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

UNITED KINGDOM(BRITISH AIRWAYS) - British Airways has reduced its free checked baggage allowance for business class passengers. From May 10, Club World and Biz Bed passengers will only be able to check in two pieces, down from three, weighing a maximum of 32kg each. The existing allowance will be honoured for any bookings made prior to May 10. Gold cardholders in BA's Executive Club scheme are entitled to an additional free bag, effectively meaning they will be able to check in three bags instead of the previous four on Club World and Biz Bed flights. Under the changes business class passengers will also be able to check in a third bag where required, at a cost of Ł120 ($180 or €140) if pre-booked online, or Ł140 ($200 or €150) when purchased at the airport.

INDIA(AIR INDIA) - Air India is to add 20 aircraft to its fleet in order to widen its international and regional footprint. These include a Boeing B787, 13 ATR aircraft (for regional services) and six Boeing B737s for subsidiary Air India Express. It currently connects 103 cities worldwide and will add Vienna as its 104th destination from April 6. Air India will also operate daily flights between Mumbai-Bhopal, Bengaluru-Trivandrum and Delhi-Kullu. Additional flights will also be added between Delhi-Pune. Acting on its "Connect India" mission that makes smaller cities accessible by air, Air India's subsidiary airline Alliance Air adds new routes to its map. These include flights between Delhi-Jammu, Bengaluru-Vijayawada and Kolkata-Agartala.

From April 7, three more services will be added on the existing Delhi-Jammu route. Flight AI9613 will depart from Delhi at 0745 and the return flight AI9614 will depart from Jammu at 0930.
The five per week Bengaluru-Vijayawada and Kolkata-Agartala routes will be served by the ATR 42-320 aircraft from April 1.
Flight AI9507 will depart from Bengaluru at 1600 and the return flight AI9508 will depart from Vijayawada at 1750.
Flight AI9715 will depart from Kolkata will depart at 1710 and return flight AI9716 will depart from Agartala at 1835. airindia.in

ALASKA AIR GROUP/VIRGIN AIR - Alaska Air Group, parent company of Alaska Airlines, has agreed to acquire Virgin America for $2.6 billion. Alaska Air will pay Virgin America stakeholders $57 per share in cash. When including Virgin America's debt and capitalized aircraft operating leases, the aggregate transaction value is $4 billion, said Alaska Air. The two airlines say they intend to create "the premier West Coast airline." "Our employees have worked hard to earn the deep loyalty of customers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, while the Virgin America team has done the same in California. Together we will continue to deliver what customers tell us they want: low fares, unmatched reliability and outstanding customer service," said Brad Tilden, chairman and CEO of Alaska Air Group. Combined, Alaska and Virgin America will have 1,200 daily departures, with hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anchorage and Portland. The airlines said they have 280 aircraft, including Alaska's regional planes, with an average age of 8.5 years. Virgin America's fleet of 60 Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft have three classes of service, in-flight WiFi and power outlets on every flight, as well as personal, touch-screen seatback entertainment. Addressing the fact that the airlines have different products, Alaska Air said, "While the companies apply for a single operating certificate, Alaska will maintain its new, refreshed brand and will work closely with Virgin America to learn more about the award-winning Virgin America brand and customer experience. And over the next few months Alaska will explore with the Virgin Group how the Virgin America brand could continue to serve a role in driving customer acquisition and loyalty to get the best from both brands." Until the transaction closes, both loyalty programs will remain distinct. After the deal consummates, Virgin America Elevate members will join the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. The combined organization will be based in Seattle under the leadership of Tilden and his senior leadership team. Until receiving regulatory approval to close, Tilden and Virgin America CEO David Cush will co-lead a transition team. The companies expect to complete the transaction by Jan. 1, 2017, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

SAUDI ARABIA/IRAN(MAHAN AIR AIRLINE) - The aviation authorities in Saudi Arabia issued a statement on 4 April indicating that they were banning Iran's Mahan Air airline from flying to and from the country. The banning order was reportedly initiated in light of alleged violations of safety regulations. The banning order coincides with elevated tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In January, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran after anti-Saudi protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic facilities in Iran's capital, Tehran, and in Mashhad. The protests were initiated after Saudi Arabia executed a prominent Shiite Muslim cleric. Iran is predominantly Shiite Muslim. Further tit-for-tat measures by each state against the other are possible over the near-term, which could disrupt travel, trade and diplomatic relations. Clients intending to travel via Mahan Air to or from Saudi Arabia should contact the airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s) and for travel alternatives.

FRANCE(TOULOUSE) - (Update) Taxi drivers maintain their strike in Toulouse, in France's Midi-Pyrenees region, on 5 April for a second consecutive day, with reports of over 100 taxis blocking access to the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) and causing significant disruptions in areas around the airport, including Saint Martin du Touch, Colomiers and Blagnac. In addition, tram services have reportedly been suspended, while the bus and metro services remain in operation. The taxi drivers are protesting against what they deem to be unfair competition from mini-cab taxis operating in Toulouse. With negotiations between transport minister Alain Vidalies and representatives of both interested parties currently underway in Paris, a solution to the problem may follow during the course of the day and the blockade may be lifted. However, the likelihood of failed negotiations may result in additional taxi strikes in the coming days. Clients in Toulouse on 5 April should anticipate road congestion related to the protest and allow additional travel time on the day. Clients should avoid all street gatherings and unofficial roadblocks, and should exercise heightened personal security awareness near all major transport hubs, including Toulouse Airport.

ITALY(LIGURIA) - Disruptions to bus services are anticipated in Italy's Liguria region on 5 April. Several trade unions, including FILT-CGIL and CISL, have called for the strike in protest against current working conditions and wages. Unionised employees of public transport service operator, AMT, are set to observe a four-hour work stoppage from 11:45 local time. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and protest 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 strike is set to cause disruptions to bus services in Genoa; as such, an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected. Persons in Liguria are advised to anticipate service disruptions to local bus services on 5 April and should plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for announcements regarding the status of services.

VANUATU(NORTH WESTERN REGION) - Tropical Storm Eighteen is currently impacting parts of north western Vanuatu on 5 April. There have been no reports of casualties thus far. The storm system is currently moving in a south easterly direction over Vanuatu. Heavy rains and strong winds associated with tropical storms are anticipated in Vanuatu over the next 48 hours. The storm is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges, over the coming hours in the affected areas. Associated flooding is possible. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), cannot be discounted. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and follow the advisories of the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, including near rivers and the coast. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any possible travel delays.

PAKISTAN(KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA) - (Update) The number of fatalities has continued to rise over the past 24 hours due to flooding in Pakistan's north western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces and the Azad Kashmir and Federally Administered Tribal Areas regions. Most of the deaths were reportedly caused by collapsed buildings. The worst-affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa include the Kohistan and Shangla districts. Additionally, several rivers in the area, including the Swat River, have reportedly overflowed. Rescue operations are ongoing as rescuers attempt to reach thousands of stranded people. Some roads in the affected areas have been re-opened by the army. Further rainfall has been forecast for all current affected areas and the Punjab province until 6 April; however, local authorities have not issued any further advisories. Road travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are likely to persist in affected areas over the near-term. It should be noted that there is an increasing risk of waterborne diseases in the coming days as flood waters recede. Persons in flood-affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, including near rivers. Travellers should also seek to avoid contact with floodwaters. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly after leaving a flooded area. Please note that due to a number of security concerns clients are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and against all non-essential travel to Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

PAKISTAN(BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE) - At least two people were killed and eight wounded after a rocket attack on a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province on 5 April. The train is said to have been hit by three rockets when it was passing through the Bakhtiarabad area in the Sibi district. The train, the Jaffar express, was traveling to Quetta from Rawalpindi city. There was significant damage caused to railway infrastructure and disruptions along the line are anticipated. The security forces have cordoned off the area. According to early reports, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan, with various Islamist and separatist militant groups frequently conducting attacks throughout the country. In Balochistan province, separatists are particularly active. Groups associated with this movement have resorted to a number of violent tactics to further their agenda, including blowing up electricity and railway lines and gas pipelines, attacking military bases and government institutions, as well as occasional attacks on busses and other forms of road-based travel. Clients are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Persons currently in Balochistan province are advised to exercise maximum security measures, including travelling with a security escort. Railway disruptions between Quetta and Rawalpindi, via the Sibi district, should also be anticipated and planned for.

TOGO(LOME) - Supporters of the opposition National Alliance for Change (ANC) initiated a two-day sit-in protest near the German Embassy along Boulevard de la Republique in Togo's capital, Lome, on 4 April. The protest on 4 April was affected by minor clashes between the police and demonstrators. The gathering, held as an anti-government event, is expected to persist on 5 April. Further clashes are possible on 5 April near the embassy, should the protesters attempt to gather once again. In addition, localised road travel disruptions should be expected along Boulevard de la Republique and adjoining streets through the course of the day. Clients in Lome should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Caution is advised in the vicinity of Boulevard de la Republique.

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN(NAGORNO-KARABAKH & TAVUSH PROVINCE) - (Update) The Azerbaijan authorities issued a statement on 5 April indicating that they had lost 16 soldiers over the past 48 hours in clashes with Armenia-backed Karabakh separatists in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In addition, the Azerbaijani authorities have threatened to launch artillery and missile strikes on Khankendi, the largest city in Nagorno-Karabakh, in response to alleged targeted attacks by Armenia on Azerbaijan civilians. Clashes have also reportedly occurred outside of the Nagorno-Karabakh area. Cross-border gunfire was reported across the shared border in the Armenia's northern Tavush province overnight on 4/5 April, leaving one Armenian soldier wounded. The clashes occurred in the vicinity of Berdavan and Koti. There has been a spike in cross-border fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1 April, which has left dozens of people dead. The fighting has not resulted in major gains for either side; however, small forward advancements have been reported in places. The bulk of the reported fighting to date has occurred along the line of contact between the Azerbaijan and pro-Armenian armed forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh area and surrounding Armenia-occupied districts; however, the cross-border clashes in Tavush province indicate that fighting may spill over into other areas over the near-term, should a de-escalation in tensions not occur. In addition to recently affected areas, other potential flash points for violence include the shared border between Armenia and Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave, which lies in southern Armenia, and areas along the length of the 'traditional' Armenia Azerbaijan border. There are other exclaves inside both states, including Karki (Armenia controlled), Verin Voskepar (Armenian controlled), Sofulu (Armenia controlled), Artsvashen (Azerbaijan controlled), which are disputed and could be affected by violence. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in both states and against all non-essential travel to Nagorno-Karabakh, Karki and the Nakhchivan exclave. In light of the recent upsurge in fighting, travellers intending to visit these areas or areas near these hotspots should do so following consultation with the local authorities and with a trained security driver. Persons in both countries should monitor developments closely and ensure that crisis management plans, including contingency plans, are reviewed and up-to-date.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - Activist groups have called for a demonstration in Lebanon's capital, Beirut on 5 April. The demonstration has been organised to protest against UNICEF's use of the security contractors, G4S, who also operate in Israel. Participants are expected to gather outside the UNICEF building at 15:30 local time. The protest is expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions in the vicinity of the UNICEF building. While previous demonstrations have concluded peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes at all related events, including those on 5 April, cannot be discounted. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Clients operating in Beirut on 5 April are advised to avoid all street protests and demonstrations as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

GREECE(ATHENS) - The Civil Servants Union Federation (ADEDY) announced a 24-hour strike to take place on 7 April. The strike will be accompanied by a rally in Klafthmonos Square, in Athens, from 11:00 local time. Union members are demonstrating against social security and pension reforms, specifically government plans to cut 1.8 billion euros from social spending as part of debt repayment deals. Although the rally is expected to proceed without incident, previous related gatherings have on occasion become violent. It should be noted that protests and rallies in Greece carry a heightened threat of confrontation between participants and police; as such, the possibility of violence during the upcoming rally cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in and around Klafthmonos Square are therefore anticipated. As opposition to associated austerity policies is likely to persist, further protests should be expected in the near-term. Persons in Athens on 7 April are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution; localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates on further upcoming demonstrations.

MEXICO(ACAPULCO) - The members of the Political Commission of the State Coordinator of Education Workers in Guerrero (CETEG) are expected to hold a protest at the La Isla shopping centre in Acapulco in Mexico's southern Guerrero state on 8 April. The action is due to commence at 07:00 local time. The protest has been called due to irregularities in the process of teacher performance evaluations. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the associated gathering. Please note that the protest venue is located on a road route leading to the nearby Acapulco International Airport. Persons in Acapulco are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any potential travel disruptions. Persons flying via Acapulco International Airport during the morning of 8 April should anticipate possible road travel disruptions and ensure that they arrive at the airport well ahead of their departure time. Heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict. This is particularly relevant outside of all major cities and primary resort areas in the country, including Guererro.

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