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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/BELGIUM(DELTA AIRINES) - Delta Air Lines suspended service from Atlanta to Brussels until March 2017, and said it will resume service between New York Kennedy and Brussels once the airport provides clearance for international operations. Customers affected by the schedule change will be re-accommodated on alternative Delta services or flights operated by joint venture partners Air France and KLM. Brussels Airport reopened on April 3 for three "symbolic" flights by Brussels Airlines, 12 days after suicide bombers attacked the airport and a Metro station. Delta is continuing to operate from Antwerp and Liege. It plans to gradually add service at Brussels, but until the departure hall is rebuilt - a project that could be completed by July - the temporary departure area can process only 800 passengers per hour. Other airlines will be able to operate from Brussels beginning next week.

SINAPORE(SCOOT AIRLINE)INDIA - Scoot Airline, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airline (SIA), is all set to land soon in three Indian cities including Chennai, making it the fourth carrier from the Southeast Asian naton to operate to the world's fastest growing aviation market here. An announcement in this regard is likely to be made in a month, sources in the know of the development said. "Scoot Airline plans to operate from Chennai, Amritsar and Jaipur as part of its India entry plan. The airline is in the process of getting all mandatory approvals. A final announcement in this regard is expected to be made in the next couple of weeks," the sources said. Like Singapore, airlines from Malaysia also have a significant presence in the Indian market. Interestingly, Scoot Airline is entering the Indian market at a time when domestic airlines' body, Federation of Indian Airlines which has Jet Airways, SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir as its members, are urging the government not to allow creation of overseas hubs by foreign carriers.

BELGIUM(ZAVENTEM AIRPORT) - Bulgaria's national flag carrier Bulgaria Air has announced it will not perform flights between Sofia and Brussels on Tuesday, April 05 Sofia Airport has said the two flights No FB 407 (to Brussels), with takeoff time 18:00, and FB 408 (from Brussels) scheduled to land 23:55, have been terminated. An earlier announcement had suggested the end date for cancellation of two-way flights was April 04.This comes after Zaventem Airport was partially reopened on Sunday, more than ten days after the deadly attacks at the airport and at a metro station that left at least 32 people dead. As of April 05, the airport operates at limited capacity. Wizz Air flights to and from Charleroi Airport in Brussels will be performed on schedule, Sofia Airport also says.

CHILE(SKY AIRLINES) - (Update) Sky Airlines employees are set to embark upon a countrywide work stoppage of indefinite duration from 23:59 local time in Chile on 6 April. The strike, initially set for 1 April, was postponed as parties continued negotiations in good faith; however, due to failed negotiations amid ongoing wage disputes the strike was reinstituted. Disruptions to Sky Airlines, including flight delays and cancellations, are possible through the course of the strike. Given that the action is being undertaken as part of an ongoing dispute, further such strikes are possible in the short- to medium-term. Note that if the demands of the striking workers are met, the strike may be curtailed. 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.

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SOUTH AFRICA(CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE) - Commuters are set to experience significant disruptions to Metrorail services in Cape Town, located in South Africa's Western Cape province, on 7 April due to a strike by unionised employees of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The agitation is being organised in response to various work-related grievances, including salary disputes and the outsourcing of labour. Metrorail authorities are set to implement contingency plans in order to mitigate any disruptions on the day; however, delays and some cancellations of services remain possible during the strike. Furthermore, the action may result in an increased demand for alternative forms of public transport on 7 April. It should be noted that the strike may be cancelled or postponed on short notice, given that negations between the rail operator and the union are ongoing. Persons in Cape Town who intend using Metrorail services on 7 April are advised to contact their travel provider(s) or the Metrorail website (http://goo.gl/2DAgWx) for updates on the status of services.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - (Update) As of 6 April, driving restrictions continue to be implemented in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, amid air quality concerns. The vehicular restrictions are expected to run until June 2016. As per the new regulations, private vehicles must remain off the roads for one day a week, and for one Saturday each month. The initiative serves to combat air pollution in Mexico City and address associated health concerns. Furthermore, commuters have been encouraged to use free public transport instead of private vehicles. Authorities have warned that those not adhering to the new advisories will be penalised. Mexico City has recently experienced the highest levels of air pollution since the 1980's and 1990's. According to the World Air Quality index, some areas in the city have air quality that has been deemed unhealthy. Persons in the city are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to directives issued by local authorities regarding the temporary restrictions.

FIJI - As of 6 April, Tropical Storm Zena is beginning to impact Fiji as a Category 2 system. The eye of the storm is not currently expected to make direct landfall over the country. The storm system is currently moving in a south easterly direction towards the country, at a speed of approximately 45km/h, which is relatively fast for a tropical storm. As a result, Nadi International Airport has been closed and all international flights have been cancelled. All schools have been closed, and a curfew of an undetermined length is in place across parts of the country. Tropical Storm Zena is expected to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, high winds (up to 150km/h) and coastal storm surges, over the coming hours in the affected areas. Associated flooding is possible. It should be noted that as Zena is a fast-moving storm, it will pass over the country relatively quickly, thus limiting its ability to deliver extremely large quantities of rain over Fiji. However, the country was already impacted by heavy rain and associated flash flooding over 4 and 5 April, which left two people dead. Given this dynamic, even if Tropical Storm Zena does not bring excessive amounts of rain, flash flooding is still likely as a result of already saturated ground. Moreover, it is possible that the storm could slow in speed, thus resulting in heavier rainfall than predicted. Irrespective of this, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), as well to water and telecommunications, 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.

VANUATU(NORTHERN REGIONS) - A 6.9 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 102km west of Sola, on the island of Vanua Lava in Vanuatu's Torba province on 6 April. The earthquake took place at a shallow depth of 33km. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) stated that there is currently no threat of a tsunami being generated from this seismic event. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) has not issued any kind of advisory pertaining to the event. Given the scale and shallow depth of focus of the seismic event, news of casualties or damage may emerge in the near-term. Clients operating in Vanuatu are advised to monitor local media channels for updates, advisories and directives from the authorities. This warning is particularly relevant for persons located near coastlines or in low-lying areas near coastlines.

IRAQ(MUTHANNA GOVERNORATE) - (Update) A Qatari national and one other victim, described in the media as a person of Asian descent, have reportedly been released in Iraq following their kidnapping in December. The two were part of a larger falcon hunting group that were abducted by unidentified assailants at a desert camp near the Saudi Arabia border in Muthanna governorate. The release of the two was reported by the Qatari authorities on 6 April. They also added that efforts to secure the release of 26 other victims were ongoing. Following the initial capture of the mostly Qatari hunters, at least nine people managed to escape to Kuwait. The identity of the kidnappers, who wore Iraqi security uniforms when conducting the raid, remains unclear. The Iraqi security forces have arrested a number of people in connection with the abduction and unconfirmed media reports have alleged that Shiite militiamen were responsible. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Iraq. The risk stems from a number of quarters, including Islamist extremists (mainly Sunni Muslim, such as the Islamic State or IS), sectarian/political party-affiliated militias and criminal groupings. Kidnappings, both planned and opportunistic, are carried out for various political, sectarian, ethnic and financial reasons. Given the location of the recent incident it is likely that members of a Shiite militia were behind the recent attack. Muthanna governorate, like much of the rest of southern Iraq, is predominantly Shiite Muslim and pro-government Shiite militia forces are arrayed across the region. Many of these militia have connections to other insecure regions in the country where Shiite groupings are agitating against Sunni Arabs, including in eastern Saudi Arabia and Syria. Qatar is predominantly Sunni Arab and allied with Saudi Arabia. It also supports Sunni rebel groupings in Syria against Iran and Syrian military forces, Hezbollah and various Iraqi Shiite militia. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to various southern Iraqi governorates, including Muthanna. Persons operating in this area should travel with a security escort, maintain a low public profile, ensure that crisis management plans are up to date and reside in secure accommodation, preferably with access control and 24-hour security presence.

MALI - Authorities have imposed a ten-day countrywide state of emergency in Mali as of midnight on 4 April. According to reports, the state of emergency has been imposed as a largely precautionary and preventative measure to address the elevated terrorist threat in the country. It should be noted that the advisory is not in response to a specific threat or indicative of a change in the baseline terrorism risk in Mali, which remains as high. Although further details regarding the state of emergency have not been disclosed, elevated security measures are likely to be implemented during the ten-day period. Such measures may include additional deployment of security forces at all strategic locations, as well as checkpoints, vehicle searches and random identification checks. The advisory follows the recent 31 March expiry of the previous state of emergency that had been declared following the al-Mourabitoun-claimed attack on the Radisson Blu Hotel in the capital, Bamako, in which at least 18 people were killed, on 20 November 2015. There is a high threat of terrorism in Mali, particularly in the country's northern Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu and Mopti regions where a number of armed groups maintain an operational presence. Although the majority of terrorist attacks, which include suicide bombings, armed ambushes and kidnapping, occur in northern Mali, groups have demonstrated both the intent and operational capacity to execute attacks elsewhere, including Bamako. Most recently, this was illustrated by the suspected militant attack targeting the city's Azalai Hotel Nord Sud, which was thwarted by security forces, on 21 March. Due to the ongoing presence of militant groups both in the country and border regions, insecurity in the region is likely to persist. Persons in Mali are advised to adhere to the conditions of the state of emergency, follow all directives issued by the authorities and monitor local media for developments. Due to various security concerns, all travel to the northern and eastern administrative regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu regions is advised against. Furthermore, heightened caution is advised across the rest of the country, particularly when travelling outside of Bamako.

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN - (Update) Azerbaijan and Armenia have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire, which came into effect on 5 April. The ceasefire has reportedly held and, as of 6 April, no further confrontations have been reported along the contact line in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. The ceasefire follows days of fighting between the forces of both sides, which left 46 people dead and dozens more wounded. Despite the ceasefire, tensions between the two sides remain high and further escalations are possible over the near-term. These could occur in the Nagorno-Karabakh vicinity or near other conflict flashpoints, including 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.

INDIA(PUSHKAR, RAJASTHAN STATE) - Two foreign nationals were reportedly assaulted by a group of men in Pushkar, located in India's north eastern Rajasthan state, late on 4 April. According to reports, a group of intoxicated locals accosted and then sexually assaulted a female tourist while she was accompanied by three other foreign nationals. One of the victim's companions was then physically assaulted by the suspects when he attempted to interrupt the aforementioned attack. Further reports indicate that the tourists were also robbed of their possessions by the assailants. The nationalities of the victims have yet to be confirmed; however, the group of tourists is said to have been comprised of an American, a British, a Turkish, and a Spanish national. An official investigation into the assaults has been launched. The suspects remain at large. The incident underlines the ongoing risk of sexual violence against women in India, as well as the medium threat of crime in the country. Although most sexual assaults in India target locals, the incident indicates the extension of the risk to foreign nationals. Violent crimes against foreign nationals have also become notably more frequent in recent years. Due to slow police response time and an ineffective judicial system, similar such incidents should be anticipated. Persons in India are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at all times, limit solitary travel, and ensure that all movements outside of urban centres are restricted to daylight hours and are coordinated with a secure means of transport. Clients are further advised to ensure that local emergency contact numbers are pre-programmed on mobile phones, which should be kept charged at all times.

BENIN(PORT-NOVO) - Increased security measures and associated travel disruptions are expected ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Benin's newly elected president, Patrice Talon, in the capital, Porto-Novo, on 6 April. The event, which is set to take place at at the city's Stade Charles de Gaulle, will be attended by several heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. It should be noted that movement-restrictive security measures are expected to impact on travel in the vicinity of the stadium from 06:00 to 18:00 local time on the day. Although security will be at its highest in the vicinity of the inauguration venue, increased security measures are expected in the immediate surrounds of Stade Charles de Gaulle, potentially extending throughout the whole of Porto-Novo. These heightened measures are expected to include additional security force deployments, roadblocks and road closures; these are likely to cause localised travel disruptions. It should be noted that while no overt security threats have been made against the event, the possibility of agitation by opposition activists cannot be discounted. Persons in Porto-Novo on 6 April are advised to monitor local media in order to remain cognisant of security-related developments on the day. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of Stade Charles de Gaulle, as well as any other sites related to the inauguration ceremony. All protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ARGENTINA - Public sectors workers affiliated with the State Workers Association (ATE) have called for a countrywide strike in Argentina on 6 April, to demand the reinstatement of retrenched state workers. In addition to the strike, protests at government buildings across the country have been planned, including in the capital, Buenos Aires. The protest in the capital is expected to be held outside the Ministry of Labour building from 12:00 local time. The agitation is the latest in the country since early 2016; related protests have been well attended. As such, in addition to disruptions to state operations, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protests, particularly in Buenos Aires. Although recent protests have concluded peacefully, the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Argentina on 6 April are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - Members of the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) have called for a demonstration in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 7 April. The protest has been organised to denounce a new amnesty law, which was approved by the opposition-led National Assembly, on 29 March. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza Morelos and proceed to Palacio de Miraflores. The exact time of the protest march is unknown. The controversial amnesty law would allow for the release of dozens of political prisoners, many of whom were detained under president Nicolas Maduro following the 2014 anti-government protests. Although the PSUV opposes the law, and in light of the country's political and economic crisis, Maduro faces increasing domestic pressure, including from moderates within the PSUV, to take a stance towards institutional reconciliation with the opposition Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD), which leads the National Assembly. Madura does not have veto power over the law; however, if he does not sign it, he can pass it on to the supreme court, which has the power to deem the law unconstitutional. Regardless of the outcome of the status of the law; further civil unrest likely, either by opposition supporters or supporters of the PSUV. It should be noted that the risk of violence at any upcoming protest, including on 7 April, is credible. Clients in Venezuela in the near-term should monitor local media for updates on political developments and any further upcoming protests. Clients operating in Caracas on 7 April are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for localised disruptions.

PAKISTAN(BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE) - The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) has called on its supporters to stage a strike action across Pakistan's Balochistan province on 8 April. The action has been called mainly in opposition to allegations of violence and harassment against, and the disappearance of, BNP-M activists in the Lasbela district, at the hands of security forces. It is unclear how well the strike will be observed. However, it should be noted that disruptions to travel and business operations are possible on the day. In addition, protest rallies in urban centres across the province, including the provincial capital Quetta, are possible on the day. As with all protest action in Pakistan, the threat of violence is elevated. This is particularly true given that protest participants are likely to harbour some degree of anti-security force sentiment; clashes between police and protesters are thus a credible concern in any possible protests on 8 April. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Balochistan province is advised against. Persons in the province should avoid all street demonstrations as a general precaution, and should make allowances for business and travel disruptions in the coming days.

DJIBOUTI - Presidential elections will be held countrywide in Djibouti on 8 April amid elevated political tensions. The ballot will see incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh, of the ruling People's Rally for Progress (RPP) party, attempt to extend his tenure in office for a fourth consecutive term. At least three members of the primary opposition coalition, Union for National Salvation (USN), have threatened to boycott the election, citing concerns over electoral fraud and a lack of transparency. The remaining parties within the USN are still expected to take part in the polls, with opposition candidates including Mohamed Daoud Chehem of the Djibouti Party for Development (PDD) and Omar Elmi Khaireh of the Centre of Unified Democrats (CDU). Given ongoing political tensions Djibouti, security is likely to be elevated for the duration of the election period. Such measures may result in localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any election sites. It should be noted that accusations of fraud and intimidation during the electoral process may trigger opposition protests in the country. Djiboutian security forces have been known to use excessive force and other robust methods, including firing live ammunition, in response to large demonstrations in the country. Consequently, politically motivated unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Djibouti on 8 April are advised to avoid all election-related events and facilities, including polling stations, as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to within 20km of Djibouti's borders with Eritrea and Ethiopia.

SOUTH ASIA - Several large-scale celebratory events will take place across South Asia on 13 and 14 April. Tamil New Year (also known as Puthandu) will be celebrated in Sri Lanka and parts of southern India, primarily in the state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry. Bengali New Year (also known as Pohela Boishakh) will be celebrated in Bangladesh, as well as eastern parts of India, primarily West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand and Odisha states. Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka will coincide with Sinhalese New Year, which is also called Aluth Avurudda. It should be noted that the dates of these events may vary between regions, and festivities may start several days in advance of 13 and 14 April in some regions. These events are usually characterised by festivities in urban centres in the region, and there are no overt security concerns associated with the celebrations; however, heightened security measures are likely near large public gatherings. These additional measures are typically enforced in order to lessen the threats of crime and other unruly behaviour during the festivals. However, as with all significant events in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the possibility exists that civil, political and militant groups may use the events to highlight their plights. In India, large gatherings in the Hindu-majority country provide militant Islamist and separatist groups with ample targets and opportunities to conduct attacks. Despite this, it should be noted that no large-scale security incidents have been reported in recent years. There is an increased threat of petty crime at such events, where large crowds provide cover from which thieves may operate. Disruptions to business operations and transportation services should be anticipated for the duration of the events, which are likely to last for several days in some areas. The possible disruptions to transport services are likely to be exacerbated by the large numbers of people travelling to and from their hometowns before, during and after the events, as well as the increased risk of road accidents over this period due to insufficient law enforcement capabilities. Persons in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on and before Tamil, Sinhalese and Bengali New Year are advised to exercise caution, anticipate significant disruptions to business and transport services and avoid all large public gatherings and other festivities. Clients should anticipate heightened security in the vicinity of commemorative events.

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