuba have since stated that there are five infection cases and 130 unconfirmed cases. Military personnel with hand-held foggers have been deployed countrywide to conduct door-to-door fumigation. Furthermore, airport and sea port authorities have implemented health screening measures to monitor all persons in transit. The Zika virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The majority of persons infected do not show symptoms. One in four infected persons show mild symptoms, including mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. Of particular concern is that the infection has been linked to cases of deformity in babies, which is partly why the WHO has issued its advisory. Research into the link between the deformities and Zika is ongoing. At present, the greatest risk to unborn children is considered to fall within the first trimester. Clients concerned about the spread of the disease or requiring further information should contact their medical practitioner. Further information is also available on the WHO (http://www.who.int/), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/) and Pan American Health Organization (http://www.paho.org/) websites. Travellers to Cuba should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Empty all standing water around residences, cover water tanks, avoid accumulating waste near residences, unblock drains, use screens and mosquito nets, cover exposed skin, use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets. Persons displaying symptoms, particularly pregnant women, should visit their medical practitioner.

MALAWI - Malawi's state-owned power producing company, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), has announced that there will be rolling blackouts throughout the country from 23 to 28 March. The power cuts will reportedly be implemented in order to allow for maintenance work at the Nkula, Kapichira Falls and Wovwe hydroelectric power stations. The power outages are anticipated to cause significant disruptions to local transport and business services. Persons operating in Malawi should anticipate disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications, transportation and other electronic-based services during the aforementioned period, and should plan accordingly. Clients are advised to ensure that business-critical electronic equipment is regularly recharged and that business operations have sufficient alternative energy sources, such as generators, in place. Local media should be monitored for updates on the scheduled power cuts and for advisories from the authorities.

CHINA(SOUTHERN CHINA) - The rainy season has hit southern China earlier than anticipated, resulting in related flooding and disruptions since 9 March. The province of Guangdong has been worst affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions, having experienced heavy thunderstorms on 20 and 21 March. Flight disruptions were reported during this period, with at least 265 flights cancelled at the province's Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. Related flooding has also caused disruptions in the provinces of Guangxi, Fujian and Hainan. Heavy rain and flood-related damage was also reported in Jiangxi province, where 125 homes were destroyed and 1,500 hectares of agricultural fields were damaged. The adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, are forecast to continue affecting the region over the near-term. Heavy rain can lead to severe flooding and structural damage. Areas assessed to be at an elevated risk of flooding include those located near river banks and canals. Furthermore, due to the inclement weather conditions brought on by the forecast storms, disruptions to road, rail and air travel should be expected. Lastly, utility services such as the supply of water and electricity may also be negatively affected. Persons operating in the southern region of China in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions, and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

LIBERIA/GUINEA - Liberia has reportedly closed its land border with Guinea on 22 March in response to growing numbers of Ebola cases affecting neighbouring Guinea according to a statement by Information Minister Lenn Eugene Nangbe. Reports indicate that 4 people in Guinea have died from the virus since late February prompting Liberia to take proactive steps to prevent the virus from spreading. The crossing is located in the town of Ganta, in Nimba County. Liberia is concerned about the reintroduction of the virus since it was declared Ebola free in January. The Ebola epidemic, which killed over 11,000 people in West Africa since 2013, reportedly began in Guinea before spreading to Liberia and other neighbouring states. A concerted response by international health agencies led to a significant decrease in the number of Ebola cases, although the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that localised outbreaks of the disease is likely to continue throughout the region. Travel disruptions are to be expected as a result of the border closure as no timetable for the duration of the closure has been announced. Persons intending to travel via land borders between these two countries in the long-term are advised to contact the relevant authority prior to departure, to check the status of the crossing and route. In the near term, clients are advised to seek alternative methods of transport, such as air travel. As a general precaution, it is advisable to consider deferring all non-essential travel to countries where suspected outbreaks of Ebola have been reported, including Guinea at present.

BANGLADESH - (Update) Violent clashes were reported in Bangladesh's southern town of Mathbaria on 22 March. Security forces opened fire on supporters from the ruling Awami League (AL) political party, who were allegedly trying to attack personnel taking ballot boxes to the electoral office headquarters. At least five people were killed and several other were injured, while five other people were reportedly killed in related violence in Cox's Bazar, Jhalakathi, Netrakona and Sirajganj respectively. AL activists had blockaded a venue where vote counting was underway. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has alleged that all the local council polls were marred by violence, vote rigging and fraud, including ballot-stuffing by AL supporters. The local elections will continue on 31 March, 23 April, 7 and 28 May, as well as 4 June. Security is expected to be significantly elevated in areas affected by polls. Political tensions in Bangladesh remain elevated, particularly between AL and BNP, following the January 2014 general elections that BNP boycotted. Sporadic clashes or incidents of violence between supporters of these two parties are likely to continue during the election period, as are clashes between group members and security forces. Persons already in the country, or planning to travel there during the scheduled election period, are advised to avoid all large political gatherings and polling stations as a precaution. Local developments should be monitored closely.

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