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

UNITED KINGDOM(MANCHESTER) - Manchester airport authorities have indicated that disruptions to flights are likely on 28 April due to snowfall. There is currently a forecast of snow throughout the morning in Manchester. Road closures have also been reported. Persons scheduled to transit Manchester airport are advised to contact their travel or flight provider for updates on the status of their flight(s). Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for details regarding possible road disruptions and to adjust itineraries accordingly.

We are closely monitoring this situation and rebooking travelers affected by the flight disruption who were ticketed through ATG.

NEW CALEDONIA - Disruptions to flight services across New Caledonia have been reported, due to a strike by unionised air traffic controllers, on 28 April. Aviation sector union, USAC CGT union, called for the strike against proposed labour reforms which would negatively impact the aviation sector. Unionised workers are set to observe the strike until 29 April; the exact duration of the strike is currently unknown. The strike is currently mainly affecting domestic flights; with a number of flight services having been diverted and several flights having been pre-emptively cancelled. Although contingency plans to minimise the effect of action will continue to be implemented, further disruptions, including delays and cancellations are expected to throughout the action. It should be noted that the action may be suspended or cancelled on an ad hoc basis. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates relating to the strike. Persons intending to make use of air transport services in New Caledonia during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information regarding the status of their flight(s).

GREECE - A strike action by the Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers union is expected to cause rail travel disruptions across parts of Greece from 18:00 local time on 30 April until 10:00 on 2 May. The strike action will affect both intercity, as well as suburban commuter rail services in Athens and possibly other, unspecified urban centres. The strike will be held to protest against government's privatisation of TrainOSE, the state-owned rail company, and to oppose a reduction in social security benefits expected to accompany the privatisation deal. Labour strikes and related demonstrations continue to impact Greece on a regular basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted the public sector. The strike action will result in disruptions and delays to rail services, and may result in an increased demand for other forms of transport. Clients in Greece during the affected period are advised to adjust their itineraries to accommodate service disruptions, or seek alternative methods of transport.

LIBYA(MESSINA OIL FIELDS & SARIR AREA) - Two Portuguese nationals were reportedly killed in an apparent homicide incident in the Viana municipality, located in Angola's western Luanda province, late on 26 April. Local media indicate that the couple had been travelling with their son along the Via Expresso road, when the passengers of another vehicle began firing shots at them from close range, at approximately 20:00 local time. The assailants then fled the scene of the crime, apparently unaware of the presence of the victims' unharmed son. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident; the motive and identities of the attackers remains unclear. This latest incident underscores the high threat of crime facing travellers in Angola. The majority of incidents are petty in nature, with foreign nationals being subject to scams and being targeted due to their perceived wealth; nonetheless, incidents such as assault do occur on occasion. An increase in violent crime in Luanda in recent years has been attributed to a rise in gang activity. Clients should remain aware of the potential for physical violence during robbery attempts. Persons in Angola, regardless of location, are advised to remain cognisant of the security threats facing foreign nationals. Clients operating in the country should exercise heightened vigilance and security awareness, and should refrain from displaying overt signs of wealth. As assailants may be armed, clients are advised not to resist should they fall victim to an attack.

AFGHANISTAN(JALALABAD & KABUL) - Recent reports indicate that a foreign aid worker, employed by the Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees (DACCAR), was kidnapped by a group of unidentified gunmen while travelling in eastern Afghanistan early on 28 April. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the abductee was travelling from the capital, Kabul, to Jalalabad along the Kabul-Jalalabad Road at the time of the incident. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the kidnapping. The threat of kidnapping in Afghanistan is considered extreme. Although not necessarily reported, abductions frequently take place. The threat stems from both criminal and insurgent groups, including the Sunni-extremist Taleban. Criminals usually target wealthy locals or foreign nationals for ransom. The threat of kidnapping remains highest in the southern and eastern regions of Afghanistan, especially in areas along the shared border with Pakistan; however, recent kidnappings of foreign nationals in the capital, Kabul, which has the highest levels of security in the country, emphasise that no area is immune to the threat. Given the widespread presence of militant groups, as well as the significant economic and political gains to be made through kidnapping, further incidents targeting both locals and foreign nationals should be anticipated. Due to various ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country should maintain a low profile and refrain from publicising their itineraries. Travel outside of urban centres should only be undertaken following a full security review of the route, ideally in the presence of a security escort familiar with the local conditions and during daylight hours only.

VENEZUELA(MARACAIBO, MARACAY & LA GUAIRA) - (Update) Incidents of civil unrest were reported in a number of cities in Venezuela on 26 and 27 April, including in Maracaibo, where looting and rioting were reported. The police in the city have deployed to the downtown area and near businesses to contain the unrest. Reports indicate that roadblocks and tire-burning took place in the cities of Maracay and La Guaira. The incidents coincide with a call for countrywide anti-government protests by Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD) on 27 April. Opposition protests are common in Venezuela, as are protests in response to political developments, and water and electricity cuts triggered by drought. Due to the ongoing tensions between the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) party and MUD, as well as the ongoing economic crises, the protests are likely to continue over the near-term. The MUD has repeatedly threatened to have President Nicolas Maduro removed from power, including by means of a recall referendum. PSUV officials have reportedly stated that the current violent protests have been financed by opposition parties. As such, there remains the possibility of a significant deterioration in the political situation over the coming months. The possibility of low-level violence between protesters and potential counter-protesters, as well as between protesters and security forces, is credible. Furthermore, should authorities take measures to control the situation, a night-time curfew and deployment of the National Guard is expected. Clients in Venezuela in the near-term are advised to avoid all gatherings and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Additionally, clients are advised to monitor local media and to keep a low profile, especially in the evening. Clients are further advised to follow all directives given by local authorities.

THAILAND(HUA HIN) - Three British nationals, including an elderly couple and their son, were left unconscious after being assaulted at a bar in the popular resort town of Hua Hin, located in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province in the Gulf of Thailand on 13 April, according to reports on 28 April. Video footage suggests an argument ensued between the victims and six locals, who are part of a youth gang, according to media reports. The suspects have not yet been apprehended. The incident occurred during the annual Songkran New Year celebrations which carry an elevated risk of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching as well as incidents associated with increased alcohol consumption at the many festivals and large public gatherings that will be held as part of the celebrations. The assault may have been related to a misunderstanding or insensitivity to local customs during the Songkran festivities, which is a Buddhist religious event. In addition, foreign nationals have in the past been arrested for breaking decency laws during religious festivities, implying unfamiliarity with the behavioural norms during proceedings. Violent crime targeting foreign nationals is rare in Thailand. Incidents of petty crime are most likely to impact on foreign nationals; however, violent crime incidents at popular tourist destinations have been reported in the past. The crime risk increases if travel is conducted at night. Clients in Thailand are advised to be cautious during the various annual religious and cultural celebrations. Clients are also advised to adopt basic security precautions at all times, especially after dark and in isolated locations such as parks and beaches. Any suspicious persons or activities should be immediately reported to the local authorities. Clients are further advised to ensure that local emergency contact numbers are pre-programmed on mobile phones, which should be kept charged at all times.

ANGOLA(VIANA MUNICIPALITY, LUANDA PROVINCE) - Two Portuguese nationals were reportedly killed in an apparent homicide incident in the Viana municipality, located in Angola's western Luanda province, late on 26 April. Local media indicate that the couple had been travelling with their son along the Via Expresso road, when the passengers of another vehicle began firing shots at them from close range, at approximately 20:00 local time. The assailants then fled the scene of the crime, apparently unaware of the presence of the victims' unharmed son. Local authorities are currently investigating the incident; the motive and identities of the attackers remains unclear. This latest incident underscores the high threat of crime facing travellers in Angola. The majority of incidents are petty in nature, with foreign nationals being subject to scams and being targeted due to their perceived wealth; nonetheless, incidents such as assault do occur on occasion. An increase in violent crime in Luanda in recent years has been attributed to a rise in gang activity. Clients should remain aware of the potential for physical violence during robbery attempts. Persons in Angola, regardless of location, are advised to remain cognisant of the security threats facing foreign nationals. Clients operating in the country should exercise heightened vigilance and security awareness, and should refrain from displaying overt signs of wealth. As assailants may be armed, clients are advised not to resist should they fall victim to an attack.

LIBYA(BANI WALID) - At least 17 people, including three Libyan people smugglers, 12 Egyptians and two Syrians, were killed in clashes in Bani Walid, Libya, on 26 and 27 April. The clashes were sparked by a dispute over payment. The smugglers reportedly detained a group of migrants who failed to pay their transit fee; this triggered a response by the migrants, who killed the smugglers. The migrants escaped in the smugglers' vehicle, but were detained by police in Bani Walid. Later, the families of the deceased smugglers reportedly attacked the migrant group, killing 14 of them. People smuggling is a major business in Libya; thousands of people are ferried from North Africa into southern Europe each year. In light of the recent violence, tensions are likely to remain elevated in the town of Bani Walid over the near-term. Further killings remain possible. A heightened security presence, including additional patrols and checkpoints, should be anticipated in the town. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure accommodation. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

MYANMAR(YANGON) - Reports indicate that over 500 people are demonstrating outside the US Embassy, located on University Avenue Road in Yangon, on 28 April. The protest is being attended by nationalist activists and monks, who are demonstrating against the wording of an embassy statement that included the word 'Rohingya' to describe the country's persecuted Muslim minority. The statement was issued after 18 Rohingya died when a boat sunk off the coast of Rakhine state on 20 April. Barricades have been erected outside the embassy in anticipation of the protest, and over 100 police officers are present outside the embassy, according to reports. The majority of Myanmar's roughly 1.3 million Rohingya Muslim population are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite many tracing their ancestry in Myanmar for several generations. Rohingya Muslims, particularly those restricted to Rakhine state, have been living under unfavourable conditions. Clashes between local Buddhists and the Rohingya in 2012 fuelled existing tensions, leaving at least 140 000 homeless and trapped in refugee camps. Authorities have not sanctioned the planned protest; and have indicated that action will be taken against participants. As such, the demonstration may not conclude peacefully. Security forces in Myanmar are known to be heavy-handed in their response to protests, and violence has occurred during past protests. Travel disruptions and road closures in the vicinity of the protest area are likely. Persons in Yangon on 28 April are advised to avoid the vicinity of the demonstration. Clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions as a result. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates.

GLOBAL - Marches and rallies by trade unions and other civil society groups are expected to take place in various countries across the globe on 1 May, to mark International Workers' Day, more commonly known as May Day or Labour Day, or to mark labour-related issues. The majority of May Day events are expected to pass peacefully; however, clients should note that violence has occurred at May Day events in the past. The risk of violence increases in countries experiencing heightened labour-related tensions or increased levels of anti-government sentiment. Both official and unsanctioned rallies and protests are possible in capital cities and other main urban centres on the day. In addition to events on 1 May, some related gatherings may commence on 29 or 30 April, or on 2 May. Clients are advised to check local media or to contact their travel or security provider for further information on planned events and rallies; and for further security and travel guidance in their specific area of travel. Clients are generally advised to avoid all related public gatherings as a precaution, and should anticipate and cater for road travel delays and disruptions in the vicinity of protest sites.

EGYPT - (Update) Coptic Christians in Egypt will commemorate Good Friday on 29 April and Easter on 1 May. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Australian government have warned of a heightened threat of terrorism during this period. Specific details regarding planned attacks have not been provided. Christians are a minority in Egypt; however, relative to other states in the region the minority population is significant (eight million people). The warnings illustrate the ongoing elevated Islamist extremist risk in Egypt. Coptic Christians have been targeted in the past, and the Coptic Easter period provides militants with further opportunity to conduct attacks. Churches, religious gatherings and Christian communities are likely targets. Clients in Egypt during the religious period should exercise caution near Christian communities and interests. Large related gatherings should be avoided. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories.

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