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

EUROPE / INDIA - Flybe has announced the signing of a new codeshare deal with Star Alliance member Air India. The agreement is the tenth codeshare for the regional carrier. It allows passengers using Flybe services to Birmingham from Belfast City, Edinburgh and Glasgow to book flights onward to Delhi. Under the agreement Air India will place its code on these Flybe flights. Passengers who are members of Air India's frequent flier Programme will accrue mileage points for journeys taken on flights carrying the AI flight number.

ITALY - Disruptions to bus and rail services are anticipated in Italy's Apulia, Lazio, Tuscany and Veneto regions, on 6 and 7 May. Unionised employees employed by various bus and rail operators are set to observe a series of work stoppages on the affected days, in protest of a number of labour-related grievances, including withheld wages and working conditions. In Apulia and Veneto regions, unionised employees of Ferrovie sud est di Lecce and Busitalia Veneto, respectively, are set to observe a 24-hour strike action on 6 May. Also on the same day, unionised employees of public transport service operators, ATAC and Roma TPL, are set to observe a four-hour work stoppage from 08:30 to 12:30 local time in the capital, Rome, in the Lazio region. Public transport disruptions are also expected in the Tuscany region on 7 May, with unionised employees of Compagnia Toscana Trasporti, set to observe a four-hour work stoppage from 17:30. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. The upcoming work stoppages are expected to be well observed and result in significant disruptions to public transport services in aforementioned regions. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely during the various strike periods. Persons in Italy's aforementioned regions are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus and rail services on 6 and 7 May, and plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strikes. Please visit the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure website http://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi) for further information regarding the strikes.

ITALY - Several trade unions representing workers of the hospitality and health sectors, including FILCAMS-CGIL, have called for a countrywide strike and associated demonstrations in Italy on 6 May. The strike has been called with regard to wages and associated labour agreements within the affected sectors. The strike is set to affect associated tourism and private healthcare services. Related demonstrations are also expected to take place in several major urban areas on the day. The largest demonstration is expected in the capital, Rome, with participants expected to gather at the Piazza Santi Apostoli from 09:00 local time. Associated demonstrations are also expected in Bologna, Milan, Naples, Sicily and Turin. Further details regarding these are currently unavailable. The action is set to be well observed, while attendance at the associated demonstrations is expected to be high. Although these events are anticipated to conclude peacefully, they are susceptible to violence due to the possibility of disruptive elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful gatherings. The industrial action is expected to result in countrywide service disruptions; localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of associated demonstrations. Persons in Italy are advised to expect countrywide disruptions to the aforementioned affected services on 6 May. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution, and to monitor local media for updates on associated strike actions.

FRANCE - Rival pro- and anti-immigration rallies remain possible in Calais and the surrounding region in northern France on 7 May despite an official ban. Previous bans have proved unsuccessful at preventing anti-immigration demonstrations from taking place; a heavy security force presence is expected. Demonstrations, should they take place, are possible near the Calais Frethun train station, as well as in the Coquelles area and near the migrant encampment, known locally as the Calais Jungle. It should be noted that low-level clashes between security forces and inhabitants of the informal settlement, as well as between security forces and anti-immigration protesters, have been reported several times in recent months. Accordingly, the potential for violent confrontations between rival demonstrators, police and camp inhabitants is elevated. Furthermore, inhabitants of the encampment may seek to disrupt traffic on major roads leading to the Eurotunnel Calais Terminal as well as Eurostar trains and trains at the Calais Frethun station. Persons in Calais on 7 May are advised to avoid street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of associated gatherings.

GREECE - Extended union-led strike action is set to cause significant disruptions in Greece between 6 and 10 May. The actions have been called with regard to proposed austerity measures and related social security and pension fund reforms. Several major trade unions, including GSEE and ADEDY, have called for a countrywide 48-hour strike from 6 May. The action is set to affect both private and public sectors, including transportation and business services. The Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) trade union has called for an associated four-day countrywide strike action. This action will affect ferry and commercial business services at all ports from 06:00 local time on 6 May until 06:00 on 10 May. Associated demonstrations will be held at various locales in the capital, Athens during the strike period. On 6 and 7 May, demonstrations will be held at Syntagma and Omonoia squares from 11:00 local time; and an additional mass demonstration is also expected at Syntagma Square on 8 May from 10:30. The upcoming strike action and associated demonstrations are the latest in a series of anti-austerity actions held the country in recent months. The action is anticipated to be well observed and associated demonstrations well attended. Although associated gatherings are expected to proceed without incident, previous related gatherings have on occasion become violent. As such, the possibility of violence during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in and around protest sites are also anticipated. Further protest activity in this regard is expected to persist. Persons in Greece during the aforementioned strike period are advised to anticipate disruptions to private and public services. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates on the strikes and associated demonstrations.

GREECE - (Update) Workers aligned with the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) have called for a three hour work stoppage across Greece from 05:00 to 08:00 local time on 8 May. Disruptions to rail services are expected across the country and may extend beyond the end of the strike period. The agitation is one of a number by unions over the coming days in response to proposed austerity measures and related social security and pension fund reforms. OSE workers will also join other striking workers on 8 May in a demonstration in Athens. Clients in Greece in the coming days should reconfirm all scheduled transport with their travel provider or the local transport authority. Itineraries should be adjusted to cater for delays and disruptions. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

CANADA(PROVINCES OF COLOMBIA, ALBERTA, SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA & ONTARIO) - (Update) Wildfires continue to burn in multiple areas of British Colombia and Alberta on 6 May. In addition to ongoing fires in and around Fort McMurray in Alberta, fires have also begun to threaten Fort St John in British Colombia. On 5 May, evacuation orders were issued for parts of the town. The local authorities have also issued a state of emergency for the affected area and a number of surrounding communities. In addition, the fire in British Colombia has forced the closure of parts of the Alaska Highway at times, most recently on 5 May. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca) maintains an extreme fire danger warning for north eastern British Colombia, central and northern Alberta, central and southern Saskatchewan, southern Manitoba and western Ontario, as of 6 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. The current wildfire is severe and viewed as a consequence of a particularly dry winter. The fires are expected to persist over the medium-term and result in further disruptions to air and road traffic. Further evacuations are also anticipated. Persons operating in the 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 or near Fort McMurray or Fort St John over the near-term should consider deferring travel until the situation normalises. 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.

IRAN(SARDASHT, WEST AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE) - Kurd rebels attacked the security forces in several areas near Sardasht, located in Iran's West Azerbaijan province, on 4 May. There were a number of casualties reported among the Iranian forces. The Eastern Kurdistan Protection Units (EKPU) claimed responsibility for the attack. Kurd armed groups are present in many areas of north western Iran. They conduct attacks against the central government forces in response to alleged local level human rights abuses and to further their goal of greater political autonomy. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared Iran-Iraq border in Iran's north western provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah and Ilam, due to periodic increases in conflict between Kurdish rebels and the Iranian security forces. Clients in the region should consider travel with a trained security driver and should avoid unnecessary travel near security force personnel and facilities.

MALI(MOPTI, GAO REGIONS) - According to recently released reports, communal violence in several areas of Mali in recent days has resulted in the deaths of approximately 100 people and the displacement of thousands more. In the first incident, violence between members of the Fulani and Barambas communities in and around the town of Kareri, in the Mopti region, has taken place since 1 May, leaving approximately 30 people dead. Although reports are conflicting, it is believed the violence was sparked by the assassination of the town's deputy mayor by Fulani community members and subsequent retaliatory violence by Barambas community members. Elsewhere, up to 70 people have been killed and 13,000 more displaced in the vicinity of the town of Menaka, in the Gao region in the east of Mali. Details surrounding this incident are extremely limited and it is unclear what sparked the violence or which communities it was between. However, it is thought to revolve around land disputes between nomadic peoples and settled ranchers. Communal tensions have historically escalated and de-escalated in relation to local developments, particularly over the issue of land. However, in the wake of the March 2012 coup, the security force presence across large parts of the country, especially in more isolated and rural areas, remains limited; as such, the capacity of government forces to restrict communal tensions from escalating into violence is limited. This is especially true of the regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu, due to the presence of numerous non-state armed groups, including Islamist extremists and separatist groups. Given this dynamic, further communal violence cannot be ruled out in the near-term. Due to various security concerns, all travel to the Mopti and Gao regions, as well as to the regions of Kidal and Timbuktu is advised against. Clients intending to travel to, or currently in the region are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures at all times. Local developments relating to the communal tensions should be closely monitored.

WESTERN SAHARA/MOROCCO - Media reports in early May indicate that a senior Islamist extremist aligned with Al-Murabitoun, Abu Walid Al-Sahrawi, had issued an audio message in which he threatens attacks against UN, Moroccan government, foreign business and tourist interests in Western Sahara and Morocco. He has also called on Muslims to profess their loyalty to the Islamic State (IS). Persons linked to Al-Murabitoun have previously declared allegiance to both IS and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Its current allegiance is unclear; however, it is possible that there has been a split in the group based on loyalty either to IS or its primary rival, Al-Qaeda. Al-Murabitoun has been responsible for several high-profile acts of terrorism in West Africa and North Africa since 2015, including in Mali, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire. There have been no noteworthy acts of terrorism in Morocco or the Western Sahara for several years; however, the increased activity of militants outside of traditional areas of operation, including in states recently targeted by Al-Murabitoun, has raised concerns among states, regionally. The possibility of incidents in the Western Sahara or Morocco over the medium-term cannot be discounted. Clients in Western Sahara and Morocco are advised to exercise a generally heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly in areas identified as carrying an elevated risk of being targeted by militants. Please note that due to several security risks, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the SADR-administered territory, located east of the berm in Western Sahara, and against all non-essential travel to within 5km of the berm, due to a landmine risk.

LIBYA(ABU GREIN & BAGHLA) - Suspected Islamic State (IS) militants conducted attacks west of the IS stronghold of Sirte, in central Libya, on 5 May. Gunmen attacked a checkpoint manned by Misrata fighters in the Abu Grein area, killing two and wounding 12 others. A bombing was also reported in the Baghla area. The explosion killed two people. Unconfirmed reports indicate that IS fighters have since established positions near Abu Grein, including in the Wadi Zamzam area, and that Misrata has placed its security forces on alert. The IS action coincides with attempts by rival Libyan armed forces to launch separate offensives against Sirte. The IS attacks are likely aimed at disrupting these preparations and sowing discord among the rival armed groups. Tensions between these groups are already high, in light of an ongoing dispute regarding who the rightful government is. There are three rival governments in Libya. 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.

SYRIA(ALEPPO & HOMS GOVERNORATES) - Conflict-related violence persists across much of Syria. On 5 May, regime air strikes targeted a refugee camp near the town of Atimah near the shared border with Turkey in Syria's northern Aleppo governorate, killing 28 people. Fighting between Islamist militants and the regime also continues in the Aleppo city area. On 5 May, clashes left 73 people dead in the Khan Touman area, located south of the city. Further south, in Homs governorate, Islamic State (IS) militants captured the Shaer gas field from the regime on 5 May. A suicide and car bombing were also reported in the Homs town of Mukharam al Fawkani on the same day leaving ten people dead and a number of others wounded. Conflict and terrorism-related incidents persist at extreme levels despite the implementation of local and national ceasefires. There are multiple state and non-state armed groups competing for territory across the country. The incidental and direct risk to locals and foreign nationals remains elevated. Note that in addition to conflict and terrorism risks, the risks of kidnapping, crime and civil unrest are also elevated. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons intending to travel to the country should ensure that they receive full itinerary specific risk assessments prior to travel and that crisis management plans are developed and regularly updated. Travel in the country should be conducted with a security escort and following consultation with the local authority of the area.

CHILE(CHILOE PROVINCE, LLANGUIHUE PROVINCE & SANTIAGO) - (Update) The US Embassy in Chile's capital, Santiago, has issued a security message warning of ongoing protests in the Los Lagos Region by local fishermen. The protests were initiated after the authorities banned fishing due to severe red tide in the area, which has depleted fish stocks. Protesters have reportedly blocked access to Chiloe Province and protests are ongoing in the town of Puerto Montt (Llanquihue Province of Los Lagos Region). According to media reports on 6 May, negotiations between the government and the protesters have failed to reach a compromise; however, ferry traffic between the island and mainland has resumed. Shortages in basic commodities have been reported in Chiloe Province. Related protests in support of the fishermen have also been reported in the capital, Santiago. On 5 May, protesters gathered and clashed with police in the Plaza Italia area. Further protests have been called for 6 May in the Metro Universidad de Chile area from 18:30 local time. The protests are likely to persist until the government and protesters come to an agreement on compensation for local fishing businesses. The Los Lagos Region and Santiago are likely to remain the worst-affected areas. Related gatherings in Santiago are small; however, as the issue develops, these may increase in size. Persons in Chile who intend travelling to Chiloe Province should contact the local authorities prior to departure to check the status of access routes. All street protests related to the issue should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BULGARIA(RADNEVO MUNICIPALITY) - Further protests are likely to take place in the town of Radnevo, in southern Bulgaria, as of 6 May. Reports indicate that clashes between security forces and anti-Roma protesters took place during a protest held on 4 May. Several police officers and protesters were wounded during the altercations. Reports show that a mass group of protesters attempted to break through a barricade that had been set up by security forces, in an effort to gain access to the Roma neighbourhood of Kantona. Protesters reportedly threw various objects at security forces, who responded by dispersing the crowd with batons. The well-attended protests took place as a result of an alleged assault by Roma men on ethnic Bulgarians on 2 May. Ethnic tensions between Bulgarian and Roma communities remain a pertinent social concern in parts of Bulgaria. The Roma represent a minority of the country's population, and are some of the most marginalised and economically excluded people in both Bulgaria and the greater region. Anti-Roma demonstrations occur periodically in Bulgaria, often prompting counter-protests. Violent clashes between rival demonstrators are common. Further anti-Roma protests and associated rallies are likely to persist in the near-term. Heightened security is expected in Kantona, in an effort to deter further anti-Roma protesters from gaining access into Roma neighbourhoods. Additionally, the possibility of protests and associated rallies spreading to other areas of Bulgaria cannot be discounted. Persons in Bulgaria, specifically in Radnevo, in the near-term are advised to avoid all protests or associated gatherings as a precautionary measure. Clients are further advised to follow all directives issued by authorities. Additionally, clients are advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protest activity. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.

SPAIN(MADRID) - Activist groups are scheduled to hold a rally in Spain's capital, Madrid, on 6 May. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza Puerta del Sol from 19:00 local time. The demonstration is being held to protest against the current bombing campaign against the city of Aleppo, in Syria, that has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths since late April. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated low-level incidents of violence cannot be discounted. The event is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in central Madrid. Persons in Madrid on 6 May are advised to avoid all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

MALTA - Activist group, Civil Society Network is set to hold a demonstration in Malta's capital, Valletta, on 7 May. The demonstration has been called for the resignation of a number of high ranking officials, including Energy and Health Minister, Konrad Mizzi, and the prime minister's Chief of Staff, Keith Schembri, who were both discovered to own offshore companies as revealed before and through the recent Mossack Fonseca leaks ('Panama Papers'). Participants are expected to gather outside the Parliament House, located on Republic Street, from 10:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to be well attended and will be accompanied by an increased police presence. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated of the demonstration affected site. Although violence is not expected, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted entirely. Clients in Valletta on 7 May are advised to avoid the protest location and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution and plan for the possibility of localised disruptions.

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN - Victory Day will be celebrated in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine, as well as other states of the former Soviet Union, on 8 and 9 May. The largest events are expected in Russia where commemorative parades and demonstrations will take place in dozens of cities on 9 May. A large-scale military parade will take place in Moscow's Red Square, featuring thousands of troops and hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft from 10:00 local time. The parade will be followed by a mass demonstration, known as 'the March of the Immortal Regiment' on Tverskaya street, from 15:00. In Ukraine, demonstrations will be held in the capital, Kiev, on 8 May, as well as in the separatist-held eastern city Donetsk, on 9 May. Military parades and large demonstrations are also expected in Simferopol and Sevastopol, in Crimea, on 9 May. In Chisinau, capital of Moldova, a military parade will be followed by a civil demonstration in the central Great National Assembly Square (Piata Marii Adunari Nationale) on 9 May. Events have also been confirmed in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, as well as Armenia's capital, Yerevan, and Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, on 9 May. Victory Day commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany during the Second World War and is traditionally marked by military parades in the capital cities of participating countries. Events in Russia, in particular, are likely to be well attended. Although significant civil disturbances are not expected in the above-mentioned cities, the possibility of targeted protests or demonstrations cannot be dismissed, particularly in Moscow, Chisinau and Kiev; these are likely to be swiftly contained due to elevated security measures on the affected days. There have been additional security concerns in Russia, which carries a high risk of terrorism; however, the latent and specific risk is likely to be mitigated by a heavy security presence in major urban centres. Clients in the affected cities are advised to expect localised travel disruptions and increased security measures. In addition, all suspicious packages, persons or activities should be reported to the authorities immediately.

PHILIPPINES - (Update) Elevated security measures remain in place across the Philippines, ahead of the country's general elections on 9 May. The army and police have been placed on high alert to ensure that the elections proceed without major incident. Across the country, 159 municipalities have been identified as being at a heightened risk of violence, with a considerable number of these being located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, located in the western parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. Within this region a considerable number of troops have been deployed to the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Thus far, there have been no major incidents of election-related violence. Although no overt threats have been identified for the upcoming general elections, those sympathetic to separatist militant groups present in the south of the country may seek to cause disruptions in the run up to and during the polls. As such, there is a heightened threat from terrorism, politically motivated violence and associated civil unrest during the upcoming election period. After the election results have been released, the possibility of low-level protests cannot be discounted. Persons in the Philippines in the coming days are advised to avoid all election-related facilities, events and personnel as a standard precaution. In addition, clients are advised against all travel to the southern Mindanao region and the Sulu Archipelago. This advisory does not extend to the eastern Caraga and Davao regions of Mindanao, to which non-essential travel is advised.

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