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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(SOUTHWEST AIRLINES) - Southwest Airlines Co. on April 13 revised its existing flight schedule to add new flights to existing city pairs out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) every day beginning Aug. 7th and ending as late as Nov. 4th. "We continue to enhance service in the region to give our Customers exactly what they want-more flights and lower fares," said Dave Harvey, Managing Director, Business Development. "The first of what we told you we would bring to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in terms of new flights in 2016 started flying yesterday to Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport. With the recent increase in our summer schedule, these new fall flight increases, and our international offering, there's one thing people from Baltimore can be certain of-we're committed to this region and this airport." In March, Southwest announced summer frequency increases for six daily departing BWI flights to six destinations on weekdays including Oakland International Airport, Denver International Airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Hartford's Bradley International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and five on Saturdays only to Hartford's Bradley International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Nashville International Airport, and Tampa International Airport.

UNITED STATES(TEXAS) - (Update) The US National Weather Service (NWS) maintains several adverse weather warnings for the southern state of Texas as of 20 April. Flash Flood and Flood warnings remain in effect for several southern, eastern and northern areas of the state, which have been experiencing significant rainfall and associated flooding since late 17 April. In addition, a state of emergency continues to be imposed in the counties of Austin, Bastrop, Fort Bend, Colorado, Grimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller, and Wharton. As many as seven flood-related fatalities have been reported to date, while hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. Houston remains one of the worst affected areas. The current weather system is forecast to continue throughout 20 April, at least. It should be noted that further inclement weather may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to air, road, and possibly rail travel as a result of the heavy rainfall and associated thunderstorms are expected to persist in the near-term. In addition, disruptions to utilities such as water, power, and telecommunications are also possible. Persons operating in Texas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Weather warnings can also be accessed at the NWS website (www.weather.gov). Heightened caution is advised when travelling near rivers and in flood-affected areas. Travellers in the region should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of their scheduled travel service(s).

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS SOUTH CHARLEROI AIRPORT) - Ongoing disruptions to flight services and operations at the Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located in Charleroi, Belgium, have been reported, on 20 April. Disruptions at the facility, which reportedly began at 07:15, have been due to the lack of air traffic controllers. Disruptions, including delays and possible cancellations are expected to persist until 11:30, at least. However, residual disruptions are anticipated beyond the affected period due to the resultant backlog of flights. Clients scheduled to transit the Brussels South Charleroi Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

VANUATU(BAUERFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Short-term maintenance and upgrade work at Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport, which serves the capital, Port Vila, reportedly concluded on 18 April; however, long-term upgrades have yet to be initiated. The repairs were started after safety concerns were raised by Australasian airlines in January, some of which subsequently suspended flights to the airport. At least one airline, Air New Zealand, has reportedly stated that it will not resume flights to the airport until proposals for a long-term upgrade project are completed. Persons intending to fly via the airport over the medium-term should contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of flight(s).

FRANCE(ROUEN, HAUTE-NORMANDIE) - Disruptions to public transport services, including bus and light rail services run by transport operator TCAR, have been reported in Rouen, located in France's Haute-Normandie region. The disruptions have been due to an extended strike action undertaken by unionised employees since 18 April. The strike is expected to expire on 4 May. During the strike period, workers have observed and are set to continue observing alternating 55-minute work stoppages throughout scheduled services. The strike has been called in protest of current wages. The initial impact of the ongoing action has currently resulted in minor to moderate disruptions to bus and underground rail services. However, an escalation in strike action, resulting in more disruptive and significant disruptions, cannot be discounted. In addition, an increase in demand for alternative modes of transport is also likely during the affected period. It should be noted that negotiations between the unions and TCAR are said to be ongoing; as such, the action may be extended, cancelled or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to utilise public transport services in Rouen for the duration of the strike period on 20 April are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant operator to confirm the status of services.

ITALY - Several transport unions are set to stage a series of strikes in Italy, from 21 April. The strikes have been called over a range of grievances, including wages and work conditions. Disruptions to rail, bus and flight services are expected on the day. Rail services of rail operator, Trenitalia, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region will be disrupted for eight hours from 09:00 local time. In the Lazio region, unionised public transport workers affiliated with the ORSA union will observe a four-hour work stoppage from 08:30, with the capital, Rome, expected to be worst affected. Finally, unionised aviation workers employed by Mistral Air will stage a 24-hour strike on 21 April. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike 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 strikes are expected to be well observed, and to result in significant disruptions to affected public transport services. Increased traffic congestion should be anticipated in major urban centres of affected regions. Persons in the affected areas are advised to anticipate disruptions to local public transport services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

ECUADOR(ESMERALDAS PROVINCE) - A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported 25km west of Muisne in Ecuador's Esmeraldas province on 20 April. The tremor struck at 08:33 GMT (05:33 local time). There have been no immediate reports of additional damage or casualties. No tsunami warning has been issued. The earthquake is one of several aftershocks that have impacted on northern Ecuador since a major 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Muisne area on 16 April, leaving hundreds dead and infrastructure severely damaged in the Esmeraldas province and several surrounding regions, including the provinces of Manabi, Santo Domingo, Los Rios, Santa Elena and Guayas. A state of emergency was declared in these areas on 16 April and hundreds of additional emergency services personnel were deployed to assist in recovery and rescue operations. The aftershocks are expected to continue in the affected region in the coming days and may undermine rescue efforts and cause further damage to already badly affected structures and roads. Disruptions to road travel and power and water supplies are expected to persist. A number of roads in northern Ecuador remain closed as of 19 April, including the Flavio Alfaro to El Carmen road, the Portoviejo to Papaguayo route and the La Mana to Cotopaxi route. In addition, reports of looting have been received in the worst-affected areas. Clients intending to travel in the affected areas should prepare for aftershocks and follow the directives of the local authorities. Damaged buildings should not be entered, and caution is advised when driving along damaged roads. Avoid travel at night. Road travellers should confirm all scheduled services with their travel provider. In response to looting concerns, heightened caution is advised near aid convoys and distribution points and when travelling at night. All belongings should be secured and stored out of sight.

CHILE(ANTOFAGASTA, ATACAMA & SANTIAGO REGIONS) - (Update) The Chilean meteorological authorities (Direccion Meteorologica de Chile) have issued a weather warning for Chile's Antofagasta and Atacama regions on 20 April. Heavy rains and thunderstorms with strong winds have been forecast for the next 24 hours. Wind speeds are expected to range between 60 and 100km/h in the mountains of the Atacama region. The warnings coincide with ongoing power cuts and disruptions to fresh water supplies in Chile's capital, Santiago, following recent flooding and landslides. In light of the warnings, flooding is possible in the Antofagasta and Atacama regions over the near-term. Further disruptions to overland travel, including in the Santiago area, may also occur. The recent flooding coincides with the country's rainy season between the months of May and September. During this time, there is a heightened risk of flooding in coastal and low-lying areas of the country, while mountainous areas may experience landslides. Persons operating in the Santiago, Antofagasta and Atacama regions are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Clients in Santiago are further advised to stockpile adequate supplies of water for the duration of the disruptions. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in and around water distribution sites, as well as continued disruptions to water amenities. Motorists planning intercity travel should contact the authorities for an update on the status of road routes.

ARGENTINA(CHACO PROVINCE) - The Argentinean National Meteorological Service (Servicio meteorological nacional) has issued a heavy rainstorm alert for Argentina's northern Chaco province, on 20 April. Heavy rains and strong winds have been forecast for the next 24 hours. A strong wind alert has also been issued for Chubut, Neuquen, Rio Negro and the Santa Cruz provinces. In light of the warnings, flooding is possible in the Chaco province over the near-term. The anticipated rainfall coincides with the end of the country's rainy season. The inclement weather conditions often lead to widespread flooding in the country, particularly in the northern and central provinces. Landslides in mountainous areas of the country are also possible during this time. Persons operating in the Chaco province are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in the vicinity of rivers and in mountainous areas.

ANGOLA(CACUACO MUNICIPALITY, LUANDA PROVINCE) - Casualties and disruptions have been reported in Angola's Luanda province, following heavy rain and resultant flooding since 18 April. The worst-affected areas are those in the province's Cacuaco municipality. At least nine flood-related fatalities were reported, as well as damage to infrastructure in the affected area. In addition, flash flooding has also caused road travel disruptions on a number of arterial roads within and between affected districts of the municipality. The inclement weather coincides with Angola's rainy season, which extends from November to April. Resultant flooding and associated disruptions are fairly common during this period. Further adverse weather is forecast in the coming days and will likely exacerbate the risk of further flooding in the affected regions for the near-term. Accordingly, additional disruptions should be expected to both localised travel and public utilities in the affected areas. Clients in the affected areas of Luanda province are advised to closely monitor local media regarding weather developments, and to adhere to any advisories issued by local authorities. In addition, caution should be exercised in flood-prone areas, particularly low-lying areas.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(LUBUMBASHI) - Police clashed with protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s south eastern city of Lubumbashi on 20 April. Police fired teargas to disperse at least 5,000 people who had gathered in protest against DRC president Joseph Kabila and concerns that he may be seeking a third term in office. The incident occurred in the vicinity of a political party office affiliated with the Union Nationale des Federalistes du Congo (UNAFEC). The protest comes a day after a UNAFEC office in the capital, Kinshasa, was vandalised. A connection between the two incidents is unclear. The violent dispersal of the protest may spark further gatherings in the city over the near-term. Political party offices, the city centre and major government buildings are possible gathering points. The risk of further confrontations is elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lubumbashi. Persons in the city should monitor local developments closely and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Caution is advised in or near political party offices.

PAKISTAN(KARACHI) - Unidentified gunmen shot and killed seven police officials in two separate incidents in Karachi on 20 April. The shootings occurred in the city's Orangi Town area and targeted police officials who were deployed in the area to safeguard polio eradication teams. The polio campaign in the area has been suspended and additional police forces deployed to the affected area. The incident underscores the elevated security risks in Karachi. Militant and criminal groupings operate in the city and its surrounds and regularly clash with the security forces. Polio workers have been frequently targeted in the country. Militant groups have alleged that the workers are linked to foreign intelligence services. In light of the recent incident, an increase in security is likely in the Orangi Town area over the near-term. Additional patrols and checkpoints are likely. As the gunmen remain at large, further attacks targeting security forces or polio eradication teams are possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Pakistan's southern Sindh province, including Karachi. Persons in the city should avoid the Orangi Town area over the immediate-term and anticipate road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the affected area.

ZAMBIA(LUSAKA) - (Update) Civil unrest was reported for a second day in Zambia's capital, Lusaka, on 19 April. Several foreign-owned (Burundian and Rwandan) businesses were looted and damaged in several of the city's informal settlements. Affected areas since 18 April include Zingalume, Ngombe, Kanyama, Kabanana, Chaisa, Mandevu, Chipata, Chawama, Kalikiliki, Chunga, Lilanda, George and Matero. These lower-income areas are mostly located along the city's periphery. At least 62 businesses have been attacked over the two days of rioting. The police have deployed to affected areas and arrested over 250 people. The violence was sparked by rumours that Rwandan nationals were complicit in a recent spate of ritual murders. Despite a relative lull in incidents of civil unrest on 20 April, tensions remain elevated and further attacks or protests are possible. These could be sparked by the arrest of local residents or further ritual killings. In light of the increased security, additional patrols and checkpoints into or leading to affected areas should be anticipated. Clients in Lusaka should avoid travel into the affected areas until the situation stabilises, particularly at night. Persons travelling in the city should avoid all street protests and, over the near-term, should consider travelling with a local escort familiar with the security environment, rather than making use of public transport or self-driving.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - Teachers union PSZ has called for a 24-hour strike action in Hungary's capital, Budapest, on 20 April. All public school institutions are expected to take part in the action. The union and its members have launched the action as a result of various educational concerns, including the number of required classes for teachers and the lack of freedom regarding textbook selections. The union has called on all Hungarians to stop working for five minutes to show solidarity and support for the teachers. It is currently unclear how well the action will be supported or what impact it will have; nevertheless, disruptions to educational services are anticipated. Although no associated demonstrations have been announced as yet, the city's main parks and squares, such as Kossuth Square, may serve as focal points for such events. Such gatherings may result in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Budapest on 20 April are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike and any possible associated protests. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a precautionary measure.

ROMANIA - Unionised health workers affiliated the SANITAS union are set to observe a countrywide strike in Romania on 20 April. The strike has been called over a number of labour-related issues affecting workers in the public health sector, including wages and work conditions. Workers are scheduled to observe a three-hour work stoppage from 11:00 local time. An associated protest is also expected in the capital, Bucharest, with others set to occur elsewhere in the country. In the capital, rallies are expected in the vicinity of Izvor Park and the Ministry of Health (located on Cristian Popisteanu Street). Further details regarding the exact time of the associated demonstrations are currently unavailable. The strike is set to result in disruptions to health services. The upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The protest is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the area surrounding Izvor Park and the Ministry of Health. Due to the ongoing nature of the workers' grievances, further associated strike action and protest activity is expected for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Romania are advised to anticipate disruptions to health services. Persons in Bucharest and elsewhere are advised to avoid all associated gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on strike action. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential delays in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

SOUTH AFRICA(KIMBERLEY & UPINGTON, NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE) - The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on its supporters and affiliate unions to observe demonstrations in Kimberley and Upington, located in South Africa's Northern Cape province, on 20 April. In Kimberley, protesters are set to march towards the office of Premier Sylvia Lucas in order to submit a memorandum on various economic grievances, including disputes regarding labour brokering. The same memorandum is then set to be delivered to the Department of Labour in Upington. Further details regarding the demonstrations have not been disclosed. It is currently unclear how well the demonstrations will be supported; however, localised travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of any protest sites. Although the agitations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in the aforementioned areas on 20 April are advised to monitor local media for updates on the upcoming protest actions, as well as any related advisories from the authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions along any protest routes and gathering sites.

SERBIA(NIS) - Activist and civic groups are set to stage a protest march in Serbia's southern city of Nis, on 21 April. The march has been called against the maladministration and alleged corruption of city officials. Participants are expected to gather at the St. Sava Park from 18:00 local time and then proceed to the city's Town Hall, where a rally will be held. Although the march is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated along the protest route and associated gathering sites. Persons in Nis on 21 April are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstration sites on the day.

ECUADOR(QUITO) - The Ninth Summit of Presidents of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) will be held in Ecuador's capital, Quito, on April 22. Discussions on the economic situation in the region will be discussed, among other issues. The summit is set to take place at the UNASUR headquarters (Sede de Unasur) in the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex. Presidents and finances ministers from the union are expected to be in full attendance. Heightened security is anticipated around the event. The summit is set to continue despite a major earthquake in the north of the country on 16 April. Security will likely be increased in the city for the duration of the event, as several regional heads of state are expected to attend the summit. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and other movement-restrictive measures, may be implemented. Clients in Quito on 22 April are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions throughout the city and should plan accordingly. While no protests are expected for the summit, travellers are nonetheless advised to avoid all large gatherings and related demonstrations due to the possibility of civil unrest. Additionally, due to the recent seismic activity in Ecuador, clients intending to travel in the affected areas should prepare for aftershocks and follow the directives of the local authorities.

ISRAEL(ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK & GAZA STRIP) - Israel will commemorate the Jewish religious holiday of Passover from the evening of 22 April until 29 April. Israeli security services have issued warnings about possible acts of terrorism against Jewish interests during this period. As such, security levels are expected to be increased ahead of and during the holiday period. Precedent suggests that the Israeli authorities will also impose restrictions on travel for residents of some Palestinian communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Elevated security along international and internal borders is also anticipated. The terrorism risk stems from Islamist and Palestinian militants opposed to the state of Israel and Jewish interests. The Passover holiday presents anti-Israel/Jewish armed groups with the opportunity to escalate attacks. Elevated security measures are likely to mitigate the possibility of success of any attempted attacks. Areas considered at particular risk are Jewish settlement communities and Israeli security service personnel and checkpoints in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, border areas between Israel and the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and international shared borders with Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. Please note that restrictions on travel between Palestinian and Israeli administered areas in the West Bank is likely to impact on Palestinians and dual nationals only. Given the likely elevated security over Passover, all travellers are likely to encounter delays at checkpoints in the West Bank and at ports of entry and exit. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and within 2km of the shared border with Israel in Israel. Travellers are further advised against all non-essential travel to within 45km of the shared border outside of the above 2km zone and to the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), within 2km of the shared border with Lebanon and 5km within the shared border with Egypt outside of towns and cities. Persons in Israel and the Palestinian territories over the Passover holiday should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the authorities and exercise caution in higher-risk areas. Concentrations of security force personnel should also be avoided.

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