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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
EGYPT (EGYPT AIR) / FRANCE - (Update) Egyptian officials have confirmed that an EgyptAir commercial aircraft performing flight MS-804 from Paris, France, to Cairo, Egypt, has crashed. Contact with the aircraft, which was carrying 56 passengers and ten crew, was lost early on 19 May as the plane was over the Mediterranean, north of the Egyptian coastline. Among the passengers are nationals of Egypt, France, Iraq, Britain and Canada. The cause of the crash is unknown and a search and rescue mission has been launched. Persons travelling between Paris and Cairo on 19 May should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) prior to travel. Persons travelling with EgyptAir or who require additional information on the recent incident from the airline can access the airline's website (http://www.egyptair.com/en/Emergency/Pages/default.aspx).
 
Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers  
 on EgyptAir flight 804 who were ticketed through ATG.

SWEDEN (STOCKHOLM AIRPORTS) - A technical fault has resulted in flight disruptions in Sweden's capital, Stockholm, on 19 May. Aviation authorities Luftfartsverket and Swedavia have since announced that the fault has been resolved. Airspace capacity throughout the capital remains limited however, affecting flight services from Stockholm airports, including Bromma and Arlanda airports. Residual disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are anticipated. Once normal operations resume, it will likely take several hours for airport authorities to clear the backlog of flights. Persons intending to transit airports in Sweden in the coming hours are advised to contact their travel provider or airline to enquire about the status of their flight(s).  
 
UNITED KINGDOM / OMAN (OMAN AIR) - Oman Air is planning to launch a second UK route between Manchester and Oman's capital Muscat. The airline confirmed that it intends to start operating on the route with daily flights from April 1 next year. Oman Air has been flying between Heathrow and Muscat since 2007 and added a second daily flight on the route last month. Oman Air's decision is another boost for the country following British Airways' announcement last week that it would be flying non-stop from Heathrow to Muscat from October 30. Currently BA serves Oman's capital via Abu Dhabi.
 
NIGERIA (MURTALA MUHAMMED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - (Update) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to disrupt flight operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in Lagos, Nigeria, from 19 May. In addition, although unconfirmed, air traffic controllers at the airport affiliated with the AUCPTRE union, are expected to observe an associated strike. The agitation forms part of an indefinite protest campaign and associated industrial action launched by various trade unions on 17 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. The 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; it is unclear when the current agitation will conclude. 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 protests cannot be discounted. 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. Clients in Nigeria in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates and to avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Clients intending to transit Murtala Muhammed International Airport should contact their airline or travel provider to inquire about the status of their flight(s). Furthermore, heightened caution is advised in Lagos due to various security concerns, including medium to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.  

ITALY (LAZIO & SICILY) - Disruptions to public transport services are expected in Italy's Lazio and Sicily regions, on 20 May. In Lazio, unionised employees of transport operators, ATAC and Trotta Bus are expected to observe a series of work stoppages on the day affecting bus, trolleybus, tram and rail services. The work stoppages are set to be in effect from 08:30 to 17:00 local time, as well as from 20:00 until the end of service. Similarly, in Sicily's Catania province, AMT SpA services are expected to be disrupted for eight hours from 10:00. Italy's public transport sectors are regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. Should the aforementioned strike actions proceed as scheduled, disruptions to public transport services are anticipated. An increased demand for alternative transport options should also be expected during the strike period. Persons in the affected regions should anticipate travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.  

SPAIN (MADRID) - Unionised workers employed by the Madrid Metro rail service are set to stage a number of work stoppages from 21 to 23 May. On 21 and 22 May, workers are expected to observe two work stoppages from 18:30 to 21:00 local time, and again from 23:30 to 02:00. On 23 May, workers will strike from 06:00 to 09:00. Significant disruptions to Metro rail services, including cancellations, are expected during the strike-affected periods. The strike action has been called due to a long-running dispute over pay and work conditions. Should the strike proceed, an increased demand for alternative modes of transport should be anticipated in central Madrid. It should be noted that the associated action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis.  Persons intending to use Metro services in Madrid on the affected days are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant rail operator to confirm the status of services.  

AUSTRALIA (TASMANIA) - The Australian Government's Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for Tasmania on 19 May. A flood watch has been issued for the Huon river and all western river basins across the state after increased rainfall was reported on 18 May. Reports indicate that falling trees have already been reported due to strong winds, and emergency units have responded to a number of calls in the Devonport, Mount Read and Maatsuyker Island areas. The inclement weather is likely to cause disruptions to land, air and sea travel in the affected areas in the near-term and has been forecast to continue until late on 20 May. In addition, disruptions to utilities such as water, power, and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates on weather conditions. Furthermore, clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers. Additionally, caution is advised in low-lying areas, including near rivers and the coast.  

INDIA (SOUTHEAST INDIA) - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a weather warning for several parts of south eastern India on 18 May. Extremely heavy rains over coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states, as well as the union territory of Puducherry, has been reported and are set to continue over the next 48 hours, at least. Specifically, heavy rainfall has been reported in Tamil Nadu's administrative capital, Chennai, and the state's districts of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam. The National Disaster Response Force has sent standby boats to the Tamil Nadu area. The heavy rains have been caused by a low pressure system moving over the area. Local forecasts indicate that the low pressure system may strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming hours, thereby bringing further heavy rain and inclement weather. It should be noted that floods caused major damage and casualties in the Tamil Nadu area, specifically around Chennai, in November/December 2015, which were exacerbated by poor urban planning. The risk of similar flooding occurring cannot be discounted. The adverse weather may result in localised flooding, landslides, and associated road and air travel disruptions. Clients operating in the above-mentioned states are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; furthermore, low-lying areas and elevated regions should be avoided due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides.  

THAILAND (MULTIPLE PROVINCES) - Thailand's meteorological department have issued thunderstorm warnings for multiple provinces on 18 May. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to affect the Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Tak, Phetchabun, Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Buriram, Sisaket, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces from 19 to 23 May. Thailand's south west monsoon season, which generally occurs from mid-May to September, is characterised by warm, cloudy weather with bouts of heavy rainfall. Given the possibility of heavy rain, the risk of flooding and landslides in the coming days in the above-mentioned areas is higher than normal. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in the affected areas in Thailand 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.  

IRAQ (RUTBA) - Iraq's military stated on 19 May that it has recaptured the town of Rutba in the western Anbar governorate, following a two-day operation against Islamic State (IS) forces. Skirmishes between the two sides are reportedly ongoing in the wider region. Rutba lies on a critical road route between central Iraq and Jordan. The capture of the town is a major success for the government and a blow to IS, which has lost alternative resupply routes between its Syrian bases and Iraq positions. The possibility of IS counterattacks over the near-term is considered high. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Persons in the region should travel with a close protection officer.  

BULGARIA (DZHEBEL, KARDZHALI PROVINCE) - A large deployment of police has been reported in the town of Dzhebel, in Bulgaria's southern Kardzhali province, ahead of a commemorative rally and a counter-demonstration on 19 May. Ethnic Turkish political groups, including the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party, are set to stage a commemorative rally in the central Jebel Square. The rally was previously banned by the town major; however, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision and ordered the municipality to facilitate the gathering. A counter-demonstration has been organised by a local politician in the same area and additional police units are expected to keep the two groups separate. The rally is being held to commemorate ethnic Turks who were killed by security forces during a funeral procession in the town in May 1989. The event is held peacefully every year; however, the 2016 event comes amid elevated political tensions between local politicians and national groups organising the event, including the DPS. Ethnic tensions between Turkish and Bulgarian communities are a historic and pertinent concern in Bulgaria. Events to mark Turkish holidays and commemorations often prompt counter-demonstrations. Violent clashes between rival demonstrators are not uncommon. Heightened security measures are likely to include additional police patrols and road closures. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of Jebel Square. Persons in Dzhebel in the near-term are advised to avoid all protests or associated gatherings as a precautionary measure. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.  

DENMARK (COPENHAGEN) - Activist and civic groups are expected to hold a demonstration in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, on 19 May. The demonstration has been called against the proposed revocation of the Green Card Scheme. Participants are scheduled to gather at the City Hall Square from 18:00 local time. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the City Hall Square are anticipated.  Persons in Copenhagen are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Allowances should be made for possible localised travel disruptions. 

EAST TIMOR - Independence Day is expected to be commemorated in East Timor on 20 May. A flag raising ceremony is expected to take place in the vicinity of the President of the Republic Palace in the capital, Dili. It should be noted that commemorative events usually commence on 19 May. Although more specific details regarding planned celebratory activities have not been disclosed, festivities are expected to encompass parades and cultural events and will likely be concentrated in Dili. The day marks East Timor's independence from Indonesian rule in 2002 and is also referred to as Independence Restoration Day. Increased levels of security are typically enforced in response to the threat posed by anti-government criminal militant groups, such as the banned Maubere Revolutionary Council (KRM) and the National Democratic Union of Timorese Resistance (UNDERTIM). The aforementioned groups have allegedly been linked to a host of attacks perpetrated against state institutions and facilities and have displayed the operational capacity to lead disruptive anti-government protests, which are frequently banned by authorities and degenerate into violence. In addition, public events have been used as a platform by opposition groups to state their discontent with incumbent president, Tuar Matan Ruak; as such, associated demonstrations are possible. The threat of violent confrontations and civil unrest at all politically motivated gatherings in East Timor is considered to be elevated. Additional police and military deployments are therefore anticipated in urban centres, particularly Dili. Disruptions to travel and possibly business operations should be anticipated in all major urban centres. Clients in East Timor, particularly Dili, are advised to monitor local media for updates on possible protest action and avoid all public commemorative gatherings and street protests as a precaution. Possible transport and business disruptions should be anticipated for the duration of 19 and 20 May. 
 
URUGUAY - Marches commemorating the victims who disappeared during the Uruguayan Dictatorship (1973-1985), will be held in urban centres across Uruguay on 20 May. The main event is expected in the capital, Montevideo; participants will gather at the intersection of General Rivera and Juan D. Jackson avenues at 19:00 local time, and proceed to Plaza Cagancha (Plaza Libertad), in the city centre. Events are also expected to be held in various other cities, including Salto, Paysandu, Rivera, Maldonado, Tucuarembo and Melo. The commemorative marches draw thousands of people every year; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all events, particularly those in the capital. The risk of violence at the upcoming marches is low; however, the possibility of low-level confrontations cannot be discounted. Clients in Uruguay on 20 May are advised to avoid all street protests and demonstrations as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

CHILE (VALPARAISO) - Incident description: (Update) The Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH), a student union, has called for a march at an unspecified location in Valparaiso on 21 May. Precedent suggests the march will take place between Plaza Civica and Parque Italia. The march has been called to coincide with the annual state of the union address by President Michelle Bachelet on 21 May. The action forms part of an ongoing protest campaign, led by various student organisations, against education reforms in the country. The upcoming protest in Valparaiso follows a countrywide strike on 17 May. Education sector protests and strikes take place frequently in Chile and are generally well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any protest activities on 21 May. Clients should note that there is a credible risk of isolated incidents of violence at all education-related protests in Chile, as past demonstrations have been affected by low-level clashes between protesters and police. Persons in Valparaiso on 21 May are advised to avoid the demonstration as a standard precaution, and to monitor local media for updates regarding the unrest, as well as any related advisories from the authorities. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.
MOZAMBIQUE (MAPUTO) - Demonstrations are expected in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on 21 and 22 May. Protest marches on both days will begin at the statue of Eduardo Mondlane on Eduardo Mondlane Avenue from 09:00 local time, and proceed to Independence Square. The demonstrations have been called for by over 20 political parties to protest against a number of issues, including the ongoing conflict with the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO); as well as calling for the prosecution of those responsible for a hidden debt scandal. However, a number of large opposition parties have allegedly withdrawn support for the demonstrations, according to reports on 17 May; the result may be a smaller than anticipated outcome. Incidents of civil unrest occur sporadically in Mozambique, and are typically in response to political tensions and socio-economic concerns. Protests have the potential to turn violent; Mozambique has experienced episodes of violent civil unrest in the past. Police forces have been known to have a heavy-handed response to protests and have, on occasion, fired live ammunition to disperse protesters. Travel disruptions in the vicinity of all demonstrations should be expected. Clients in Maputo on the affected dates are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions and should plan accordingly. Clients are advised to avoid all protest gatherings as a standard precaution.  

ASIA - Vesak (also known as Buddha Purnima and Buddha Jayanti, among others) is expected to be observed in a number of countries in Asia on 21 May. Vesak is scheduled to be commemorated by Buddhists in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. As the exact date of Vesak is based on the Asian lunisolar calendar, it should be noted that the date of Vesak may vary by country. Thailand will celebrate on 20 May, while in Indonesia, celebrations will be on 22 May. India will observe Vesak on 25 May. Vesak commemorates the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, and is considered the most significant day on the Buddhist calendar. Vesak is also commemorated in Hinduism, as Hindus believe Buddha was the incarnation of the god Vishnu. In Buddhist majority population countries, the day is often observed as a national public holiday and marked by religious ceremonies and festivals. Additionally, government offices, banks and many businesses will be closed or reduce their operating hours. Festivals and large public gatherings in the affected locations will likely see increased security due to the elevated risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and the theft of unattended items. In addition, due to the anticipated crowds, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of important Buddhist holy sites. Clients travelling to the aforementioned countries and territories in the coming days should anticipate travel disruptions due to large crowds and increased traveller volumes. In addition, persons in the vicinity of commemorative events are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness due to the increased risk of petty crime. Travel disruptions should also be anticipated, due to increased security measures. 

IRAQ (KARBALA & SAMARRA) - Shiite Muslims will commemorate the birth of a revered religious figure, Muhammad al-Mahdi, on 22 May or 15 Shaaban on the Islamic calendar. Shiite religious gatherings in or pilgrimages towards Karbala, and possibly Samarra, are anticipated in the run up to and on the day. There is an elevated risk of Sunni extremist attacks against religious gatherings during the current period. Thousands of Shiites congregate in Karbala and near other Shiite religious sites in Iraq for the annual commemoration. Security is typically elevated considerably ahead of and during the event due to the risk of attacks by Sunni extremists. Militants regularly target Shiite Muslim interests, communities and religious gatherings. Clients are advised against all travel to several central governorates, including Karbala and Salah ad-Din. Persons operating in the country should travel with a security escort. Shiite Muslim interests, communities and religious gatherings should be avoided, if possible.

INDIA (JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - The Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), an alliance comprising a number of political, social and religious organisations, has called for a general strike (known locally as a 'bandh') on 21 May in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state. An associated protest has been scheduled for the state's capital, Srinagar, on the day. Demonstrators are set to gather at Martyrs' Graveyard; however, as the rally has not been sanctioned, authorities are likely to disperse any crowds. The protest is part of a series of events planned in commemoration of Martyrdom Week, from 16 to 21 May. The above-mentioned events have been organised to commemorate the anniversaries of the deaths of militant separatists Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone. Protests and general strikes called by separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir have historically been well supported and have resulted in violence and clashes between protesters and security forces. Incidents of stone-throwing youth were reported during the May 2015 commemoration. As such, there is a threat of incidental harm to any bystanders in the vicinity of the upcoming events. Finally, localised travel disruptions are expected in the aforementioned areas, with widespread disruptions to transport and services anticipated during the strike on 21 May. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients should abide by the conditions of general strikes and should avoid all protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.  

BURKINA FASO - Municipal elections are scheduled to take place in Burkina Faso on 22 May amid heightened security measures. According to reports, the elections, initially expected to take place in January, were postponed due to security related concerns. The National Independent Electoral Commission has stated that as many as 85 political parties and independent candidates are expected to contest the upcoming election, in which municipal councillors and mayors representing 350 communes will be elected. The upcoming election will mark the final electoral process in the country's transition to civilian rule, following the end of the 27-year administration of President Blaise Compaore and his Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP) in October 2014, as well as a Presidential Security Regiment (RSP)-linked coup attempt in September 2015. Although the civilian authority was returned to power, and general elections were held in November 2015 under the rule of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of the People's Movement for Progress (MPP), heightened political tensions remain. Pro-government and CDP activists and patrons of the former regime may increase agitation in the run up to, during and following the election on 22 May; an escalation in protest action is therefore possible countrywide. Although general elections were held without major incident in November 2015, the potential for politically motivated unrest remains, particularly once results are released. All increased security measures have the potential to result in travel disruptions. Clients in Burkina Faso in the coming days are advised to avoid all large gatherings, polling stations, political party offices and election-related facilities. Furthermore, all non-essential travel to areas within 100km of the Malian border, including Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Sahel, is advised against due to the elevated threats of terrorism, kidnapping and general insecurity. 
 
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