Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

DELTA AIRLINES - Delta is deploying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology, a first for
U.S. carriers, providing customers with improved real-time tracking of luggage throughout the
travel experience. This move marks a historic shift for Delta and the 120 million bags it handles annually. RFID will replace barcode hand scanning - the industry standard since the early 90s. With this new technology, scanners use radio waves to capture highly accurate and consistent data stored on an RFID chip embedded in the luggage tag, driving superior tracking and increased transparency. With RFID, customers will see their bags on and off the aircraft during their journey via push notifications to the Fly Delta mobile app beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. Initial deployments of RFID integrated throughout the baggage process show that bags are tracked at a 99.9 percent success rate, ensuring proper routing and loading. RFID will soon track bags on all Delta mainline and Delta Connection flights. Better baggage handling processes and enhanced technology have already shrunk the airline's mishandled bag rates by 68 percent over the past 10 years, establishing Delta as the leading U.S.-based global airline for baggage performance. In 2015 Delta led U.S. global airlines in DOT bag performance while setting six monthly DOT records and a full year record.

BRUSSELS - Passengers leaving Brussels Zaventem airport this week have been advised to arrive at least three hours ahead of departure time as it reopens weeks after terrorist attacks forced its closure. A total of 147 check-in desks are now in operation at the airport - 111 in the departures hall, and a further 36 in a temporary construction.

The BBC has reported that some passengers have experienced long delays following the partial reopening, with

some missing flights. The airport is not expected to be fully operational until mid-June. Additional security measures put in place at Brussels Airport after the 22 March attacks remain in force. It has offered travel advice and practical

tips for passengers:

*Arrive at the airport 3 hours ahead of your scheduled departure time

*Travel light: do not take more than necessary

*Respect the Liquids and Gels restrictions

*Check in online in through your airline's website

*Bring a printed copy of your reservation, ticket or boarding pass

*Keep your identity card or passport ready when arriving at the airport

*Only passengers are admitted in the departures hall and the temporary constructions

UNITED KINGDOM (SCOTLAND) - British Airways is reinstating its Heathrow-Inverness service this week almost 20 years after it ceased operations on the route. The new daily service, which ended in 1997, will connect Inverness and the Highlands to London. Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: "The Inverness-Heathrow route offers so much potential for the businesses and people of the north west of Scotland who for too long have been let down by the indecision on airport expansion. "Today is a momentous day - Inverness joins Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle with a route into Heathrow and access to markets from Manila to Mexico City, from Chicago to Chengdu, from Hanoi to Houston. It means more growth and a more secure economic future for the Highlands and I'm delighted that we're able to be a part of that future success."

SOUTH KOREA (BUSAN) - Inclement weather, including strong winds and rain, has resulted in travel disruptions in Busan, South Korea, on 4 May. Significant disruptions to scheduled flight services at Gimhae International Airport and the Busan International Ferry Terminal have been reported since 3 May. Torrential rain also resulted in traffic congestion and numerous motor vehicle accidents in the city. The adverse weather conditions are forecast to persist for the duration of 4 May. Heavy rain can lead to severe flooding and structural damage. Furthermore, due to the inclement weather conditions, further disruptions to road, rail, ferry and air travel remains possible. Utility services such as the supply of water and electricity may also be negatively affected. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected areas over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Persons scheduled to transit Gimhae International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to confirm the status of their flight(s). Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Gimhae International Airport on 4 May who were ticketed through ATG.

ARGENTINA (COUNTRYWIDE) - Countrywide disruptions to flight services are anticipated in Argentina, due to a 24-hour strike by unionised airport workers, on 4 May. The strike has been called with regard to a number of grievances related to current collective labour agreements with civil aviation authority, National Administration of Civil Aviation (ANAC). It is currently unclear how well the strike will be observed. Nonetheless, should the strike proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to flight services, including delays and cancellations should be anticipated. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected on the affected day. Persons travelling in, to or from Argentina are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned action. Clients are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider prior to departure to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers affected by the 24 hour strike who were ticketed through ATG.

NORWAY (COUNTRYWIDE) - Countrywide disruptions to bus services are expected in Norway on 4 and 5 May. Norwegian Transport Workers' Union and Occupation Traffic Association have called for the action in protest of current wage agreements with various bus operators belonging to transport organisation, NHO Transport. Unionised bus drivers are anticipated to observe the strike action from 12:00 local time on 4 May. Bus services in the capital, Oslo, as well as, in the counties of Akershus , Rogaland and Hordaland are set to be the worst affected. The action comes amid failing negotiations between unions and bus operators. Should the action proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to bus services are anticipated. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is likely during the strike period. Due to the ongoing negotiations, the action may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons in Norway are advised to monitor local media for updates and additional information on the strike action. Clients are also advised to contact their relevant bus operator or their travel provider for an update on the status of transport services during the strike-affected period.

MALI (COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) Localised disruptions to business and transport services are expected to continue in Mali on 4 May, amid an ongoing general strike by workers represented by the Workers' Trade Union Confederation of Mali (CSTM). The 48-hour action, which was initially launched on 3 May, has been called in order to denounce alleged human rights violations by the Malian government. Further grievances cited by the union include disputes over pension benefits and the dismissal of several union members by the Societe D'exploitation Des Mines D'or De Sadiola (SEMOS-SA). It should be noted that the National Union of Basic Education (SYNEB) is also expected to launch a 48-hour strike action from 5 May, impacting on education sector services across the country. It is currently unclear whether demonstrations will accompany the upcoming SYNEB strike action. There is a high risk of civil unrest in Mali, with protests and strike actions regularly triggered by socio-economic and political concerns. The country's largest urban centres are typically the worst affected by such events, including Sikasso, Mopti, and the capital, Bamako. Clashes between protesters and police are often reported; as such, the threat of such incidents occurring at any forthcoming strike-related rallies remains a credible concern. Persons in Mali in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the aforementioned strikes, as well as announcements on any related demonstrations. All strike-related activities and protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for possible travel disruptions as a result of the CSTM strike; the status of scheduled transport services should be confirmed prior to travel.

ITALY (ROME) - Activists from the 'Stop TTIP Italia' movement have called for a mass demonstration against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) trade agreement in Italy's capital, Rome, on 7 May. Participants are set to gather at the Piazza della Repubblica (Republic Square) at 14:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards the Porta San Giovanni gate. The upcoming demonstration forms part of an international campaign against the adoption of the TTIP. Many detractors of the agreement assert that it poses a threat to the sovereign powers of states, and criticises its potential effect on jobs, food safety and environmental regulations. The 7 May event is likely to be well attended; as such, localised traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the demonstration route. Although the protest action is expected to conclude peacefully, the emotive nature of the protest may give rise to low-level skirmishes between demonstrators and security forces on the day. Persons in Rome on 7 May are advised to monitor local media for updates on the upcoming demonstration and related advisories from the authorities. All protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration route.

INDIA (DELHI) - A protest march, initiated by the opposition National Indian Congress, is expected to take place in India's capital, Delhi, on 6 May. The gathering is set to commence at the Jantar Mantar monument on Parliament Street (Sansad Marg) at 09:00 local time and proceed to the parliament building The march has been initiated in opposition to the central government's perceived lack of response amid a severe drought affecting the agricultural sector. Given the large numbers of people who are expected to attend the protest, as well as increased security measures, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated near the affected sites. Although intended to remain peaceful, it should be noted that there is a risk of civil unrest at all protests in India, and the possibility of violence between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Clients in Delhi on 6 May are advised to monitor local media closely for updates on the planned protests and additional directives from the local authorities. All street demonstrations in the city should be avoided as a precaution. Caution is advised in the vicinity of the Jantar Mantar site and the anticipated protest routes.

HAITI (PORT-AU-PRINCE) - Political parties, the National Movement for the Organization of the Country (MONOP) and the Fanmi Lavalas party, are anticipated to hold a series of demonstrations in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on 4 May. The action has been launched to show support for the Commission to Evaluate Haiti Elections (CIEVE), a body established to verify the 2015 elections. Further details regarding the demonstrations have not been disclosed. The latest call to action comes amid heightened tensions between the aforementioned political parties and former president Michel Martelly's Parti Haitien Tet Kale (PHTK), which launched general strikes against CIEVE regarding plans to evaluate and verify the 2015 elections on 2 May. Further opposition party-led demonstrations are expected to continue in the near-term due to the indefinite postponement of the country's 24 April run-off election and issues surrounding the evaluation of the 2015 elections. Recent protests and associated strikes have been marred by low-level acts of violence between opposition party supporters and security forces in the city. These incidents have included tyre burning, road blockades as well as the use of teargas by security forces to control crowds; thus the risk of clashes at any upcoming demonstrations is credible. It is currently unclear how well supported the demonstrations will be; however, localised disruptions to business and transport services are possible on the day.Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Haiti is advised against. Persons in Haiti on 4 May are advised to avoid all p rotest gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored closely for updates on the upcoming agitations, as well as for related advisories from the authorities.

(CANADA (FORT MCMURRAY(ALBERTA PROVINCE)) - Update) A wildfire in the vicinity of Fort McMurray in Canada's central Alberta province has destroyed several local residences and businesses and forced the evacuation of thousands of people. The local authorities have ordered the evacuation of all of the town's 60,000 residents. The displacement of local residents has led to severe road travel disruptions along Highway 63 and Highway 881. Refueling stations along these routes, heading north and south, have reportedly been depleted of fuel stocks. Disruptions to flights have been reported at Fort McMurray International Airport. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca) maintains an extreme fire danger warning for most of Alberta and Saskatchewan, as of 4 May. Wildfires occur sporadically in Canada in the hot summer months between May and September, particularly in the central and western parts of the country. Rural and heavily forested areas, including national parks, are at a higher risk. Wildfires can start suddenly and without warning, and can spread rapidly. Persons operating in affected areas should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and should heed the directives of the local authorities. Clients planning to travel to the Fort McMurray area over the near-term should consider deferring travel until the situation normalizes. If travelling by car in affected areas, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air condition system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

ARGENTINA ( BARILOCHE, RIO NEGRO PROVINCE) - A French national was robbed of his possessions and threatened with a screwdriver in Bariloche, located in Argentina's Rio Negro Province, on 30 April. The incident is said have taken place outside a local pub on Juramento street. The victim was left unharmed and the assailants were arrested shortly after the incident. There is a high risk of both petty and violent crime in Argentina. Although the majority of incidents affect the local population, foreign nationals are periodically targeted. It should be noted in this regard that criminals are frequently armed and may use violence if robbery attempts are resisted. Persons in Argentina should remain aware of the prevailing risks of petty and violent crimes. Clients are advised to implement standard security precautions to safeguard their property and maintain elevated levels of situational awareness. As assailants are often armed, clients are advised not to resist should they fall victim to an attack.

MEXICO (COAHUILA AND TAMAULIPAS STATES) -According to reports released by Mexican authorities on 4 May, three kidnapped US nationals were released unharmed during a security operation on 3 May. The victims, two women and a man who were of Mexican descent, were abducted by an unnamed criminal gang in the northern state of Tamaulipas on 13 April. Although further details pertaining to their release are as yet unknown, the rescue reportedly took place on the highway between Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas state, and Zaragoza, Coahuila state; the victims were travelling to the central state of San Luis Potosi when they were kidnapped. Prior to their rescue, an undisclosed ransom demand was issued by the perpetrators. Kidnap for ransom and extortion (KRE) has long been synonymous with Mexico, and the country has consistently featured in the top five kidnapping hotspots in the world in recent years. The risk of kidnapping is elevated in certain areas, particularly in Tamaulipas state. Wealthy nationals, as well as middle class locals and journalists, have traditionally been targeted in KRE incidents. In recent years, however, kidnappers have become less discriminatory, and people from lower-income families are increasingly being affected. Numerous incidents involving foreign nationals have also been reported. Foreign nationals of Mexican descent in particular are considered high-value targets. Criminal groups are also known to kidnap local and foreign employees of multinational companies. Heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of kidnapping, crime and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict. This is particularly relevant outside of all major cities and primary resort areas, specifically in the states of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Coahuila, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Guerrero. Clients currently in or planning travels to the aforementioned areas are encouraged to implement robust security precautions; itineraries should be kept on a need-to-know basis and travellers should maintain a low profile. Counter-surveillance techniques should be practiced; these include varying travel routes, as well as exercising heightened personal and situational awareness.

INDONESIA (PAPUA AND WEST PAPUA PROVINCES) - (Update) Recent actions by security forces in Indonesia's Papua province are likely to elevate tensions, possibly resulting in protest action in the coming days. Recent reports have indicated that local authorities carried out mass arrests of approximately 1,800 people on 2 May. The day coincided with commemorations, organised by the pro-independence National Committee for West Papua (KNPB), for the anniversary of the 1963 annexation of Papua and West Papua provinces by Indonesia. The majority of the arrests were carried out in Jayapura, the administrative capital of Papua province. Additional arrests took place in the cities of Merauke, Semarang, Makassar and elsewhere. Although most appear to have been released, hundreds remain in detention. The residents of Papua and West Papua provinces are culturally, linguistically and religiously distinct from the rest of Indonesia. Groups such as the KNPB and the banned Free West Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka - OPM) seek a separate state consisting of West Papua and Papua provinces, and to this end, have engaged in a decades-long conflict with the Indonesian government. In light of this, the arrests by local authorities may result in additional protests. Indonesian security forces have regularly used violence to quell such protests in the past; as such, the potential for violence is elevated at this time. Although foreign nationals are not expected to be targeted in resultant civil unrest, all protests and clashes carry a significant risk to bystanders. Due to ongoing ethnic and separatist tensions, clients are advised against non-essential travel to Papua and West Papua provinces. Clients in these provinces in the coming days and weeks are advised to avoid all street demonstrations and large public gatherings as a precaution against violent civil unrest.

IRAQ (MOSUL VICINITY) - Islamic State (IS) forces launched a large-scale assault, utilising ground forces and suicide bombers, against Kurd Peshmerga forces west, east and north of Mosul, northern Iraq, on 3 May. During the assault, IS forces briefly captured the town of Tel Asqof, located 20km north of Mosul, before being forced to withdraw following the initiation of US air strikes. Noteworthy IS assaults were also reported in the Bashiqa and Khazer areas, located east of Mosul. On 4 May, fighting was reportedly ongoing, including in the vicinity of Tel Afar, located west of Mosul. IS attacks are regularly reported along the front line in northern Iraq; however, the assaults are typically brief and repulsed successfully. The KRG forces in the north are supported by US air cover and are well entrenched. Given IS' air inferiority, it is unlikely that it will make gains akin to those it accomplished in 2014 when it overran much of northern and central Iraq. Nonetheless, further assaults are likely. IS will also attempt further acts of terrorism in the KRG, away from the front line, in response to armed action against it. Clients are advised against all travel to the northern Ninewa governorate and disputed territory occupied by KRG forces in the north. Clients in this area should travel with a close protection officer and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

LIBYA (ZILLAH) - Rival armed groups clashed in Zillah, central Libya, on 3 May. The violence involved forces linked to the Libyan National Army (LNA), purportedly fighters aligned with the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and those linked to the pro-Misratah Islamist Omar Mukhtar Brigade. Libya is currently split between three rival governments. There is the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and General National Congress (GNC) in the capital, Tripoli, and the House of Representatives (HoR) in the eastern city of Tobruk. Each is competing for control of territory and influence over the dozens of militias in the country. One high-profile area of competition is the area around Sirte, currently controlled by the Islamic State (IS). The HoR-aligned LNA is amassing forces east of Sirte while forces from Misratah, some of whom are linked to the GNC, are moving forces west of Sirte. The GNA has called for both sides to desist from attacking Sirte until a unified military command structure is created. It is likely that both the GNC- and HoR-aligned forces are attempting uncoordinated and separate flanking manoeuvres south of Sirte. Further confrontations between both of these sides are anticipated. IS may also take the opportunity to escalate attacks against both sides in order to deepen divisions between the various sides. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

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