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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(MIAMI) - American Airlines says it's seeing large numbers of its passengers grounded after standing in TSA checkpoint lines and they say something needs to be done about it. American says in March over 2,000 passengers and 8,200 bags didn't make it to their destination because of the TSA. This month so far, 1,300 passengers and over 800 bags on the ground while their flights took off. The TSA told NBC 6 it has added some security measures at MIA and it's doing this as efficiently as possible but says there's no way to determine that large numbers of passengers are missing their flights due to them. TSA officials said the longest wait time in recent weeks is 48 minutes and American is clumping flights together to make connecting wait times shorter but that means more passengers are at MIA at the same time. "Passengers who arrive at MIA two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, as they have been advised across the industry for years to do, have not missed and will not miss flights due to TSA screening," TSA officials said in a statement.

UNITED KINGDOM(SOUTHERN ENGLAND) - Two separate but RMT union-related strikes are expected to impact rail services in the UK from 26 April. Southern Railway (http://www.southernrailway.com/) conductors have called for a strike on 26 and 27 April. There will be no service on several lines, including some serving the capital, London. Some limited services will remain. Workers on the London Underground's (https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/) Piccadilly line have called for a strike on 26 and 28 April. Should the strike proceed, it will also impact services on the line on 27 and 29 April. Note that negotiations between RMT and management are ongoing, and the strikes may be cancelled or postponed. Persons intending to travel via rail in southern England on 26 and 27 April, or on London Underground services, specifically the Piccadilly line, between 26 and 29 April, are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant authorities for updates on the status of the strike and the impact on services.

SPAIN(BARCELONA) - Rail workers aligned with the General Union of Workers or Union General de Trabajadore (UGT) have called for a partial strike on the Barcelona Metro in Barcelona, Spain, on 26 and 27 April. The strike will take place during the morning and evening hours, and is being led as part of an ongoing dispute with the city transport authority. An associated protest is also expected on 27 April from 10:30 local time. Protesters will gather in the Placa d'Urquinaona area, and then proceed to Placa Sant Jaume. The anticipated strike and protest, should they occur, are likely to result in noteworthy disruptions to metro services on 26 and 27 April. This may cause additional pressure and delays on other transport services. Clients in Barcelona on the strike days are advised to monitor local media and the Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona website (http://www.tmb.cat/en/home) for further information on the strike and for travel alternatives. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

FRANCE - Countrywide disruptions to train travel are expected in France, due to an anticipated rail workers' strike on 25 April. The strike is set to commence at 19:00 local time and end at 08:00 on 27 April. The action was called by all of France's trade unions representing National Society of French Railways (SNCF) workers. Delays and cancellations are likely to disrupt a number of operations in the SNCF (http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers) service areas. The action was launched over disputes regarding working conditions and wages. Additionally, should negotiations between the unions and the SNFC fall through, a countrywide protest action has been scheduled for 10 May. Details regarding this protest are yet to be specified. Should the strike action proceed, it is expected to be well attended by rail workers countrywide. Overcrowding, traffic congestion and an increased demand for alternative transport are likely on the day. Although protests are not scheduled to coincide with the strike, related gatherings of striking rail workers cannot be discounted. Please note that due to the possibility of overcrowding in transport hubs and on public transport vehicles, an increase in low-level criminal activities, including petty crime, is possible. Clients in France on 25, 26 and 27 April are advised to keep their travel itineraries flexible in anticipation of the strike action and potential transport knock-on effects. Furthermore, travellers are advised to contact their travel provider(s) or SNCF for details regarding possible delays and cancellations. Additionally, clients are advised to maintain heightened caution in crowded areas and, should small protests ensue, to avoid such gatherings as a precautionary measure.

GERMANY - The Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (ver.di) trade union has called for strike action across Germany on 26 and 27 April. As a result of the strike, all public transport services, including bus and rail, are expected to be disrupted on 26 April. In addition, an airport strike is expected in major cities, including Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund and Hanover, at varying times during the day on 27 April. Disruptions to other public services cannot be discounted. The strike has been organised by the union to demand a six percent increase in salaries ahead of the third round of negotiations, which will be held in Potsdam on 28 and 29 April. In addition to the disruptions to bus and rail services, an increase in demand for alternative modes of transport is also likely during the affected period. Furthermore, although authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to flight operations at the affected airports, flight delays and/or cancellations should still be anticipated. Clients in Germany are advised to anticipate disruptions to public transport services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Persons intending make use of air transport services are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s). Local media should be monitored for updates relating to the strike.

MEXICO(CHIAPAS STATE) - Public transport workers in Chiapas state, Mexico, have called for a state-wide strike from 26 April, for an indefinite period of time. The strike has been organised over various issues including the increase in illegal and unregulated transport providers. At least 80 percent of public transport operators are expected to participate in the strike. In addition to significant disruptions to public transport, the strike is also expected to result in an increased demand for alternative modes of transport. Associated protests are also anticipated; these are likely to centre on major cities in Chiapas, including Tuxtla Gutierrez, San Cristobal de las Casas, Tapachula, Palenque, Comitan, and Chiapa de Corzo. The risk of violence and any potential protest cannot be discounted. Clients in Chiapas state are advised to make allowances for the anticipated disruptions and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Long-distance bus drivers have called for a go-slow protest through central Sofia, on 26 April. The procession is expected to commence at 11:00 local time on Tsarigradsko Shosse boulevard before proceeding to the central bus station. The bus drivers are opposed to a number of proposed toll booths, which are expected to result in bus fare increases. It should be noted that, despite existing contingency plans, the upcoming go-slow protest is expected to cause significant road travel disruptions. Regular bus services in the city are not expected to be directly impacted by the protest; however, busses will likely be affected by the resultant increased traffic congestion. Persons in Sofia on 26 April are advised to monitor local media for updates on the protest action, and any related blockades. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries and to make allowances for associated travel disruptions in the vicinity of related protest action.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND - The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day will be commemorated across Australia and New Zealand on 25 April. Commemorative events are expected to be held across several cities and urban centres, these will include the traditional Dawn Service; the starting time for this event will be location-dependent. Military parades, veterans' marches and memorial services will also take place in multiple urban centres throughout the day. ANZAC Day is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand, and most businesses and public services are expected to be closed on 25 April. The day commemorates ANZAC members who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The date marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces, during the First World War. The day is usually well attended; accordingly, increased security measures and street closures are expected in cities across both countries. Persons in Australia or New Zealand on 25 April should anticipate significant disruptions to business and transport services on the day. Clients should also anticipate increased security in the vicinity of commemorative events.

CHINA(SOUTHERN CHINA) - Adverse weather is affecting southern China. Mud and landslides have been reported in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces and the Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A number of people are reportedly missing following a landslide near the village of Guoli in Yunnan Province, with soldiers deployed to assist with rescue efforts. Hundreds of people were affected by a large mudslide at an unspecified village in the Jiangxi Province. Parts of Xianning City in Hubei province have been inundated with water. The provinces of Guangdong and Jiangxi have been worst affected by the ongoing adverse weather conditions, with hundreds of people evacuated from the worst affected areas. In addition, a tornado caused damage to hundreds of homes in the city of Shantou in Guangdong province on 24 April. Precipitation could reach up to 100mm in the worst-affected areas according to reports. China's meteorological authorities have warned that heavy rains will persist in the provinces of Jiangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangdong, and southern Fujian, as well as in northern Guangxi, and south eastern Tibet, over the next 24 hours, but may weaken by 27 April. However, this will likely pick up again from 29 April. The adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, are forecast to continue affecting the region over the near-term. Heavy rain can lead to severe flooding and structural damage. Areas assessed to be at an elevated risk of flooding include those located near river banks and canals. Furthermore, due to the inclement weather conditions brought on by the forecast storms, disruptions to road, rail and air travel should be expected. Lastly, utility services such as the supply of water and electricity may also be negatively affected. Persons operating in the southern region of China in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Inundated areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions, and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

YEMEN(MUKALLA) - (Update) A pro-government offensive, conducted by Yemeni and Emirati soldiers, is purported to have successfully captured the port city of Mukalla from Islamist militants, on 24 April. Approximately 2,000 troops from the Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces have now occupied the city, controlling the airport and the city's seaport. Checkpoints have also reportedly been set up throughout the city. According to initial reports, casualty figures have remained low as coalition forces encountered little resistance from Islamist militants who appeared to have withdrawn from the city. Coalition air strikes reportedly killed at least 30 people during the offensive on 24 April. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition deployed to Yemen in 2015 in support of the regime of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Its initial goal is to defeat the Houthi militia, which continues to occupy the capital, Sanaa; however, in light of a ceasefire and peace negotiations in Kuwait, the coalition has directed some of its forces to challenging Islamist militants who, during the 2015 conflict, occupied a number of towns and cities in eastern Yemen. Fighting in this area is expected to persist over the medium-term at least. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly updated.

TURKEY(SOUTHERN & SOUTH EASTERN REGIONS) - At least one civilian has died and a further 26 have been wounded in a number of cross-border rocket attacks on the town of Kilis, since early on 24 April; at least six Syrian refugees were among the wounded. The Turkish military responded by directing artillery fire at suspected Islamic State (IS) positions in northern Syria, from where the attack originated. Elsewhere in southern Turkey on 24 April, eight suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants were killed during security operations in the Mardin and Sirnak provinces. Meanwhile, security forces have imposed curfews on 16 villages in the Lice district of the restive Diyarbakir province, where major security operations have been ongoing since 23 April; however, no casualties have yet been reported. These incidents underscore the various and elevated risks in southern Turkey, particularly near the Syrian border and in the south east of the country. Cross-border attacks have affected Kilis on several occasions and it is likely to be impacted in the future, given its proximity to conflict zones in northern Syria. The south east of the country, including the Diyarbakir, Sirnak and Mardin province, has been affected by low-level violence between security forces and Kurdish militants, particularly the PKK, since mid-2015. Given the protracted tensions in the region, conflict is expected to persist over the short-term at least. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in a number of provinces, including Kilis, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in Kilis, as well as in Mardin. In addition, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to several south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir and Sirnak, due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as an elevated risk of terrorism.

KENYA(NAIROBI) - Police in Kenya's capital Nairobi have fired teargas to disperse an unruly opposition demonstration on 25 April. According to media reports, the protest became unruly after participants attempted to storm the offices of the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission, at the Anniversary Towers building on University Way in the city centre. Police in Kenya are known to use robust methods in dealing with unruly demonstrations. As such, an escalation in the use of force by local police should be anticipated at gatherings of this nature. In this regard, the potential escalation in violence between police and protesters poses a discernible, albeit indiscriminate, threat to persons in the immediate area. Clients in Nairobi are advised to avoid all related gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Civil society activist groups are set to protest in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, on 25 April. The protest, set to commence at 18:00 local time, will be held outside the National Assembly. The action was called in response to the government's decision to withdraw the motion of holding referendums and elections on the same day. The next presidential election is expected to be held in late 2016. The aforementioned protest is expected to proceed peacefully; however, incidents of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Furthermore, disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of the affected area are anticipated. Clients in Sofia on 25 April are advised to avoid all protest-related gatherings as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, clients are advised to anticipate road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the aforementioned area and to plan accordingly.

EGYPT - Activists, including the April 6 Youth Movement, have called for anti-government protests across Egypt on 25 April. The protests have been called to denounce Egypt's recent transfer of sovereignty of two Red Sea islands, Tiran and Sanafir, to Saudi Arabia as part of a trade and investment deal. Ahead of the planned protests, the security forces have conducted raids across the country, and have arrested dozens of people connected to the protest call. Related protests on 22 April were poorly attended, with the largest gathering reportedly occurring near the Press Syndicate in the capital, Cairo. Further information regarding the location of the 25 April gatherings is unclear; however, mosques, public squares and major government buildings are likely gathering points. The island transfer deal is a highly contentious issue and has sparked several protests since mid-April. Individually, these have been relatively poorly attended to date, but have been reported in cities across the country. As the issue gains further attention, the potential exists for the protests to increase in size. A number of events have been affected by low-level clashes with the police. The risk of further violence at the planned 25 April event is considered high. Clients in Egypt on 25 April should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - (Update) Opposition groups in Moldova, including the Dignity and Truth Platform, have threatened to hold further protests in the capital, Chisinau, on 25 April. Protesters are expected to gather outside government buildings in the city from 07:00 local time, in attempt to disrupt government operations. The upcoming demonstrations follow recent protests in Chisinau on 24 April which were marred by low-level clashes between protesters and security forces. The incidents left at least 14 policemen wounded. The protests are the latest in a series of protests that have affected Moldova since senior government officials were implicated in a major corruption scandal in September 2015. Anti-government protests have escalated following the nomination of Pavel Filip to the position of prime minister and the approval of his cabinet by Parliament on 21 January; protesters are demanding that snap elections be held. In light of the recent violence at the 24 April protests, the possibility of similar skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted, especially in the event that police attempt to disperse the crowds. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protest-affected areas. Persons in Chisinau on 25 April are advised to avoid all street protests and any concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Allowances should be made for any potential travel disruptions. Furthermore, local media should be monitored for related updates.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD & SOUTHERN CITIES & TOWNS) - (Update) Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, has called for mass protests in Iraq on 25 April. The protests have been called to pressure the Council of Representatives (CoR), Iraq's Parliament, to vote on a draft cabinet. Details regarding the time and location of the protests have not been disclosed; however, likely protest areas include the capital, Baghdad, as well southern cities where al-Sadr has support, such as Karbala, Hilla, Najaf, Basra, Amarah and Nasriyah. Al-Sadr and his supporters have rallied to pressure government to appoint a cabinet of technocrats in order to challenge embedded corruption among senior leaders. Al-Abadi has complied with his demands; however, blocs in the CoR have resisted the vote and demanded that their interests be acknowledged in any future cabinet. Protests have been peaceful to date; despite this, the risk of low-level confrontations exists. In Baghdad, possible gathering points include Sadr City, the Green Zone or Tahrir Square, while protests elsewhere are likely to centre on major public squares and government buildings. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad governorate and against all non-essential travel to several southern governorates due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons in the centre and south of the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Local political developments should be closely monitored and all street protests avoided.

BELARUS(MINSK) - A memorial march to mark the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident is expected to take place in Minsk on 26 April. The demonstration has been authorised for 50,000 people; precedent suggests that it will be well attended. The demonstration is expected to commence on Independence Avenue at 18:00 local time before proceeding along Orel, Surganova and Karastayanava streets. A large police deployment is expected to closely supervise the demonstration, despite the official authorisation. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant suffered a catastrophic nuclear accident on 26 April 1986; 31 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the region, which includes present-day Belarus and Ukraine. Chernobyl was located in the now-abandoned town of Pripyat, on the shared Belarus-Ukraine border. A number of opposition groups have stated their intention to join the memorial demonstration; nonetheless, the event is expected to conclude peacefully. Localised traffic disruptions are likely along the protest route. Clients in Minsk on 26 April are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and concentrations of security forces as a general precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential delays.

SOUTH AFRICA(CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG, DURBAN, BLOEMFONTEIN) - Demonstrations are expected in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein on 27 April. Organised to coincide with Freedom Day, protesters are calling for the resignation of incumbent president Jacob Zuma in light of ongoing corruption scandals. In Cape Town, participants will gather at the corner of Keizersgracht and Chapel streets, opposite the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, from 11:00 local time, before marching to the Parliament building in the Cape Town CBD. In Johannesburg, participants will gather outside the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on Rissik Street from 10:00. In Durban, participants will gather at the King Dinuzulu Park from 09:00 before proceeding along West Street to the City Hall, and in Bloemfontein, participants will gather at Hoffman Square on Charlotte Maxeke Street from 09:00. Opposition parties and groups in South Africa have long accused President Jacob Zuma and his administration of rampant corruption and failing to adhere to the country's constitution. Opposition to Zuma has increased markedly in recent months, with a number of political actors, from civil society and religious organisations, now calling for his resignation; uncharacteristic dissent has even come from within the ranks of Zuma's ruling African National Congress (ANC). The demonstrations are expected to be well attended and will likely have an impact on local travel in the affected areas. Although the marches are expected to conclude peacefully, there is an elevated risk of confrontations between police and protesters due to the emotive and anti-government undertone of the events in all the aforementioned cities. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein on 27 April are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest and advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration route.

BELGIUM - Federal employees in the ministries of justice, foreign affairs, finance and public health, who are affiliated with the CGSP AMiO trade union, are scheduled to hold a 24-hour strike in Belgium on 26 April. An associated demonstration is scheduled for 27 April in the capital, Brussels. The gathering will take place from 09:30 local time at Esplanade train station. The actions have been called over a number of labour-related issues, including government-initiated austerity measures and poor working conditions. The strike action is likely to impact operations at the impacted ministries. In addition, although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Due to ongoing labour-related disputes, and as opposition to austerity policies is likely to persist, further strike and protest action should be expected in the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in the affected cities are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security as a general precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest action. In addition, clients are also advised to monitor local media for demonstration announcements and updates on further protest action.

COSTA RICA - Trade unions in Costa Rica, led by the Labour and Social Bloc union (BUSSCO) and the National Association of Educators (ANDE), are set to embark on countrywide strike action on 26 and 27 April. An associated demonstration is planned for the capital, San Jose, on 26 April. Participants are scheduled to gather at Parque de Merced from 09:00 local time and march to the legislative assembly. The actions have been called to protest against several bills currently under debate in the legislature, such as those that will change how education is regulated, and those that will change how public sectors workers are remunerated. Labour strikes and protests are fairly common in Costa Rica. Although these are generally non-violent, clashes between protesters and security forces occur occasionally during demonstrations. Protesters frequently block main roads and thoroughfares, resulting in travel disruptions. Security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics when dealing with crowds participating in demonstrations. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming protest march cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest route and demonstration-affected sites. Persons in Costa Rica, especially in San Jose on 26 and 27 April, are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and demonstrations. All large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

VENEZUELA - The Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD) opposition party has called for protests at all National Electoral Council (CNE) offices across Venezuela on 27 April. The main protest is set to be held at the CNE headquarters in the capital, Caracas, at 10:00 local time. The demonstrations have been organised to demand the forms necessary to initiate a recall referendum against president Nicolas Maduro. The protests will take place amid elevated political tensions between the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) and the MUD, as well as an ongoing economic crisis. The MUD has repeatedly threatened to have Maduro removed from power, including by means of a recall referendum. Meanwhile, the PSUV has gone to considerable lengths to undermine the MUD-led National Assembly. As such, there remains the possibility of a significant deterioration in the political situation over the coming months. The upcoming protests are expected to be well attended; the possibility of low-level violence between protesters and potential counter-protesters as well as between protesters and security forces, is credible. Clients in Venezuela in the near-term should closely monitor political developments. All street protests and counter-protests, including those on 27 April, should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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