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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(DELTA) - Beginning Wednesday, Delta will unveil a dedicated Delta Shuttle check-in area at Seattle-Tacoma International for its schedule of eight weekday round-trip flights to the two California cities. Delta says it will add two additional flights on the Seattle-L.A. route on May 23. The "shuttle" routes have long been popular with business customers on the East Coast, where Delta and American each offer hourly or near-hourly weekday service on routes connecting New York LaGuardia to Washington Reagan National and Boston. American also offers Shuttle service between Washington National and Boston while Delta added LaGuardia-Chicago O'Hare to its shuttle schedule earlier this decade. The Shuttle frequencies are marketed toward business fliers, who can easily make same-day return trips or catch earlier or later flights if their schedules change. Shuttle fliers get separate check-in areas, where they can check-in in as little as 20 minutes before a scheduled departure.

UNITED STATES(AUSTIN, TEXAS) - After voters in Austin, Texas, rejected a proposal for loosened regulations on ride-hailing apps, both Uber and Lyft have announced they will be "pausing" operations in the city. In late 2015, Austin's City Council approved an ordinance requiring companies like Uber and Lyft to be regulated like taxis. That meant, among other things, drivers would have to be fingerprinted as part of a background check. Uber and Lyft, in response, pushed a ballot proposal asking voters to choose between that city ordinance and a looser statewide law. Since the decision, both companies have said they intend to follow through on their threats, Austin-based station KUT reports.

MADAGASCAR(AIR MADAGASCAR) - Unionised employees of Madagascar's national carrier, Air Madagascar, have called for a countrywide strike on 11 May. The action has reportedly been called in response to various labour-related grievances, as well as the management practices and policies of the company. The intended duration of the work stoppage has not been disclosed; however, local media reports indicate that the action will continue until the employees' grievances are addressed. Although airline authorities are likely to implement contingency plans in order to mitigate the strike's impact on flight operations, disruptions to both domestic and international flight services are anticipated for the duration of the action. It should be noted that the strike may be cancelled or suspended at short notice. Clients intending to fly with Air Madagascar in the coming days are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Localised flooding and associated landslides, triggered by torrential rainfall, has resulted in at least eight deaths and one injury in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s capital, Kinshasa, since 8 May. The aforementioned casualties were all reported in the Lemba area, located in the city's Mont Amba district. Local security forces have been deployed to the affected area in order to assist with relief efforts. During periods of higher rainfall in the DRC, flooding in low-lying areas (including near rivers, such as the Congo) and landslides in mountainous regions are possible. The current weather system is expected to affect Kinshasa until 14 May, at least; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in Kinshasa in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected 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. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases. For further information, consult with a medical practitioner.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(LUBUMBASHI) - (Update) Recent reports indicate that further clashes between police and protesters have taken place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s city of Lubumbashi, in Katanga province, on 11 May. According to reports, police used teargas and stun batons to disperse thousands of opposition party protesters. The police action came after Moise Katumbi supporters forced their way into a courthouse, where Katumbi was due to appear for a second hearing over his alleged use of mercenaries. There have been no reports of casualties as yet. Tensions in Lubumbashi have remained elevated in recent days, after troops surrounded Katumbi's house after an arrest warrant for him was issued, alleging he was involved in the hiring of mercenaries in an anti-government plot. However, his supporters have stated the allegations are politically motivated, and ostensibly an attempt to stop him from competing in the country's presidential elections, initially tentatively scheduled for November 2016. Tensions have been elevated over this issue, as there are concerns that incumbent president Joseph Kabila may intend to seek a third term, in violation of the current terms of the constitution, which allows for only two terms. Due to the ongoing tensions between the Kabila administration and opposition parties, further potential anti-government protests are likely in the near-term. Should protests or associated gatherings continue to take place, the likelihood of violent clashes escalates. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lubumbashi. Persons in the city and the capital should monitor local developments closely and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

SOMALIA(GALGADUUD REGION) - Recent reports indicate that Somali troops have killed at least 15 suspected al-Shabaab militants following a security operation in El-Timir village, located in the central Galgaduud region, overnight on 10/11 May. Several militants were reportedly able to evade the overnight assault; a related search operation by the Somali National Army (SNA) is currently underway in the vicinity of the village. It should be noted that there is an elevated threat of reprisal attacks by militants still present in the area. The incident underscores the extreme levels of insecurity present across Somalia. Al-Shabaab continues to maintain a significant operational presence throughout much of the country, despite intensified counter-offensives by both government and AMISOM forces. The group frequently carries out attacks against government installations, security forces, and civilian interests in Somalia, including in Galgaduud. As the group continues to maintain an elevated operational capability in the country, insecurity and associated counter-offensives in the region are likely to persist. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, due the extreme threats posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. Persons operating in the country despite this advisory should remain in secure locations, travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. In addition, clients are advised to avoid areas that have been recently affected by violence or targeted in security operations.

THAILAND(BANGKOK) - Two people have been wounded in a low-level explosion in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, on 11 May. The incident occurred at Bangkok Railway Station (known locally as Hua Lamphong station), which is the city's primary rail hub. The blast was caused by a so-called 'ping-pong bomb', which is a table tennis ball stuffed with gunpowder. The wounded have been transported to hospital and are in a stable condition. Further details remain unavailable at present. It is unclear if operations at the station have been impacted. The have been no claims of responsibility for this incident; however, similar such incidents have occurred in recent days. On 10 May, unidentified assailants threw three ping-pong bombs at a group of youths playing football in the Din Daeng district of the capital. There were no injuries in this occurrence. The motive for these attacks is unclear at present, although it may be linked to the political tensions in the country, specifically over the release of the military junta-sponsored draft constitution in early April. The document has been widely criticised as anti-democratic, even by parties nominally supportive of the constitution. A referendum on the draft constitution is scheduled for 7 August; if the most recent attack is linked to these political developments, further such low-level incidents are possible in the coming weeks. Clients in or planning to be in Bangkok in the coming days and weeks are advised to monitor local developments closely and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD) - A car bombing in the predominantly Shiite Muslim Sadr City area of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, earlier on 11 May left 64 people dead and 60 wounded. The blast was reported near a market place. The Sunni extremist Islamic State (IS) has reportedly claimed the attack. The incident is indicative of the elevated terrorism risk in the capital. The city and wider Baghdad governorate are one of the worst affected in terms of incidents. IS has been responsible for the bulk of mass casualty attacks in recent years. These attacks typically target Shiite communities or state interests. In light of the attack, an increased security presence is likely in Sadr City and the immediate surrounds. Additional patrols and checkpoints by state security forces and local Shiite militia are likely. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons in the city should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure compounds. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

PAKISTAN(BANNU) - The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a large opposition party led by Imran Khan, has scheduled a rally in Bannu, in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, on 11 May. The event will take place at the Jinnah Sports Complex from 17:00 local time. The rally follows similar previous rallies elsewhere in the country, aimed at highlighting corruption in government, as well as other concerns. The event will also be used as a platform for PTI supporters to press the government to launch a full investigation into the Panama Papers leak. This is 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 states the commission formed to investigate these claims 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 well attended, with up to 35,000 people in attendance. Road travel disruptions are likely in the affected area as is an increased security force presence. Although the rally is intended to pass peacefully, as with all such events in Pakistan, the risk of clashes between police and participants cannot be discounted. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to KP province. Persons currently in Bannu 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.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA(BANJA LUKA) - The Alliance for Change opposition party is set to hold a peaceful protest action in the city of Banja Luka, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 11 May. The agitation has been launched due to various issues, including repealing a decision to increase the price of electricity. Protesters are expected to gather at Mladen Stojanovic park at 12:00 local time, before marching to Krajina Square at 13:00, where a rally will be held. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the ruling party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), is also set to hold a rally in the same area. The protest action comes ahead of the local elections, set to be held in October. Furthermore, the anticipated agitation comes amid heightened tensions, as local authorities have not sanctioned the protest action in the planned areas; Alliance for Change officials have stated that the protest will proceed regardless. Should the protests go ahead, they are expected to be well attended; therefore, the risk of low-level confrontations between Alliance for Change supporters and SNSD supporters, and between protesters and security forces, cannot be discounted. Additionally, disruptions to travel should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest. Clients in Banja Luka on 14 May are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and associated gatherings as a precaution. Additionally, allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions.

CANADA(QUEBEC) - Large demonstrations by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE-Quebec), and allied unions, are expected in Quebec on 12 May. Participants, which may number in their thousands according to reports, are expected to gather at the Palais des Congres from 07:00 local time. The unions are protesting against changes in the relationship between the provincial government and local municipalities, which will negatively affect public sector salaries. Demonstrations are usually well-publicised by the media and are closely monitored by local law enforcement. Police generally prioritise protesters' safety; security forces rarely resort to violent methods of crowd dispersal. However, there have been rare incidents of unrest wherein police have resorted to more aggressive means of crowd-control (including the use of water cannons and teargas). As such, the possibility of violence at such events, although unusual, cannot be ruled out. Lastly, localised traffic disruptions are possible in the vicinity of affected areas. Persons in Quebec are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Additionally, allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions.

MALI - The Workers' Trade Union Confederation of Mali (CSTM) has called on its members and supporters to observe countrywide demonstrations in Mali on 12 May. The action forms part of an ongoing anti-government agitation; the CSTM intends to use the protests as a platform to denounce alleged human rights violations by the Malian government, as well as various labour-related grievances. The demonstrations may be accompanied by work stoppages by unionised employees, thereby triggering localised disruptions to business and transport services on the day. Further details regarding the upcoming protest action have not been disclosed. 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 the upcoming demonstrations remains a credible concern. Persons in Mali on 12 May are advised to monitor local media for updates on the aforementioned demonstrations and for 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 possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of any CSTM agitations.

UGANDA - Security has been considerably elevated in Uganda, specifically in the capital, Kampala, ahead of the inauguration and swearing in of incumbent president Yoweri Museveni on 12 May. The ceremony will take place at the Kololo Independence Grounds from 10:00 local time. A number of local and foreign dignitaries will be in attendance. In addition to the heightened security, authorities have pre-emptively detained or arrested approximately 150 figures from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, on the grounds that they were going to engage in subversive activities on the day of the inauguration. The FDC has called for protest action on the day, alleging that the February elections, which were won by Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM), were fraudulent. Should any FDC-led protests take place on the day, there is a high threat of violence, as local authorities have banned all FDC-related events. This has been underscored by statements by Ugandan security forces, who have threatened to respond forcibly to any opposition-led defiance campaigns, particularly with regard to unsanctioned events. In addition to the elevated security and threat of violent reprisals against any form of dissent, authorities may suspend mobile phone services or social media platforms in order to limit the ability of the FDC and other opposition groupings from mobilising supporters. Moreover, due to the considerably elevated security measures, road closures and associated disruptions within Kampala, specifically in the vicinity of the Kololo Independence Grounds, and between Entebbe International Airport, located approximately 40km south west of central Kampala, are expected. Persons in Uganda on 12 May are advised to avoid any possible upcoming demonstrations and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for advisories from the authorities. Flexible itineraries should be maintained, in order to allow for localised travel disruptions.

BANGLADESH - (Update) Opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a countrywide 24-hour strike (known locally as a 'hartal') from 05:00 local time on 12 May. The strike has been called in protest against the execution of senior party figure, Motiur Rahman Nizami, overnight on 10/11 May. His sentence was carried out following his conviction on charges of war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War. A series of public prayer and memorial services (Ghaibana Janaza) are expected to accompany the strike action in various locations across the country until 14 May. Nizami is the latest Jamaat-e-Islami leader to be convicted of war crimes by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Nizami's execution sparked retaliatory protests in the streets of central Dhaka by supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami, in recent days. The group, which has had members indicted and executed by the ICT, is opposed to the court and the ongoing trials. Note that the size and intensity of protests related to the ICT rulings, and carried out by Jamaat-e-Islami in particular, have decreased in recent months in response to protester fatigue and an ongoing crackdown on its members by the government. However, general strikes of this nature can result in travel disruptions to road and rail services, as well as business operations. Clashes with the police remain a risk at all Nizami-related events. Clients in Bangladesh over the near-term are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and to monitor political and security-related developments closely. All street protests and travel at night should be avoided.

NEPAL(KATHMANDU) - (Update) The Federal Alliance, including the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), a coalition of four political parties representing ethnic Madhesi interests, is expected to embark upon a series of demonstrations in the capital, Kathmandu, from 12 until 15 May. The demonstrations, which form part of a protest campaign launched on 27 April, are set to coincide with a three-day Legislature Parliament meeting which is expected to deliberate and vote on key provisions in the Appropriation Bill. The alliance is scheduled to protest outside the Parliament building (Singha Durbar) on 15 May, although additional gatherings are likely across the city for the duration of the Parliament session. Authorities have increased security considerably in anticipation of the protests; additional security personnel deployments, checkpoints and surveillance mechanisms have been established at strategic locales across the Kathmandu Valley. It should be noted the Federal Alliance and a host of other affiliated political groups have boycotted Parliament meetings relating to the Appropriations Bill and legislation, regarding the national budget and allocation of funds to special initiatives and projects, in recent days. This follows months of inconclusive meetings between political groups representing Madhesi interests and the government regarding amendments to the recently promulgated constitution. The ethnic Madhesi people in the Terai region have long complained of discrimination from the government. The adoption of the constitution prompted sustained protests, particularly by the UDMF, prior to and following its adoption in September 2015. Since then, the UDMF has repeatedly rejected government-proposed amendments to the constitution, demanding the redrafting of a new constitution, on the grounds that the proposed concessions fail to adequately address Madhesi grievances and represent their interests. Past precedent suggests demonstrations of this nature may be disruptive at times and include roadblocks. Low-level acts of violence, including clashes between police and protesters, remain possible. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in demonstration-affected areas. Clients in Kathmandu are advised to monitor local developments closely for information on the upcoming demonstration. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

PERU(AREQUIPA) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is set to be held Peru's city of Arequipa between 14 and 18 May. Heightened security measures have been in place since 3 May and are anticipated to continue through to 20 May. Ministers from 21 countries around the world are anticipated to attend the forum. Reports indicate that at least 2,000 security force members have been deployed to the city. Authorities have further stated that additional security reinforcements will be deployed to the Islay province, in the Arequipa region, to oversee an unrelated 72-hour strike against the Tia Maria mining project, coinciding with the forum. The forum is anticipated to conclude peacefully; however, unsanctioned incidents of civil unrest by activist groups cannot be discounted. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and other movement-restrictive measures, may be implemented during the duration of the forum. Persons in Arequipa over the near-term are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions throughout the city and should plan accordingly. While no protests are expected during the forum, travellers are nonetheless advised to avoid all large gatherings and related demonstrations due to the possibility of civil unrest.

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