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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(GEORGIA, ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, FLORIDA, MISSISSIPPI & ARKANSAS) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several weather warnings for states in the south of the country on 31 March. 'Flash Flood Watch', 'Flash Flood Warning', 'Tornado Watch' and 'Flood Warning' alerts have been issued for Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas. The adverse weather is expected to persist into 1 April. The warnings follow severe weather in Oklahoma on 30 March. Tornados were reported in multiple locations in the state, leaving 13 people injured. Power outages were also reported in places. Severe weather was also reported in Kansas, Arkansas and Texas on the day. The severe weather is expected to result in localised flooding in places. Areas near rivers are most susceptible to flooding. Disruptions to road travel and power supply may also occur at times. Disruptions to flight schedules may also be experienced. Clients travelling to or from affected states in the south over the next 48 hours should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Scheduled flights should be confirmed with your travel provider or airline. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly near rivers.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS AIRPORT) - (Update) Brussels Airport, which was struck by two suicide blasts on 22 March, remains closed to commercial flights on 31 March. A determination on re-opening the facility is expected to be made later in the day; however, previous deadlines have been pushed back. Regardless of the deadline, once the airport re-opens it is expected to do so with significant disruptions due to additional security checks. Security personnel accompanied by bomb-detecting canines will check baggage at the airport's entrances. In addition, a limited number of check-in counters will be available due to extensive damage in the check-in area. Elsewhere in Brussels, all four lines of the Brussels Metro system have re-opened; however, a number of stations remain closed. Additional police units have also been reported on trains and at stations on the metro system. Increased security measures, particularly additional deployments of security forces and stringent identification checks, should be expected at the above-mentioned transport hubs and are likely to cause some travel delays. Further disruptions to travel services across the region should be anticipated as Belgium reviews and increases border controls and security measures in response to the incident. Persons currently in Brussels are advised to exercise heightened situational and personal security awareness at all times. Persons scheduled to transit Brussels Airport in the coming days are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s). Clients are further advised to report all suspicious packages or persons to the relevant authorities immediately.

SWEDEN(GOTHENBURG LANDVETTER AIRPORT) - Authorities have evacuated the Goteborg Landvetter Airport, the second largest in Sweden, following reports indicating the discovery of several suspicious items on 31 March. According to some media reports, a specialist bomb unit is on the scene and has carried out a controlled explosion; however, this remains unconfirmed. All arriving flights, at least, have been suspended for an indefinite duration. Clients scheduled to transit Goteborg Landvetter Airport are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to enquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious packages, persons or activity to the relevant authorities.

We have run a Client Location Report and rebooking travelers who may be affected by the disruption who were ticketed through ATG.

GHANA(KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Additional security measures are set to be implemented at Kotoka International Airport, which serves Ghana's capital, Accra, as well as other airports in the country on 31 March. Along with increased police and military presence, persons are to be screened before entering the departure halls at airports; all unauthorised persons will no longer be permitted into access restricted areas nor park in front of the terminals. The increased security is as a result of recent terrorist attacks in the West African sub-region, specifically the attack in Cote d'Ivoire on 13 March which left at least 18 people dead. The threat from terrorism in Ghana is assessed as low. There are no known terrorist groups operating in the country and there are no recognised threats stemming from any regional or international terrorist groups. Nonetheless, the aforementioned attack has heightened concerns over further attacks in areas outside of militant groups' traditional areas of operation. As a result of the increased security, there is a possibility of delays and disruptions when transiting air travel hubs. Clients are advised to follow instructions from airport authorities and to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays at all airports in Ghana.

UNITED KINGDOM(HEATHROW & GATWICK EXPRESS) - Travellers using the Heathrow and Gatwick Express services should be aware of weekend disruption over the next couple of months. From April 2 until May 28, the Heathrow Express will run a half hourly service on Saturdays (instead of the normal every-15-minutes frequency), to allow for Crossrail improvement works. The exceptions are Saturday April 9 and 16, and May 21, when a full service will be available. In addition travellers should note that the Bakerloo Underground line will not stop at Paddington (the London terminus for the Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect services) between April 2 and mid-August. Transport for London says this is due to improvement works to boost capacity, renew escalators and "construct a new passenger tunnel in preparation for the arrival of Crossrail" at the station.

Meanwhile the Gatwick Express faces disruption during April and May as follows:

No service between 0010 on Sunday April 3 and 0400 on Monday April 4
Amended service on Saturday April 9 and Sunday April 10
Amended service on Sunday April 17
Amended service on Sunday April 24
No service from Saturday April 30 until 0400 on Tuesday May 3
Amended service on Sunday May 8
Amended service from 0100 on Sunday May 22 until 0400 on Monday May 23

CHILE(SKY AIRLINES) - Sky Airlines employees are set to embark upon an indefinite work stoppage from 00:01 local time in Chile on 1 April. The strike has been initiated due to failed negotiations amid ongoing wage disputes. Disruptions to Sky Airlines and other services, including delays and cancellations, are possible through the course of the day. Given that the action is being undertaken as part of an ongoing dispute, further such strikes are possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients travelling via air in or to Chile over the near-term are advised to reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

NEW CALEDONIA - Disruptions to travel are expected as air traffic controllers in New Caledonia are set to launch countrywide strike action on 1 April. The action was initiated due to labour disputes. New Caledonia's domestic airline, Air Caledonie, has reportedly cancelled several domestic flights. Should the strike proceed, international flights could be affected. Clients are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays at all airports in New Caledonia. Furthermore, clients are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s).

KENYA(NAIROBI) - Significant disruptions to road travel and minibus services are expected in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on 31 March. Minibus association, Matatu Welfare Association (MWA), has called for the action in protest of the cancellation of parking permits for public service vehicles. The strike is set to commence at 05:00 local time. In addition, participants are expected to demonstrate and stage road blocks on several roads, including Ronald Ngala Street, Tom Mboya Street, River Road Street, Moi Avenue and Latema Road. The action is expected to cause significant travel disruptions across the capital. An increased demand for alternative forms of public transportation should be anticipated. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of civil unrest and associated acts of violence at all strike-related demonstrations in Kenya. Persons in Nairobi on 31 March are advised to expect disruptions to minibus services on the day. Furthermore, all large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and possible associated demonstrations.

ANGOLA(LUANDA) - According to reports, a dual Lebanese-Belgian national was abducted in Angola's capital, Luanda, on 30 March. Both Lebanese and Belgian foreign ministries confirmed the incident in which the victim, a businessman, was abducted and a ransom demanded. Further information, including the whereabouts of the victim, remains unknown. Although specific details relating to the incident remain unknown, the incident is thought to be criminally motivated due to the ransom demand. An increase in violent crime and kidnappings in Luanda in recent years has been attributed to a rise in gang activity. Although the kidnapping risk in Angola is assessed as low. Both locals and foreign nationals, including Lebanese businessmen, have been targeted by criminals. Further incidents of this nature remain possible. Clients travelling to Angola should exercise heightened vigilance and security awareness, and refrain from displaying overt signs of wealth.

FRANCE(PARIS, NANTES) - (Update) Police have clashed with small groups of unruly protesters at union-led demonstrations in the capital, Paris, and Nantes, on 31 March. The demonstrations have been organised to coincide with a general strike and take place in opposition to new labour laws. Police have clashed with youths in Paris' Place de la Nation and Place Graslin in Nantes, as well as near the Hotel Dieu. Related protests are ongoing in multiple urban centres, including, Rennes, Bordeaux and Toulouse. The ongoing strike and protests are the latest actions in a campaign against new labour legislation in the country. The strike has been well supported and disruptions to business and transport services have been reported. Further clashes between protesters and police at the above-mentioned protests, as well as at related gatherings, remain possible. In addition, the demonstrations have reportedly been well attended and localised traffic disruptions should be expected. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised disruptions on the day.

TURKEY - A spate of acts of terrorism in Turkey in 2016, including in the capital, Ankara, and Istanbul, and warnings from the Turkish government, has led a number of foreign governments to review their advisories for the country. On 28 March, the Israeli authorities urged Israeli nationals to avoid travelling to Turkey and for those in Turkey to consider departing. The Israeli advisory change was in light of a 19 March attack in Istanbul which killed a number of people, including three Israeli nationals. The advisory also followed shortly after the Turkish security forces stated that Islamic State (IS) militants were planning attacks against Christian and Jewish interests in the country. They specifically identified Easter Sunday on 27 March as a potential high risk day. There were no attacks on the day. On 29 March, the US State Department issued a Travel Warning for Turkey warning of an increasing threat from terrorist groups. It also warned US nationals against travel to south eastern Turkey and noted that it had ordered the departure of family members of US government personnel residing in Adana, Izmir and Mugla. It also reiterated that US government personnel are subject to travel restrictions to several south eastern states, including Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig, and that US nationals should avoid travel near the shared border with Syria. On 30 March, the Australian government reissued its travel advisory for Turkey and noted that it continued to 'receive information that indicates that terrorists may be planning attacks in Turkey which could take place at any time'. In light of this it altered its advisories for Istanbul and Ankara. It now advises Australian nationals to 'reconsider their need to travel to Ankara and Istanbul due to the high threat of terrorist attack'. The Australian government, like the US, maintains restrictions for a number of south eastern provinces of Turkey. The warnings follow an increase in mass casualty bombings in major urban centres since October 2015, including three in Ankara and two in Istanbul. These attacks have occurred in popular tourist areas, near security force targets and in public venues. Major attacks have been claimed by Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) or blamed on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The government has also alleged that IS was responsible for some recent attacks, including the bombing in Istanbul on 19 March, which left a number of people dead. These incidents have raised concern regarding the counterterrorism capability of the local security forces and their ability to detect and prevent attacks. Turkey is currently facing multiple threats due to its involvement in conflict zones, specifically in the south east where its forces continue to engage Kurdish rebels, its political position vis-a-vis Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria and its alliance with NATO, which has drawn it into the conflict against IS. Given these ongoing issues, further attacks are anticipated, including in major urban centres, areas popular with tourists (including resorts along the southern coast), near the Syrian border and in the restive south east of the country. Crowded public areas, police and military interests, tourist locations, the public transport system, religious sites (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) and government buildings/sites are probable targets. Suicide bombings, conventional bombings, shootings and kidnappings are possible methods. The highest risk is still assessed as existing near the border with Syria and in the south east; however, the risk elsewhere cannot be underestimated and further mass casualty and low-level attacks should be expected. The probability of being affected, however, remains low, given the high number of potential targets. Clients in Turkey should exercise caution near possible terrorist targets and should maintain an elevated level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in these areas. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories from the local authorities. In the event of an attack in your travel area, seek secure accommodation and avoid the immediate affected area. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. In addition, clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces (except Sirnak, see below) due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. Heightened caution is advised in other eastern and south eastern provinces of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and Kurd rebel-related conflict. These provinces include Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli and Erzurum. Persons travelling in higher-risk areas should consider travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

PHILIPPINES(CARAGA REGION) - Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels have reportedly harassed tourists in the Surigao del Sur province of the Philippines' Mindanao region on 31 March. The incidents involved the erection of illegal roadblocks in the vicinity of the Hinatuan enchanted River. Although no casualties have been reported as a result of the incident; authorities have since established security operations in the affected area. There is a medium terrorism risk in the Philippines, which stems from numerous non-state armed groups, including Islamist insurgent groups and the NPA, who have been engaged in decades-long insurgencies against the government. The NPA is the militant wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). NPA members and government troops regularly engage in small-scale skirmishes in remote and rural areas of the country. Although NPA attacks generally do not affect civilians or foreign nationals; as this latest incident serves to illustrate, the group continues to pose a threat to tourists and foreign nationals present in their area of operation. Conflict-related incidents of violence are likely to persist. All travel to the southern Mindanao region is advised against, except for the eastern Caraga and Davao regions, in which Surigao del Sur province is located, and non-essential travel is advised against. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in the remote and rural areas of the country, particularly in close proximity to security force personnel and installations, due to the presence of rebel groups.

SOMALIA(GALKAYO) - At least six people have been killed in a suicide bombing in the city of Galkayo, in Somalia's Galmudug region, on 31 March. Reports indicate that the attack occurred near the Unlay Hotel, with the treasurer of Galkayo among the dead. Islamist militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The attack comes shortly after the conclusion of days of clashes between Puntland security forces and al-Shabaab militants. Puntland security forces claim to have killed or captured over 200 militants before the battle ended on 28 March. The clashes are concerning insofar as they indicate the operational extension of the militant group to Somalia's northern regions, instead of just in central and southern Somalia and around the capital, Mogadishu. This may be a tactic designed to draw central government and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces towards the north, to relieve al-Shabaab forces in its central and southern bases. These bases have lost territory in their traditional strongholds as a result of AMISOM and government victories. Clients are advised against all travel to most of Somalia, and against all non-essential travel to Somaliland and Puntland. Persons in the country should adopt robust personal, travel and residential security measures and should seek to limit travel outside of major cities.

THAILAND(PATTANI PROVINCE) - Thailand's restive Pattani province is experiencing an elevated surge in violence, after at least ten bombs exploded in the Yaring district in recent days, according to statements by Thai military officials. The blasts left one dead and dozens injured, including 11 policemen. No group has claimed responsibility, but authorities blame the multitude of separatist groups operating in the region. The attacks follow an increase in violence in Thailand's southern provinces in recent weeks. The attacks are related to the ongoing violent separatist campaign in the southern provinces, and serve to underscore the persistent levels of insecurity in the affected area. The aforementioned provinces have been plagued by decades of ethnically and religiously motivated violence, which stems from allegations of isolation and discrimination against Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians (particularly Buddhists) have also been targeted. Given the ongoing nature of the conflict, further incidents cannot be discounted. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to the provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Songkhla. Persons currently in the area should adhere to the directives of authorities and are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures at all times.

BRAZIL - Supporters of the ruling Workers' Party (PT) and members of the CUT trade union are set to stage countrywide pro-government rallies in several major urban areas across Brazil on 31 March. Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to lead a rally in the capital, Brasilia; protesters will gather at the National Stadium of Brazil Mane Garrincha, before marching to the Three Powers Plaza, approximately 4km away, down Eixo Monumental. The action has been called in order to show support for current president Dilma Rousseff. In addition, the PT and CUT have also called for demonstrations in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and several cities in north eastern Brazil. Further details regarding the time and location of demonstrations are currently unavailable. The upcoming demonstrations are the latest in a series of pro-government rallies held in recent months. Associated demonstrations have been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police, participants and rival groups. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at upcoming events cannot be discounted. Previous events have been well supported and have resulted in significant disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of demonstration sites. Further related protest action in this regard is expected to persist for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Brazil are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the demonstrations. Clients are also advised to avoid all large rallies and security force concentrations. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated at demonstration-affected sites.

GHANA(ACCRA) - A protest, initiated by the Let My Vote Count (LMVA) activist group, is expected to take place in Ghana's capital, Accra, on 31 March. An associated protest is scheduled to take place on 6 April. The protest is expected to be supported by a host of other political and civil society groups including the New Patriotic Party(NPP), other opposition Political Parties (CPP, NDP, and PPP) and the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG).The gatherings have been called to demand the validation of the voter register by the electoral commission in anticipation of the upcoming elections in late 2016. Previous related gatherings initiated by the LMVA have been marred by clashes between protesters and police. Police forces also made use of tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. In light of this, the risk of violence at the upcoming demonstration is credible. Clients in Accra are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Additionally, clients are advised to keep their itineraries flexible in order to make allowances for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of any gatherings.

BANGLADESH - (Update) Local government elections are underway across various parts of Bangladesh on staggered dates, from 31 March. There is a heightened threat of politically motivated violence between opposing groups of supporters on the day. Although having proceeded generally peacefully thus far, isolated incidents of violence have taken place. In the eastern city of Comilla, ruling Awami League (AL) and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters clashed outside a voting station, while in the northern Jamalpur district, voting was halted after protests over alleged electoral irregularities. Local elections in Bangladesh have regularly been marred by incidents of politically motivated violence in the past; more specifically, tensions remain elevated, particularly between the AL and the BNP, following the BNP-boycotted January 2014 general election. Moreover, in the most recent round of local elections, on 22 March, 13 people were killed and approximately 1,000 wounded in violent clashes between opposing groups of supporters. The risk of similar violence occurring during the course of 31 March is elevated. In addition, it should be noted that security forces often use violence as a first resort in dealing with dissent, thus possibly further exacerbating tensions. Further incidents of violence are also possible during other upcoming local elections, which will take place in a staggered fashion on 23 April, 7 and 28 May, as well as 4 June. Security is expected to be significantly elevated in area where polls are taking place. 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.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD & SOUTHERN CITIES & TOWNS) - (Update) Protests by supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, are expected to persist in the capital, Baghdad, and southern cities and towns in the coming days. An increase in protests is anticipated on 1 April. Unconfirmed reports indicate that elite Iraqi security forces have been deployed across the capital on 31 March, including in the Green Zone (International Zone), amid the ongoing protest action. Al-Sadr joined the protests on 27 March and is currently observing a sit-in protest in the Green Zone. Many of his supporters are camped outside of this secure area. The increased security has reportedly been ordered in response to concerns that more of al-Sadr's supporters may attempt to join him in the Green Zone. In addition to al-Sadr's demands that Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reshuffle the cabinet, Parliament has given al-Abadi until 31 March to present a new government. Parliament and al-Sadr have threatened a vote of no confidence if al-Abadi does not comply with their demands. Reports indicate that Parliament may be set to vote on a new cabinet line-up on 31 March. The ongoing protests have increased pressure on al-Abadi. He has indicated that he is in favour of a new cabinet; however, whether Parliament and al-Sadr accept the proposed line-up remains to be seen. If no solution is found on 31 March, a protest escalation is possible, particularly on 1 April, a traditional protest day. The risk of protesters storming the Green Zone remains high and is increasing the longer the demonstrations persist. Should they attempt to enter the area en masse, or in contravention of police/military orders, the threat of violence will increase. It should be noted that protests, to date, have been largely peaceful. Road travel disruptions in central Baghdad are expected to continue as long as the protesters remain encamped in the area. Protests further south, in cities where al-Sadr has support, such as Karbala, Hilla, Najaf, Basra, Amarah and Nasriyah, are also expected to persist. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad, Karbala and Babil, and all non-essential travel to several southern governorates, including Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Qadisiyah. Persons operating in these areas should monitor local developments closely and seek to avoid all street protests. Clients in Baghdad should limit travel in central Baghdad, particularly near the Green Zone, on 1 April.

NIGERIA(ABIA STATE, ANAMBRA, DELTA STATE, ENUGU & RIVERS STATE) - Pro-Biafra activist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have threatened mass protests on 1 April to demand the release of 76 people abducted by soldiers in the Ugwuneshi village in Awgu local government area of Enugu state in recent days. Protests are likely to occur in the states of Abia State, Anambra, Delta State, Enugu and Rivers State. In addition, the activists have threatened further protests over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the secessionist IPOB group and director of Radio Biafra. According to reports, youth from the rural Awgu local government area gathered to look for two women who were allegedly abducted by Fulani herdsmen on an unspecified date. The Nigerian army then arrested and detained 76 youth, holding them at federal prisons in Afara, Umuahia. The issue is particularity sensitive in light of increasing accusations of human rights abuses committed against pro-Biafran activists by Nigerian security forces in recent months. The de facto leader of the activist movement, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in late October 2015 on charges related to controversial broadcasts made by Radio Biafra. Protests campaigns calling for Kanu's release have been ongoing for several months, many of which have been marred by incidents of violent unrest and associated disruptions. Despite the level of protests dying down in recent weeks, the risk of a significant uptick in Biafra-related civil unrest is rated high. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria is advised against, while all travel to Rivers State and Delta State is advised against. Clients in the country's south and south eastern regions should monitor local developments and avoid all protests and gatherings.

BAHRAIN - The Formula One Grand Prix will be held from 1 to 3 April in Bahrain. The race is being held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The main event will be held during the evening of 3 April. Security is expected to be increased during the event. Additional police patrols and checkpoints are likely on routes between the capital, Manama, and Sakhir and at the race venue. The security posture is in response to the risk of anti-government protests. Opposition protests have been ongoing in Bahrain for a number of years. Major events, including the annual race event in Sakhir, have been affected by a spike in protests in the past as demonstrators have attempted to gain attention for their political objectives. As such, the current race may be affected by similar protests. While demonstrations are unlikely to disrupt the actual circuit, gatherings in surrounding communities may occur. These gatherings could take the form of street protest or road blockades. Should protesters attempt to block main roads, disrupt the event or attempt to enter Manama, the risk of violence between police and protesters will increase. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Persons travelling in the country should avoid travel at night and should avoid all street protests as a precaution.

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