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

JETBLUE - JetBlue is expanding its recently launched "Mint" service to more routes. JetBlue's Mint seats debuted in 2014 on its new Airbus A321 aircraft, giving the carrier premium seating for the first time. Mint passengers get seats that recline into lie-flat beds, upgraded food options and amenity kits. JetBlue currently offers Mint on its flights connecting New York JFK to Los Angeles and San Francisco and on flights between Boston and San Francisco. To the Caribbean, JetBlue's Mint cabin flies on the airline's year-round JFK-Barbados flights on its seasonal JFK-Arubaand Boston-Barbados routes. JetBlue says it is the only U.S. carrier offering lie-flat seating on routes between the USA and the Caribbean. Now, the airline will add the seats to more routes beginning this fall. Within the USA, JetBlue's Mint seating to be available between Boston and Los Angeles starting Oct. 20. JetBlue initially will offer Mint on one of its three daily flights between the cities before expanding it to all Boston-LAX flights in November.

Elsewhere, JetBlue will add Mint seating to two Caribbean routes from New York and to one Caribbean route from Boston. From its hub at New York JFK, JetBlue will deploy its Mint seating to its seasonal service to St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Those routes start Nov. 5 and run through the spring. From its Boston hub, JetBlue will put Mint seating on its seasonal service to Aruba, which begins Nov. 5. "Mint's curated offering and personalized service continues to win over customers who have grown weary of legacy carriers' tired premium offering," Marty St. George, JetBlue's executive vice president -- commercial and planning, says in a statement. "Even better, these Airbus A321s with Mint offer a redesigned core cabin with enhanced entertainment features and more comfortable seating for every customer onboard."

INDIA(MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - International passengers flying out of the Mumbai International airport (MIAL) will soon be able to print boarding passes and tags for checked luggage. Airline officials at self-drop bag counters will verify the luggage and complete the necessary check-in procedures. Officials say the decision was taken to combat the long queues suffered by MIAL passengers during peak hours. They are also urging airlines to speed up their traditional check-in processes. The self-check-in facility will initially be made available to Air India passengers, with 12 of the 56 self-check-in boarding pass kiosks open. No date has yet been given for the launch of the service.

ITALY - Unionised air traffic controllers and airport technical staff are set to observe a countrywide work stoppage on 9 April. The action is expected to take place from 10:00 to 18:00 local time and is anticipated to result in significant flight disruptions. Italy's aviation sector is regularly affected by strike action, which is generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by labour disputes. Although authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppage, flight service disruptions should nonetheless be anticipated. Clients intending to transit through airports in Italy on 9 April are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

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

GREECE(ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & THESSALONIKI AIRPORT) - (Update) A general strike by unionised public sector workers has grounded all flights to and from Athens International Airport on 7 April. Elsewhere, numerous arriving flights have also been cancelled at Thessaloniki International Airport. Delays and disruptions, including cancellations, are possible at other airports countrywide. The strike is expected to conclude at 21:00 local time on 7 April. It should be noted that residual flight disruptions are likely once the labour action concludes, due to the backlog of flights that need to be cleared. Clients intending to transit Athens International Airport or Thessaloniki International Airport on 7 April are advised to contact their travel service provider or respective airline, in order to confirm the status of their flight(s).

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

CARIBBEAN(AIR CARAIBES) - Unionised employees of Air Caraibes, a regional airline in the Caribbean, are set to launch a work stoppage from 8 to 15 April. The action has been called to protest against the introduction of French Blue, a new low-cost long-haul affiliate of Air Caraibes. The strike is expected to result in significant flight disruptions along the Air Caraibes network, including connections between Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Although airline authorities are expected to implement contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to the Air Caraibes flight schedule, flight delays and/or cancellations remain a possibility over the aforementioned period. It should be noted that, as mediation efforts between the airline and its employees remain ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Clients scheduled to fly with Air Caraibes during the aforementioned period are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information regarding possible disruptions to their flight schedule(s).

FRANCE - (Update) A number of major unions are set to observe strike action and stage a number of demonstrations countrywide on 9 April. The action has been called against labour policy reforms. Intra-city bus and rail services, particularly in Paris and Reims, are expected to be disrupted by the strike. In addition, a major demonstration is expected to be held in Place de la Republique, in the capital, Paris, from 14:00 local time on 9 April. Smaller related protests are expected in major urban centres and smaller settlements countrywide. The upcoming action is the latest in an ongoing campaign against new labour legislation in the country. Previous related protests have been well attended and resulted in significant disruptions to road travel. The strike also caused significant disruptions to business and government services; however, as the upcoming action falls on a Saturday, the impact of the strike is expected to be limited. It should be noted that isolated clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported at related demonstrations in the past. The possibility of similar incidents at the upcoming protests cannot be discounted. Persons in France on 9 April are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and for announcements of related demonstrations. Clients are advised to adhere to the directives of the authorities, and avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for disruptions to transport services and road travel.

VANUATU(SOLA, TORBA PROVINCE) - A 6.9 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 109km west of Sola, in Vanuatu's Torba province, at a depth of 32.8km, on 7 April. There have been no initial reports of damage and no tsunami warning has been issued. Vanuatu is located in an active seismic zone and earthquakes are regularly reported. An earthquake was also reported 102km west of Sola at a depth of 33km on 6 April; the earthquake did not cause any damage and no tsunami warning was issued. Nonetheless, the 7 April earthquake may result in some damage to infrastructure in the affected area. In addition, aftershocks in the area remain possible over 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.

LIBYA(TRIPOLI) - Reji Joseph, an Indian national and long-term resident of Libya's capital, Tripoli, is missing and presumed abducted or illegally detained, according to recent reports. Joseph was last heard from on 31 March. He was reportedly seized by unidentified persons at his office at the Civil Registration Authority (CRA), along with a number of his colleagues. Unconfirmed reports indicate that he is being detained by members of the local authority; although it is not clear which authority. There are currently two administrations in Tripoli that claim to represent Libya, the General National Congress (GNC) and the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). A third government is based in eastern Libya. Both Tripoli-based governments have several militia aligned to them. The CRA is a body that is currently working with the GNA to produce state documents. There is an extreme risk of kidnapping and extra-judicial detention in Libya. This general risk extends to Tripoli. The abduction and detention of both local and foreign nationals is frequently reported. Both criminal groupings, conducting kidnappings for ransom or to settle political disputes, and local militias, which detain or abduct persons for the same reasons, operate extensively in the Tripoli area. The risk to foreigners is particularly acute, specifically those working with either one of the two governments or local organisations linked to either one of these two regimes. The ongoing political instability, inadequate policing and the presence of multiple competing militia groups undermines the local security environment. Persons operating in the city without adequate security or who do not maintain a low public profile remain at risk of being kidnapped. The risk is highest for longer-term businesspeople or traveller s. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should ensure that they adopt robust security measures, maintain a low public profile and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

SYRIA(DAMASCUS AREA) - Islamic State (IS) fighters launched raids in the vicinity of Syria's capital, Damascus, overnight on 5/6 April. IS forces targeted the Tishrin power station (located 50km north east of the city) and the Ad Dumayr military airport (located 40km north east of the city), leaving at least 12 soldiers dead. The attack included the use of suicide car bombers and militant ground forces. Regime counterattacks, including air strikes and artillery shelling, left a further 15 civilians in the area dead. At least 20 IS militants were killed in the confrontation. Media reports on 7 April indicate that approximately 250 local residents in the area have gone missing following the violence and are presumed to have been kidnapped by IS forces. The IS assault follows the group's recent loss of Palmyra and al-Qaryatayn after a Russian-backed regime offensive, and is likely a response to their loss of territory further north of Damascus. The incidents underline the group's ongoing threat in the country and its ability to conduct complex attacks well away from its strongholds. A ceasefire between rebel and regime forces is currently in place in Syria; however, extremist groups, including IS, have been excluded from the ceasefire and formal negotiations. As such, violence attribute to the group is expected to persist. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons intending to travel to the country should do so with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly updated in conjunction with a security provider.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - A demonstration calling for the prosecution of police officers accused of using excessive force is ongoing in central Chisinau on 7 April. The participants are currently gathered outside the Parliament buildings on Grand National Assembly Square. A light police presence is in attendance. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area for the duration of the event. Persons in Chisinau are advised to avoid the demonstration and all related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions.

INDIA(JAMMU DISTRICT, JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - A general strike (known locally as a bandh) is currently underway in the Jammu district of India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir on 7 April. The action has been called to protest against police brutality and harassment, following recent violent clashes between student protesters and security forces at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) on 5 April. The strike is reportedly being supported by several organisations, including the Sri Ram Sena (SRS) and Jammu Province People's Forum (JPPF). Disruptions to business and travel operations should be expected for the duration of the strike. Associated protests during the strike action are also possible, although none have been confirmed thus far. It should be noted that there is a risk of violent unrest at all protests in India and the possibility of violence between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Travellers in the Jammu district on 7 April should confirm all scheduled transportation services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority, and adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays. All protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Opposition-led protests and other disruptive actions are possible in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on 8 April. Should opposition gatherings take place, they are expected to centre on Skanderbeg Square, where Hashim Thaci is due to be inaugurated as the country's president from 12:00 local time. Opposition gatherings are also possible on Mother Theresa Boulevard and other central areas. Pristina has been affected by a series of anti-government opposition-led protests for a number of weeks. Kosovo is undergoing significant political turmoil as a result of opposition towards an EU-brokered deal giving Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers and border demarcation issues with Montenegro. In addition, the participants oppose Thaci's appointment due to perceptions of corruption. Should opposition protests take place, they are likely to be well attended; localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Finally, it should be noted that unauthorised protests carry an elevated risk of violent confrontations between police and protesters. Persons in Pristina on 8 April are advised to avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution and should expect localised traffic disruptions.

IRAQ - Leader of the Shiite Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), Ammar al-Hakim, has called for protests across 14 governorates in Iraq, on 8 April. The protests have been called to denounce the recently appointed cabinet by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Protest organisers expect 2 million people to participate in the protests across the country. The exact locations of the protests are unknown. The protests will follow a series of peaceful protests led by Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, which were also called to demand a new technocratic cabinet. The upcoming protests are likely to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions near protest sites. In the capital, Baghdad, possible gathering points include Tahrir Square and the Green Zone (International Zone). Other governorates likely to be affected by the protests include those in the south where the ISCI has support, particularly Basra. There is a credible risk of violence at all related upcoming protests. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala and Babil, as well as against all non-essential travel to the southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Qadisiyah, due to the threat of terrorism. Persons in Iraq should exercise caution near protest hotspots. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

COLOMBIA - Rallies in support of peace will be held in Colombia on 9 April. The demonstrations are set to commemorate the victims of conflict and to pressure the government into resolving the conflict between it and two of the country's primary rebel groupings, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). The marches will centre on the capital, Bogota, and be supported by various labour, civic and political groupings. One of the main street marches will be held between Estacion Centro Memoria and proceed towards Plaza Bolivar, located near the Capitolio Nacional, which is home to the Congress of Colombia. The annual peace marches are typically well attended and proceed in the capital and other major cities on the day. These events are unlikely to be affected by violent civil unrest; however, localised road travel disruptions remain a probability near all protest sites. Clients in major cities on 9 April should monitor local media for further information regarding the location of possible related gatherings. These should be avoided as a standard precaution and travel itineraries adjusted to cater for potential disruptions.

IRAQ - Baghdad Liberation Day on 9 April commemorates the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003. The event is officially observed in the northern Kurdistan region only. However, associated celebratory gatherings remain possible countrywide. In addition, Shiite Muslims will commemorate the death of a revered religious figure Ali al-Hadi on 10 April or 3 Rajab on the Islamic calendar. Shiite pilgrimages to and gatherings near al-Hadi's burial site at the Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra, located in Iraq's Salah ad-Din governorate, are anticipated in the coming days. In addition, Shiites will commemorate the death of another revered figure, Imam Musa al Kadhim, on 25 Rajab or 2 May. An increase in Shiite religious pilgrimages to his resting place in Al-Kadhimiya Mosque in the capital, Baghdad, is anticipated in the days ahead of the official date. There is an elevated risk of terrorism ahead of and during all of these events. Sunni extremists have escalated attacks on days of national and Shiite religious symbolism in the past. Large gatherings have been effectively targeted by suicide bombers, conventional bombings and mortar attacks. The local security forces typically increase security at major government buildings and religious sites and on routes leading to these areas, to safeguard pilgrims or large crowds; however, their ability to identify and prevent all attempted attacks is limited. Note that an increase in Shiite gatherings may also occur on the days listed above outside of the cities listed. Large movements of people to major religious sites located across the centre and south of the country should be expected. These areas also share the same risk of being targeted by extremists. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala and Babil, as well as against all non-essential travel to the southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Qadisiyah, due to the threat of terrorism. Large gatherings, pilgrim convoys and major religious sites should be avoided.

CHAD - There is an elevated threat of unrest during Chad's forthcoming presidential election, scheduled to be held countrywide on 10 April. Agitations against President Idriss Deby's administration have been ongoing since early 2016, notably reaching a zenith in late March following the arrest of several civil society leaders. Although opposition protests have been organised in response to various perceived social injustices and government corruption, it is the notion of Deby serving a fifth consecutive term as president that has triggered the majority of demonstrations in the country. Given the emotive nature of protests against Deby's candidacy, as well as the repressive means through which the government deals with such unrest, there is a credible risk of violence during the country's forthcoming election period. Such violence may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Chad on 10 April are advised to monitor local media in order to remain cognisant of political developments in the country. All election-related facilities and personnel should be avoided as a standard precaution. Furthermore, all street protests and politically motivated gatherings should be avoided in order to mitigate the threat of unrest. Allowances for localised travel delays should be made in the vicinity of any polling stations.

SOUTH EAST ASIA - The annual traditional New Year is scheduled to be celebrated in parts of South East Asia between 13 and 20 April. The Theravada Buddhist festival is known as Songkran in Thailand (13 to 15 April); Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia (14 to 16 April); Bpee Mai or Songkan in Laos (14 to 16 April), and Thingyan in Myanmar (13 to 20 April). Smaller-scale celebrations are also likely in China's southern Yunnan province and in Sri Lanka. The event is marked by ritual washing, which is why it is often referred to as the Water or Water Splashing Festival. Traditional New Year festivals can last longer than the specified dates and are treated as public holidays in parts of South East Asia; as such, many government offices, businesses and shops are closed during the celebration period. The large numbers of people travelling to their hometowns for this period is likely to result in significant travel disruptions, as well as increased demand for public transport before, during and after traditional New Year celebrations. There are also security risks associated with the festival; there is an increased risk of road accidents over this period due to increased alcohol consumption, insufficient law enforcement capabilities and poor road safety standards. In addition, there is an elevated risk of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft of unattended items at the many festivals and large public gatherings that will be held as part of the celebrations. Finally, there are other risks associated with the celebrations; in 2010, multiple bomb attacks left at least ten people dead and over 100 injured at commemorative events in Myanmar's commercial capital, Yangon. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution, particularly in crowded public places and on public transport, and if undertaking road travel. Travel disruptions should be anticipated due to increased security measures and widespread participation in commemorations.

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