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

CANADA(AIR CANADA) / INDIA - Air Canada will launch seasonal Vancouver-Delhi flights with a Boeing 787-9 starting in October. The flights, which will operate 3X-weekly, come on the heels of Air Canada's entry into the Indian market in November 2015 with 4X-weekly 787-9 flights between Toronto and Delhi. The service is scheduled to run from Oct. 20, 2016 to April 8, 2017. Air Canada's 787-9s are configured with 298 seats, including 30 lie-flat seats in business class, 21 premium economy seats and 247 economy seats.

ICELAND(REYKJAVIK) - Moderate to significant delays to arriving and departing flights have been reported at Iceland's Keflavik International Airport, in the capital, Reykjavik, on 29 April. Disruptions are expected to persist throughout the day. Clients scheduled to transit the airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly to or from Iceland Keflavik International Airport on April 29 who were ticketed through ATG.

ECUADOR(MARISCAL LAMAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - All flight operations at Mariscal Lamar International Airport in Cuenca, located in Ecuador's southern Azuay province, have been temporarily suspended as of 28 April. The closure follows an accident on the runway involving a TAME airlines flight, at approximately 07:50 local time on the day. Reports indicate that there were at least 87 passengers and six crew members on board the plane at the time of the incident; several people were said to have suffered minor injuries. The airport will reportedly be closed until at least 30 April, as a result of official investigations into the cause of the accident. Persons scheduled to transit Mariscal Lamar International Airport in the coming days are advised to contact the airport, their airline or their travel provider for an update on the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly to or from Mariscal Lamar International Airport who were ticketed through ATG.

SYRIA(ALEPPO) - (Update) Air strikes in Aleppo, in northern Syria, have caused extensive damage and killed dozens of people in opposition-held areas of the city since 27 April. Emerging casualty reports have been conflicting; however, at least 58 people appear to have been killed in the latest bombardments. On 27 April, at least 27 people were killed in a series of air strikes in a rebel-held residential area and the nearby Al Quds field hospital. On 28 April, regime air strikes reportedly killed 31 people in various rebel-held areas of the city. Meanwhile, rebel mortar shelling has killed at least 14 people in government-held areas of the city. The fighting in Aleppo continues despite a February ceasefire between the regime, Russia and various moderate rebel groupings. The deal excludes extremist groupings, including Jabhat al-Nusra (JN). JN is currently battling the regime in Aleppo governorate with some rebel allies. The intensified fighting in northern Syria is likely to place extra pressure on the ceasefire, which has been violated on countless occasions in recent weeks. Furthermore, there are concerns that, despite the ceasefire, government-aligned forces are manoeuvring into key positions around the city ahead of a possible offensive. Given the current dynamics in the region, further high-casualty conflict incidents are anticipated over the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons operating in the country should do so after consultation with a security provider. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

INDIA(TINSUKIA DISTRICT, ASSAM) - At least 11 people were injured in a low-level bombing in Tinsukia district, located in India's north eastern Assam state, on 28 April. A grenade reportedly exploded while in a dustbin outside a local shop in the Devi Pukhuri Panchali area of the district's eponymous city. There were no immediate claims of responsibility. While there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack, local authorities have attributed the incident to local militant groups. There are numerous armed groups that operate within north eastern India, including in Assam. Assam has been adversely affected by similar attacks, usually carried out by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), who is known to have an operational presence in the state. As with other militant groups in the area, the ULFA is opposed to the central government's presence in the north east of the country. Militant groups periodically carry out small-scale assaults on security forces and security force installations, government facilities, and other symbols of the Indian state. However, militant groups have also targeted civilian interests in the past, as this most recent incident illustrates. Due to the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region, further such attacks are likely to persist. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of India's north eastern states, including Assam. Persons currently in the recently affected area of Tinsukia district should maintain a low profile and monitor local developments closely.

JORDAN(AMMAN) - Opposition activists have called for a mass demonstration at the al-Husseini Mosque in downtown Amman, the capital of Jordan, on 29 April. The action, which is set to take place after Friday prayers, has been organised to protest against recent amendments to the country's constitution, which afford greater power to King Abdullah. Under the new constitution, the king is now able to make key governmental and judicial appointments by royal decree. Participants of the upcoming protest assert that the changes indicate a potential move towards an absolute monarchy in the country. The demonstration is unlikely to result in significant acts of violence; however, minor confrontations and localised road travel disruptions are possible. In addition, an elevated security force presence should be expected in the vicinity of the protest action. Persons in Amman on 29 April are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for potential travel delays in the vicinity of the al-Husseini Mosque on the day. Local media should be monitored for updates on the agitation, and for announcements of any forthcoming protests.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - The ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) will hold a series of campaign rallies in various urban areas across the Dominican Republic from 28 April to 12 May. The rallies come ahead of the 2016 general election, which is scheduled to be held on 15 May. President Danilo Medina and Vice President Margarita Cedeno are among the officials expected to attend the rallies. On 28 April at 16:00 local time, a caravan march, led by President Danilo Medina, will be held in the province of Monsenor Nouel, along Carretera Duarte Vieja to the municipal capital, Bonao. The aforementioned caravan march is set to visit the districts of La Paz, Los Olimpicos, San Jose, Juan Pablo Duarte, Canon Grande, Santa Rosa, El 90, Prosperidad, Las Mercedes, Las Flores, Pedro Santana and San Pablo. On 29 April, Medina is due to lead a caravan march in Higuey, located in the La Altagracia province. On 30 April, Medina is expected to present the government's election manifesto in the San Pedro de Macoris province at 10:00; however, a venue for the presentation is yet to be announced. The caravan procession is then anticipated to continue to the municipalities of Quisqueya, Los Llanos, Consuelo and the head municipality of San Pedro de Macoris in the Eastern region, from 14:00 on 30 April. On 1 May, a caravan march is set to take place in the municipalities of Jarabacoa and La Vega in the La Vega province from 14:00. Further rallies are expected to be held in urban areas between 2 and 12 May. The upcoming rallies are likely to be well supported; as such, localised traffic disruptions are anticipated. It should be noted that political demonstrations in the Dominican Republic, including during election periods, have turned violent in the past, and police tend to be heavy-handed in their response to such incidents. As such, while the upcoming rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of similar skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons operating in the affected areas between 28 April and 12 May are advised to avoid the upcoming rallies and all related gatherings as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised traffic disruptions.

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of an unsanctioned protest in Abu Saiba, located in Bahrain's Northern governorate, late on 29 April. The action is set to begin at 19:00 local time; however, further details regarding the location of the demonstration are unclear. In addition to the aforementioned protest, the anti-government 14 February Revolution Youth Coalition has called for demonstrations across Bahrain on 1 May. Although specific details about the agitations have not been disclosed, precedent suggests that the urban centres of Aali, Maqabah, Sitra, and Sanabis may serve as focal points for unrest. Protests by members of the Shiite majority population have occurred weekly in response to demands that the Sunni minority-dominated regime implement greater political reforms and extend greater powers to the popularly elected legislature. There have also been calls for the overthrow of King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. In recent years the protests have entered a familiar cycle, with an escalation of protest activity between Thursdays and Saturdays in Shiite villages and communities located outside of the capital. Occasional clashes between protesters and the police have occurred in the past; however, the violence has had a largely limited impact on foreign nationals. Persons in Bahrain on 29 April and 1 May are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and related street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on possible demonstration sites, as well as associated advisories from the authorities. Heightened caution is advised outside of the capital, Manama, and Bahrain International Airport, particularly in outlying Shiite villages, due to the elevated risk of civil unrest.

GERMANY - Marches and rallies by trade unions and other civil society groups are expected in major cities throughout Germany on 1 May, as part of International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day. Rallies have been planned in Berlin in the Kreuzberg district; in Hamburg in the Sternschanze district, in Munich at the Marienplatz, in Cologne at the Hans-Boeckler-Platz, and in Stuttgart at Marktplatz. A number of rallies are planned in smaller cities throughout the country as well: for example, the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), which has over 6,000,000 members, has announced rallies in over 70 locations in the state of Lower Saxony and over 100 in Bavaria. Common gathering places include public squares and outside central train stations (Hauptbahnhofe), although marches through main roads and central business districts are likely. 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, including in Berlin in 2014 and Hamburg in 2013. 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, as well as 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.

PAKISTAN(CHARING CROSS/FAISAL CHOWK, LAHORE) - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a large opposition party led by Imran Khan, has scheduled a rally in Lahore on 1 May. The event will take place at the Charing Cross (Faisal Chowk Square) on Mall Road in central Lahore. The rally follows a week-long series of campaigns elsewhere in the Punjab and Sindh provinces, aimed at highlighting corruption in government. Of specific interest to the PTI are allegations of corruption aimed at incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose name appeared in connection with the recent Panama Papers leaks. The Panama Papers are a collection of recently leaked banking records which showed a connection between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family and offshore bank accounts of questionable legality. The opposition claim the commission will protect the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) party by failing in its role to properly investigate the individuals concerned. The rally is likely to be very well attended, and its location in a public space poses a number of security risks; up to 50 people were recently killed in an explosion at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore on 27 March. Road travel disruptions are also likely in the affected areas. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Pakistan, including Punjab province. Persons currently in Lahore are advised to exercise maximum security measures and avoid the affected area at this time. The rally and surrounds should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MEXICO(MEXICO CITY) - The National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), in association with a number of other major unions, is anticipated to hold demonstrations in Mexico's capital, Mexico City, on 1 May. The demonstrators are set to march from The Angel of Independence (el Angel de la Independencia) to the Zocalo, in central Mexico City. The march has been launched due to disputes regarding labour and educational reforms, as well as to commemorate those who have fought for better working conditions in the country. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that associated demonstrations are likely to take place in other major urban areas of Mexico. Additionally, CNTE officials stated that they will hold further demonstrations on 15 May. CNTE frequently holds protests in Mexico, particularly over education reforms. The demonstrations are mostly well attended and have the potential to cause significant disruptions to road travel. Similar disruptions are also expected on 1 May. The upcoming protests are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of violence occurring at any event cannot be discounted. Clients in Mexico City and other major urban areas in Mexico on 1 May are advised to monitor local media for updates on any related events. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution and allowances should be made for any anticipated disruptions.

SPAIN - (Update) Union-led demonstrations, organised by the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union, among others, are expected in major urban centres countrywide on 1 May, to mark International Workers' Day. The multiple large demonstrations are expected to take place in the capital, Madrid (Cuatro Caminos, Plaza Vieja de Vallecas and Metro Buenos Aires), and Barcelona (Arc de Triomf, Placa Universitat and Placa del Angel). Mass demonstrations are also expected in Granada, Malaga, Sevilla, Alicante and Mallorca, as well as elsewhere. The majority of the demonstrations are set to commence at 12:00 local time; however, they are due to take place throughout the day. Significant travel disruptions and large police deployments should be expected in the vicinity of any protest action. 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. 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 for further information on planned events and rallies. 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.

VENEZUELA - The Governor of Miranda state, Henrique Capriles, of the Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD) opposition party, has proposed countrywide demonstrations in Venezuela on 1 May. The action comes as a result of discontent with the serious political, economic and social situation in Venezuela. Demonstrations and associated protests are likely to take place in all major urban areas, and in the vicinity of government buildings. The call for demonstrations comes amid heightened tensions and countrywide civil unrest, which has descended into looting and rioting in some areas. The aforementioned demonstrations coincide with a call for countrywide anti-government protests by MUD on 27 April. Due to the ongoing tensions between the ruling Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV) party and the MUD, as well as the ongoing economic crises, the protests are anticipated 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. 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. 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.

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