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

EMEIRATES & MALAYSIA AIRLINES - Emirates and Malaysia Airlines have unveiled new routes and frequent flyer benefits as it expands its codeshare agreement. The new routes cover 15 key Malaysian cities: Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Labuan, Alor Setar, Kota Bharu, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. Under the agreement, Emirates' flight number will be placed on Malaysia Airlines' services on those destinations. The codeshare which began with the Kuala Lumpur - Dubai route on February 15, saw Malaysia Airlines placing its code and flight number on Emirates' three-times daily service between the two cities. Emirates Skywards members and Malaysia Airline's Enrich members will be able to accrue and redeem miles on all international and domestic flights operated by both airlines.

KOREA(KOREAN AIR)/JAPAN - Korean Air has announced it will launch new flight services from Incheon International Airport in Seoul to Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, from May 5th, 2016 which will be the 16th destination in Japan for the carrier. Korean Air will operate daily flights on Incheon-Okinawa route, utilizing Boeing's B777-200 aircraft seating 248 passengers. Operating every day, flight KE735 will depart Seoul/Incheon at 15:35 and arrive in Okinawa at 17:55 the same day. The return flight KE736 will depart Okinawa at 19:05 and returns to Seoul/Incheon at 21:35 the same day.

UNITED STATES(WASHINGTION, D.C.) - Protest activity is expected in Washington, D.C. between 11 and 18 April. Organised as a non-violent civil disobedience campaign called "Democracy Spring", the action is supported by a coalition of over 80 organizations, including civil rights groups, activist organizations and labour unions, and concerned individuals. The events began on 2 April where a number of participants began a 200km walk from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. and are expected to arrive in the capital on 11 April. Upon arrival, participants are expected to conduct a number of days of protest activities, including sit-ins and rallies, beginning at the Columbus Circle at 11:00 local time on 11 April. A march planned on 17 April will see participants march between the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court and then on to Columbus Circle for a political rally. A number of related workshops and public lectures will accompany the events between 11 and 18 April. Demonstrators claim that the 2016 elections will be the most "money-drenched" and corrupt in American history, and are calling on Congress to restore genuine democratic procedures. The demonstrators will present Congress with reform proposals, which if ignored will result in participants occupying sections of the Capitol Building and engaging in non-violent protests. Reports indicate that the AFL-CIO, the largest labour federation in the United States has pledged support for the campaign, although it is unclear whether the support will be felt in terms of number of participants. Significant travel disruptions are likely in the affected areas. Although the events have been advertised as being strictly non-violent, the possibility of confrontation between protesters and police exists. Clients in Washington, D.C. in the coming week are advised to monitor local media for immediate updates on local conditions; areas affected by protest activity should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are advised to maintain flexible itineraries if planning to travel through the affected areas during the week of 11-18 April.

UNITED STATES(MASSACHUSETTS(BOSTON)) - Activist group, Road to Recovery (R2R), has called for a mass demonstration at Kenmore Square in Boston, in the US, on 11 April. The action has been organised to coincide with a baseball competition between the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park, located near the square, at 14:00 local time. R2R and its supporters have accused the Boston Red Sox of failing to help 20 sexual abuse victims of the team's former manager, Donald Fitzpatrick. The protesters intend to use the upcoming agitation as a means of pressing the Boston Red Sox into resolving the 2011 settlement claims of these victims. Although the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for isolated skirmishes between protesters and police cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Boston on 11 April are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest site.

SOUTH AFRICA(CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE) - Brussels metro system has increased the hours and numbers of stations that will be in operation located in South Africa's Western Cape province, on 11 April, following the destruction of two trains at the Cape Town station. Latest reports indicate that at least ten carriages and 750m of overhead wiring were destroyed when unidentified persons set fire to the trains late on 10 April. The suspected vandalism has prompted significant delays along the city's Northern, Southern, Central and Cape Flats lines. Delays of up to one hour are anticipated along the affected lines. Persons in Cape Town who intend to use Metrorail services on 11 April are advised to contact their travel provider(s) or the Metrorail website (http://goo.gl/2DAgWx) for updates on the status of services.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - On 11 April, the US Embassy in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, issued a warning that Islamist militants are planning to launch an attack on the Star Hotel, located on Sulh Road, in the Wazir Akbar Khan area of the city. Further details regarding the exact timing or method of attack remain unknown. It should be noted that the hotel is located in close proximity to several foreign diplomatic missions, including the British, Turkish, Iranian, Indonesian, German, French, Indian and Chinese embassies. Given the extreme and ongoing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, such warnings by government authorities are taken seriously and regularly result in additional security force deployments. Although details surrounding this incident are limited, it is likely that the attackers are affiliated with one of the numerous Islamist extremist groups present in the country; possibly the Sunni extremist Taleban or the Haqqani network. Both groups have carried out numerous small-scale and mass-casualty attacks across the country in the past. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country, regardless of area of travel, are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security measures. Clients are further advised to follow the directives issued by local authorities and security forces; all movements should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

RUSSIA(STAVROPOL) - According to emerging reports, five people have been killed in a suspected coordinated suicide bomb attack in Novoselitsky district of the Stavropol krai of Russia on 11 April. It is believed that five attackers, at least three of whom were suicide bombers, launched an attack on a police station in a village in the locality. All five fatalities in the incident were the attackers; three died when they detonated their explosives, and two more are thought to have been killed by security forces. There were no security force or civilian casualties. There is a high threat of terrorism in Russia, particularly in the volatile North Caucasus region, which lies just to the south of Stavropol krai, and stems primarily from Islamist militants. The majority of violence takes place notably in Dagestan, but also in Kabardino-Balkaria, Chechnya and Ingushetia; Stavropol is generally less affected. Armed attacks and associated targeted security operations are likely to persist in the North Caucasus region in the short- to medium-term. Clients currently in Novoselitsky district are advised to monitor local developments closely and maintain a low profile. It should be noted that due to high levels of violence, instability and terrorism, all non-essential travel to Stavropol's south eastern districts of Budyonnovsky, Levokumsy, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoyi is advised against, as well as all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Mount Elbrus region).

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - An additional 300 military personnel have been deployed across Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 11 April, in addition to the 1,500 troops already in place across the city. The move comes as the Brussels metro system has increased the hours and numbers of stations that will be in operation, as of 11 April. The 51 out of 68 stations that will now be in operation will have longer operating hours since services were cut back following the 22 March terrorist attacks in the city. Stations that have re-opened will have services between 07:00 and 21:00 local time. Belgium remains on high alert following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March. In light of the current elevated terrorism risk, the additional security force presence is likely to remain in place for the short-term at least. Such presence may result in increased security checks on all forms of public transport in Brussels, thus leading to localised disruptions. Clients in Belgium are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information on current and related security operations. In addition, clients are advised to report all suspicious persons or packages to the authorities immediately. Clients are advised to avoid all areas affected by security force operations.

PAKISTAN(BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE) - According to recently released government statements, 34 suspected militants are said to have been killed in security operations in Kalat district, located in Pakistan's Balochistan province between 7 and 9 April. Violent clashes ensued when security forces conducted raids in the Johan area, targeting members said to be aligned with Baloch separatist group, the United Baloch Army (UBA). Reports also indicate that a UBA commander was killed in the violence. There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan, including in Balochistan province. The region has also experienced militant violence in recent years, with the province having been subject to low-level insurgency by rebels pushing for greater political and economic rights. Rebel groups, including UBA have resorted to a number of violent terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage targeting both state and civilian interests. Reprisal clashes and attacks against government installations and security forces are often reported following such operations; thus, the likelihood of reprisals in the Kalat district is elevated for the coming days. The threat stemming from Baloch rebels is expected to persist in the short- to medium-term. Further incidents such as security operations, retaliatory clashes and acts of terrorism and sabotage are likely. Due to the extreme risks of conflict and terrorism, as well as the high risks of crime and kidnapping, clients are advised against all travel to Balochistan. Robust residential, travel and personal security protocols should be implemented.

BRAZIL - Multiple pro- and anti-government protests are expected in cities across Brazil from 9 to 17 April. These will be led in support of the current regime of President Dilma Rousseff, including the Workers Party (PT) and Frente Brasil Popular, and by opposition groups, including Vem Pra Rua Brasil, calling for her impeachment. Planned demonstrations have already been scheduled to be held in the capital, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre and Curitiba. One of the primary protest focal points is likely to be the Palacio do Congresso Nacional (National Congress) in Brasilia. The demonstrations are expected to climax on 17 April, when the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) of Brazil's bicameral National Congress is scheduled to vote on impeachment. If two-thirds vote for impeachment, the issue will be sent to the Federal Senate (the upper house) for a final vote and decision. The anticipated gatherings are the latest in a months-long opposition challenge against the Rousseff regime, which has faced a severe crisis following corruption allegations. Dozens of protests, both for and against Rousseff and the PT, have occurred recently. The majority have ended without major incident but have been accompanied by an elevated police presence and road travel disruptions. These are likely to persist. The threat of confrontations between opposing party supporters is elevated in the coming week, particularly near the National Congress in Brasilia. In addition, should the impeachment vote be held, a further escalation could occur after 17 April, the anticipated date of the vote in the lower house. Clients in Brazil between 9 and 17 April should monitor local media for updates on planned demonstrations in their area of travel or should contact their security provider for further information. Additional details on planned protest gathering points are available on the PT (http://www.pt.org.br/agenda/) or Frente Brasil Popular (http://frentebrasilpopular.org.br/noticias/confira-a-agenda-contraogolpe-1b62/) websites, or on social media platforms associated with the opposition (https://www.facebook.com/VemPraRuaBrasil.org/). All street protests in the country should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - The Coordinated Plan de Ayala National Movement and its members are expected to hold demonstrations in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, from 10 to 12 April. Protesters began arriving in the capital on 10 April and will initially join a sit-in protest on Bucareli Avenue, located near the Secretaria de Gobernacion (SEGOB) building. On 12 April, they will gather at the Angel of Independence monument and then march back towards the SEGOB facility. The action was launched due to authorities' refusal to open discussions regarding monetary concessions given to mining companies in the country. The demonstration is expected to be well attended. As such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the associated gathering. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons in Mexico City are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any potential travel disruptions.

GUATEMALA(DEPARTMENTS OF SAN MARCOS, BAJA VERAPAZ & HUEHUETENANGO & GUATEMALA CITY) - Activists plan to march from multiple areas in Guatemala to the capital, Guatemala City, from 11 to 22 April to promote the free access to water. Some of the primary street marches will begin in Tecun Uman (San Marcos department) and La Mesilla (Huehuetenango department) from 11 April, and Purulha (Baja Verapaz department) from 14 April. In the capital, activists will gather in the vicinity of Plaza Constitucional (Parque Central). For further information on other protest locations, please check the social media event page (https://www.facebook.com/Marcha-ind%C3%ADgena-campesina-y-popular-207724279334698/). The anticipated protest is expected to be well attended. As such, disruptions on road routes towards the capital should be anticipated between 11 and 22 April. Associated disruptions are also likely in Guatemala City on 22 April in the vicinity of Plaza Constitucional. Note that demonstrators may also gather in other parts of the city. There is a risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and the police. Clients in the affected areas between 11 April and 22 April are advised to exercise caution and should avoid all protest gatherings as a precaution. Additionally, please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 50km of Guatemala's border with Mexico in a number of western departments, including Huehuetenango and San Marcos.

NIGERIA(PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE) - The Occupy Nigeria movement has called for a mass anti-government protest in Port Harcourt, the capital of Nigeria's southern Rivers State, on 14 April. The action is being organised to protest against the government's failure to deal with ongoing fuel shortages and poor electricity supply in the country. Although further details regarding the event have not been disclosed, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration on the day. Nigeria's urban centres often experience protests, rallies and demonstrations; these are usually related to the prevailing political and economic conditions. Such events are often disruptive and may degenerate into violence, particularly those that have an anti-government undertone. Consequently, the risk of isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces on 14 April cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients are advised against all travel to Rivers State. Persons in the state, particularly those operating outside of Port Harcourt, should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Travel at night should be avoided. Persons operating in Port Harcourt on 14 April are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Flexible itineraries should be maintained in order to mitigate possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

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