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

AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC. & UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS INC. - Stung by competition from ultra-discount carriers, American Airlines Group Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc. are striking back with cheap, no-frills tickets of their own. By year-end, the pair plans to lure budget travelers with basic-economy fares -- inexpensive tickets that don't include typical benefits like an assigned seat before you get to the airport. Taking a cue from Delta Air Lines Inc., the carriers also hope that once the new fares draw attention, the bare-bones features will prompt some customers to "buy up" to a pricier choice, aviation consultants said. American and United are still working out the details, but the rock-bottom fares could come with restrictions against upgrading the tickets or carry no ability to make changes or get refunds, in addition to allowing seat assignments only at the airport. American declined to comment as it continues to refine its offering. United declined to comment, referring only to previous remarks by executives.

UNITED KINGDOM (BRITISH AIRWAYS) / UAE - British Airways is launching direct services from Heathrow to Doha and Muscat starting October 30. The carrier currently offers a one-stop service to Doha via Bahrain, and to Muscat via Abu Dhabi. The new direct services will operate daily from Heathrow T5 to Doha, and five times-weekly to Muscat. In both cases the direct flights will cut journey times by around two hours. Flights to Doha will be served with BA's B787-9 aircraft, which features an eight-seat First cabin. The Heathrow-Muscat route will be served with a B777. The full timetable for the new direct services can be seen here: http://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/1225705-british-airways-launch-direct-doha-and-muscat-services

UNITED KINGDOM - The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) employed by Southern Rail has called for a rail sector strike in the United Kingdom on 18 May. Southern Rail services (http://www.southernrailway.com/) run between London and Sussex, Surrey and parts of Kent. The strike was previously scheduled for 20 May. The RMT-led agitation comes with Southern's decision to convert train conductors into on-board supervisors. Employees claim this poses a threat to existing jobs and public safety. Disruptions are to be expected on the day of the strike, where some routes will have significant delays and others will not be running at all. Note that previous strikes have been postponed on occasion; as such, the strike may also be postponed or cancelled at short notice. Clients are advised to monitor local media for any updates regarding the strike. Furthermore, clients are advised to seek alternative modes of transport on the above-mentioned date. Travellers should contact their travel providers or the relevant authorities for updates on the status of the strike and the impact on services.

FRANCE - A number of major rail unions have called for strike action against France's national rail operator, the SNCF, on 18 and 19 May. All rail services, including regional, inter- and inner-city, are set to be affected by the strike action. Significant disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the industrial action; however, minimal services should be available on the affected days as a number of smaller unions have not indicated their intention to support the strike. Nonetheless, an increase in demand for alternate modes of transport is likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of SNCF rail services during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

FRANCE (PARIS & OTHER URBAN CENTRES) - France's main police union, the Alliance Police Nationale, has called for members and supporters to join a demonstration in Paris, on 18 May. The demonstration has been organised to denounce violence committed against police personnel. A number of smaller unions have indicated that they will support the protest action, which will be held in Paris' central Place de la Republique from 12:00 local time. Smaller demonstrations are set to take place outside regional police offices countrywide, including in Toulouse, Rennes and Bordeaux at approximately the same time on the day. The protest has been organised in an effort to counter growing anti-police sentiment at recent protests, particularly recent anti-labour reform protests. The upcoming demonstration is expected to be well supported in Paris and will likely result in some traffic disruptions. The possibility that the protest will be marred by low-level acts of violence remains. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstrations on the affected day.

FRANCE - Various unions in France have called for strike action and protests across the country on 17, 18 and 19 May. Unions supporting the strike on 17 and 19 May include the CGT, FO, FSU, Solidaires, UNEF and UNL. The industrial action is expected to be accompanied by associated protests in urban centres across the country. In the capital, Paris, a protest will be held at Place de l'Ecole Militaire at 14:00 local time on 17 May. Other gathering points include Auvent de l'Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in Rennes at 11:00; Vieux Port in Marseille at 10:30 and Gare Lyon-Brotteaux Place Jules Ferry in Lyon at 11:00. In addition, rail sector workers employed by France's national railway company, SNCF, are expected to observe an unrelated strike on 18 May. The agitations form part of an ongoing anti-labour reform campaign, with a number of protests having been held in recent weeks. On 10 May, the government used special constitutional powers, bypassing the parliamentary vote, to pass a controversial labour reform; the move has served to increase tensions over the issue. It should be noted that some of the related protests have been marred by low-level incidents of violence, including clashes between participants and police. As such, the possibility of the upcoming demonstrations being marred by similar incidents is credible. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Persons in France from 17 to 19 May are advised to monitor local media for updates on the upcoming strikes and protests, as well as related advisories from the authorities. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstrations on the affected days.

SOUTH AFRICA (CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE) - Significant disruptions to Metrorail services are expected in Cape Town, located in South Africa's Western Cape province, on 16 May, following the destruction of signal equipment between the Cape Town and Woodstock stations. The suspected vandalism has prompted significant delays along the city's Northern, Southern, Central and Cape Flats lines. Delays of up to one hour are anticipated along the affected lines. It is currently unclear when normal operations are expected to resume. Incidents of vandalism, targeting signal lines and train carriages, regularly impact on Metrorail services in Cape Town. It should be noted that unrelated Metrorail disruptions have been reported between Somerset West and Strand, as a result of scheduled maintenance work, on 16 May. A bus shuttle will temporarily replace the service operating between these two towns, from 09:20 to 18:00 local time. Persons in Cape Town who intend to use Metrorail services on 16 May are advised to contact their travel provider(s) or the Metrorail website (http://goo.gl/2DAgWx) for updates on the status of services.

SRI LANKA - Heavy rain over the past 48 hours has resulted in flooding and associated disruptions across parts of Sri Lanka. As a result, landslide warnings have been issued in the districts of Kandy, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, (Central Province), Kurunegala (North Western Province), Kegalle (Sabaragamuwa Province), Monaragala, and Badulla (Uva Province). The commercial capital, Colombo, and surrounding areas have also been impacted by the rains, with reports of loclaised flooding and associated road closures. Thus far, there have been no reports of casualties, but three people in Kegalle district have been reported missing in heavy rain and associated flooding there. Troops have been put on standby to assist with rescue and recovery operations should the need arise. Some international flight disruptions also took place on 15 May as a result of the disruptions. The rain has been caused by a low pressure system that has been moving across the country in recent days. The heavy rain is set to ease during the course of 16 May. More generally, Sri Lanka is entering its rainy season, which generally runs from May to September. As such further heavy rain conducive to flooding is expected in the coming weeks. As a result of the most recent rain, disruptions to travel, as well as to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are possible. Clients in the aforementioned flood-affected areas should obey all directives issued by the relevant authorities and anticipate significant travel disruptions. Moreover, caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly along rivers, due to the threat of flooding.

NEPAL (KATHMANDU) - (Update) Further protests are anticipated in the coming days following a series of disruptive gatherings in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Disruptive protests were reported on 15 May in the vicinity of the prime minister's office. Security forces increased security in the Singha Durbar area following low-level acts of violence, in which protesters attempted to break through a barricade protecting Parliament and other government offices. Protests have reportedly remained ongoing on 16 May; although, no casualties have been reported thus far. The Federal Alliance, including the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), a coalition of four political parties representing ethnic Madhesi interests, embarked upon a protest campaign amid a parliamentary session, which deliberated and voted on key provisions in the Appropriation Bill, from 12 until 15 May. The adoption of the constitution prompted sustained protests, by groups representing Madhesi interests such as 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. Gatherings of this nature have been reported since April 2016 amid a renewed protest campaign, and are likely to continue in the short- to medium-term. The risk of violence at all related gatherings and protests is considered elevated at this time. Protests and incidents of civil unrest are also likely to result in localised travel disruptions. 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.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PORT MORESBY) - Student-led protest action in Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s capital, Port Moresby, has the potential to escalate political tensions in light of an ongoing boycott of classes at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). The students are refusing to attend classes and have been holding sit-in protests to press incumbent prime minister Peter O'Neill to resign over corruption allegations. A heightened security force presence is reportedly in place at the university's main Waigani campus to prevent the students from taking their protest to other parts of the capital. The actions of the students have been supported by students at other tertiary institutions elsewhere in the country in recent days, although it is unclear if they have also refused to attend classes. Although there have been no reports of violence associated with the protests at UPNG, police in PNG are generally poorly trained, and ill-equipped to deal with crowd control situations. As such, they often use force as a first resort, thus exacerbating already existing tensions. Given this dynamic, and if students continue to refuse to return to classes, the potential for violence exists. This is especially true in light of the assessment that O'Neill is unlikely to resign voluntarily. Clients in or planning to be in PNG, particularly in Port Moresby, in the near-term are advised to monitor local developments closely. All possible protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

HONG KONG - Heightened security has been reported in Hong Kong on 16 May ahead of planned visit by Zhang Dejiang, chairperson of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC). Comprehensive security measures have been implemented, including the erection of barricades, in the vicinity of the Wan Chai area, where Dejiang is scheduled to address an economic conference on 18 May. Additionally, special units have begun securing the area with the use of searches and inspections and have glued paving stones down in a bid to prevent participants from hurling them amid any potential protests. Political tensions and sentiment against the Chinese government remains elevated following continued calls from pro-democracy and pro-independence groups for political reforms; citizens in Hong Kong have increasingly called for an increase in democracy and for a greater allocation of power to the legislature. A ruling by the NPCSC, viewed by critics as restrictive, regarding proposed electoral reforms in Hong Kong served as a catalyst for the territory's most widespread and sustained anti-government protests from September to December 2014. As such, the upcoming visit by the NPCSC chairperson has the potential to prompt protest action. Protests that may take place are likely to result in travel disruptions. Sporadic incidents of violent unrest resulting from clashes between police and demonstrators at any gatherings cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the increased security measures are likely to result in localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the affected area in the coming days. Clients in or planning to be in Hong Kong are advised to monitor local developments closely; all protests should be avoided as a precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for increased travel times and disruptions due to the increased security.

KENYA - Kenya's primary opposition bloc, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has called for further protests across the country on 16 May. The protests form part of an ongoing agitation, known as the 'Firimbi Movement', against the electoral regulatory agency. Opposition forces are demanding the resignation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)'s current commissioners amid concerns that they may influence the 2017 elections in the ruling party's favour. The opposition has called for weekly protests over the issue, to be held every Monday. The exact times and locations of the protests have not been disclosed, although it is likely that participants will gather in the vicinity of IECB offices in Mombasa and the capital, Nairobi. The protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of the protest activity. Furthermore, it should be noted that a related protest held in Nairobi on 9 May deteriorated into skirmishes between protesters and security forces; the protest was dispersed by riot police using teargas and water cannons. In light of this, the possibility of similar violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Kenya on 16 May are advised to avoid street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions. Local media should also be monitored for updates on related developments and for any potential future protests.

SOUTH SUDAN - On 16 May, South Sudan will celebrate SPLA Day, commemorating the establishment of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) on 16 May 1983. SPLA Day is generally celebrated with marches and festivals in the country's larger urban centres, specifically the capital, Juba. Unconfirmed reports indicate that commemorative events may start at 05:00 local time, with celebratory gunfire expected at the general headquarters of the army in Juba. The SPLA previously constituted the military wing of the rebel political movement, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). However, following independence of South Sudan from Sudan in July 2011, the SPLA became the country's formal military force, while the SPLM reorganised itself as a political party. SPLA Day events are often used as a platform to evoke nationalist sentiment. In addition to mass public festivities and commemorative activities, SPLA Day is occasionally observed with protests and demonstrations against the Sudanese regime of Omar al-Bashir. It should be noted that, following an outbreak of conflict between government forces and rebels aligned with vice president Riek Machar in 2013, the SPLA is now comprised of two factions - the SPLA loyal to President Salva Kiir, and Machar's SPLA In-Opposition (SPLA-IO). Although Machar's recent return to Juba constitutes an important step towards ending almost two years of conflict, tensions remain high throughout the country as both sides remain suspicious of each other. As such, it is unclear how SPLA Day commemorations will be orchestrated. Due to ongoing conflict and instability, clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country despite this advisory should have a comprehensive contingency plan in place. All travel in the country should be conducted with a local security escort. Furthermore, all forms of demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.

AFGHANISTAN (KABUL) - A demonstration is scheduled to be held in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 16 May. The protest is in response to a government decision to reroute power lines, an infrastructure development initiative that forms part of the Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan (TUTAP) project, through Salang province rather than through Bamyan province. Government have argued that the Salang route is the more cost-effective. Ethnic Hazara leaders, whose followers are expected to travel to the capital in large numbers on 16 May, want the lines to pass through Hazara communities in the Bamyan and Wardak provinces. The US Embassy in Kabul has also issued a warning to US nationals in Kabul regarding the planned protests. It has stated that in light of the gatherings, its consular section will not be processing visa appointments on 16 May. It has also stated that the demonstrations are expected to begin at 06:00 local time. The planned protests are expected to be well-attended. It is unclear exactly which area(s) of the city will be affected; however, street marches towards and gatherings near prominent government buildings are likely. There is a risk of violence at the planned protest. The risk increases if protesters attempt to enter state facilities or grounds. Violence may also occur if counter-protests occur or if the police seek to disperse the demonstrators. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan, including Kabul. Persons in the city should seek to limit travel on 16 May and remain in secure compounds or hotels. Persons travelling in the city should do so with a security escort. All large public gatherings should be avoided. Local media should be monitored for information on the location of the planned events.

NIGERIA - Various trade unions and civil society organisations, including the Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC), are set to launch strike actions and demonstrations across Nigeria on 17 and 18 May. The agitations have been organised in response to the government's decision to remove a national petroleum subsidy, resulting in an estimated 67 percent increase in the cost of fuel in the country. NANS has threatened to close university campuses on 17 and 18 May, after which their supporters are scheduled to stage a mass protest in the capital, Abuja. In addition, the NLC and TUC have called on their members to observe an indefinite strike from 18 May. Although associated demonstrations are expected to accompany the industrial action, specific details regarding these events have not been disclosed. Nigeria's urban centres often experience protests, rallies and demonstrations; these are usually related to the prevailing political and economic conditions. It should be noted that the upcoming agitations form part of an ongoing protest campaign in response the governments' failure to deal with persistent fuel shortages and poor electricity supply in the country. Such events are often disruptive and may degenerate into violence, particularly those that have an anti-government undertone. Consequently, the risk of isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces at any strike-related activities and protest cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. It should be noted that, given ongoing concerns regarding the cost of fuel in Nigeria, further associated strikes and demonstrations are possible in the near-term. Persons operating in Nigeria in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the forthcoming strike actions and demonstrations. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for potential disruptions to travel and business services for the duration of the strike period.

SRI LANKA (COLOMBO) - Sri Lanka is set to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Victory Day on 18 May. Commemorations will be held at the Battaramulla war hero memorial in front of the Parliament complex in the commercial capital, Colombo. Further celebrations, including a cultural parade, are set to take place at Independence Square. As such, road closures are likely in the surrounding areas prior to the celebration, in preparation for the event and also on the day. Thousands of people are expected to attend the parade, including Sri Lanka's president, Maithripala Sirisena. Sri Lanka is gradually recovering from a 26-year-long civil war between security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebel group. Although the war came to an end in May 2009, when the Sri Lankan government announced that it had achieved victory over the Tamil Tigers, security in the northern regions, where the last Tamil strongholds were located, remains poorer than in other parts of the country that were not directly impacted by the conflict. The government stated that people affected by the war are free to commemorate their dead but events hailing the Tamil Tigers group would not be permitted. An increased security force presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of the parade on 18 May. In addition, localised travel disruptions are to be anticipated in the coming days. Clients are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, particularly in the vicinity of any parades or formal celebrations. Clients in the area are advised to anticipate travel delays in the coming days, and to adjust plans accordingly.

SOMALIA (SOMALILAND) - Somalia's de facto autonomous region of Somaliland is set to commemorate its proclaimed Independence Day on 18 May. Although specific details regarding planned celebratory activities have not been disclosed, the largest events are likely to centre on the region's administrative capital, Hargeisa, and the city of Burao. The day commemorates the region's self-declared independence from Somalia on 18 May 1991. Although the region has yet to be formally recognised as a sovereign state by the international community, Somaliland functions with near autonomy. Commemorations for the region's Independence Day are expected to conclude without major incident; however, the day does offer a convenient platform for both pro- and anti-separatist groups to hold associated demonstrations. As such, the potential for localised protests cannot be discounted. It should be noted that, should such demonstrations occur, clashes between opposing protesters may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland due to the high threats of crime and terrorism, as well as medium threats of kidnapping and civil unrest. Persons operating in Somaliland on 18 May are advised to monitor local developments closely; demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel and business disruptions on the day.

VIETNAM - Vietnam will hold legislative election on 22 May. The election coincides with the visit of US President Barack Obama and an uptick in socio-economic and political protests. Obama is scheduled to visit the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, from 22 to 25 May. Security is expected to be increased in both areas ahead of and during his visit. The police have also reportedly increased security countrywide ahead of the polls; the increase is viewed as precautionary and in light of an increase in protest activity by activists. The authorities have stated that the 'anti-government' and 'terrorist' group, Viet Tan, which is agitating for political reform in Vietnam, is expected to escalate protests ahead of the poll, and that the group is taking advantage of an environmental disaster in central Vietnam to further its agenda. Indeed, activists, including Viet Tan, have led a number of protests recently, in response to the death of a significant portion of fish stocks off the coast of several central Vietnam provinces (Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue) since early April. Activists have alleged that toxic effluent from a factory is to blame. Related low-level protests have occurred in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Da Nang and Hue. Reports indicate that many of these protests have been dispersed by the police, shortly after starting. Protest activity is generally rare in Vietnam. The one-party state suppresses dissent; protests, when they occur, are forcefully dispersed shortly after starting. The recent environmental disaster, the upcoming Obama visit and the scheduled legislative election provide groups like Viet Tan an opportunity to increase protest activity and to raise their national and international profiles. Further protests, particularly in major cities, are anticipated until the end of the election. Protesters may also seek to gather near areas where Obama is visiting. Note that in light of the increased security for Obama's visit, disruptions to ports of entry and major roads in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are likely at times. Clients in Vietnam should avoid all street protests, regardless of size. Caution is advised when travelling in areas recently affected by street protests.

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