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

FRANCE - (Update) Authorities in France voted for the extension of the current countrywide state of emergency on 19 May. The state of emergency will now remain in place until at least 31 July. This is the second time the state of emergency has been extended after an initial three-month extension to 26 May. The reasons cited for the extension include the need to maintain a high level of security amid a number of major international sporting events due to take place in France in the coming weeks, namely the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the annual Tour de France cycle race. Under the advisory, security forces and associated counterterrorism agencies are afforded greater powers in relation to administrative searches, detentions and the restriction of other civil liberties, such as the right to assembly. Additional security measures in line with the advisory include the additional deployment of security forces at key locations, such as transport hubs and tourists sites, and extended and often disruptive security operations in France's major urban areas. The state of emergency was declared in response to the mass-casualty Islamic State (IS)-claimed Paris attacks and has been periodically reviewed and extended since 15 November 2015. The unprecedented attack and state response underlined the persistent threat posed by militant groups and associated self-radicalised individuals in the country. The terrorism threat in the country is assessed to be high overall and the state of emergency conditions and associated initiatives will serve to mitigate the likelihood of a successful attack being perpetrated over the near-term. The advisory has become a contentious issue in the country with various civic groups staging protests against the restrictive nature of the advisory. In light of the recent extension, further protest action is possible over the short- to medium-term. Persons in France are advised to exercise heightened situational and personal security awareness at all times. Clients are further advised to adhere to the directives issued by security forces.

UNITED STATES / INDIA (AIR INDIA) - Air India is to restore its Heathrow to New York Newark service in August after a gap of seven years. The service will launch on August 15 when transatlantic flights will operate three times a week, according to reports. Instead of the previous Delhi-Heathrow-New York JFK routing, Air India will operate an Ahmedabad-Heathrow-New York Newark service across the Atlantic. As part of the move, the airline will reduce its Heathrow-Delhi flights from three to two daily services from the same date. There will also be a separate Heathrow-Ahmedabad service operating once a week from August 21. Air India is planning to use a two-class B787 Dreamliner on the route, which will be configured for 18 business and 238 economy seats.

UNITED STATES (AMERICAN AIRLINES) - American Airlines says it will spend $4 million for contractors who will help manage checkpoint lines and get passengers through security more quickly. The airline said Wednesday that the workers should be on the job at major airports. The TSA has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures, which could be slowing down the lines. The problem could grow worse during the peak summer travel season. Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said TSA won't compromise security. He asked travelers to be patient while the government works to shorten the lines. American Airlines says the contractors it will perform tasks such as managing lines and collecting bins so that TSA officers can focus on screening passengers. Isom said in a letter to employees that tens of thousands of the airline's customers have missed flights and bags have been delayed because of long security lines.

INDIA (NORTH & WESTERN STATES) - A severe heat wave is affecting multiple states in India on 20 May. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings relating to the severe heat wave that is currently affecting parts of northern and western India, which is expected to persist until 23 May at least. In Rajasthan state, a 51C record high temperature has been reported in Phalodi, located in the Jodhpur district, while Churu and Jaipur experienced significantly high temperatures as well. Temperatures ranging from 45C to 49C were reported in parts of Gujarat state, including Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Deesa and Kandla. Furthermore, parts of Telangana, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha states have been affected. A cumulative total of 300 heat-related fatalities have been reported in recent weeks; at least 20 deaths were reported in Odisha state, and five related fatalities were reported in Gujarat state, on 19 May. A heat wave is characterised by intense sunlight and hot blowing winds, and has been known to lead to conditions such as heat stroke and dehydration, which can result in death if persons are exposed for long periods of time. Authorities in India have therefore warned people to stay hydrated and to remain indoors as a preventative measure. India's primary monsoon season is expected to begin in the first week of June; this weather system is likely to bring cooling rainfall across all affected states. Clients operating in affected states are advised to monitor weather developments closely and to follow any advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution when going outdoors during the day and to remain hydrated.

BANGLADESH (SOUTHERN REGIONS) - The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued adverse weather warnings on 19 May, ahead of the passage of Tropical Storm Roanu in southern and eastern Bangladesh. Reports state that Roanu is likely to move in a north eastern direction, and make landfall in Bangladesh late on May 21 or early on May 22. The BMD issued alerts for heavy rains in the Khulna, Barisal, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Dhaka divisions, and landslides alerts were issued for Chittagong and Sylhet divisions. The storm has already caused major flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka, and flooding in several parts of the eastern coast of India; however, the storm system is forecast to progressively weaken into a depression after making landfall in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, squalls and heavy rains are likely to cause disruptions to maritime, air and road transport. Utilities, including water and electricity, may also be affected. The above-mentioned storm underlines the natural hazard threat during Bangladesh's coming monsoon season, which generally runs from June to September. As flooding in low-lying and coastal areas are possible, clients are advised to avoid such areas; including beaches and seafronts. Clients in the hilly divisions of Chittagong and Sylhet should be aware of possible landslides. Local media reports should be monitored for further updates.

TANZANIA (MWANZA) - According to reports, at least three people were killed and several others wounded as a result of an attack on a mosque located in Mwanza, north west Tanzania, late on 19 May. As many as 15 unidentified assailants reportedly stormed a mosque before opening fire and utilising improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on worshipers. Further details are currently unavailable. There is a medium risk of terrorism in Tanzania; the country is yet to experience a significant terrorist attack since 1998. The primary threat stems from the Somalia-based al-Shabaab movement, active in neighbouring Kenya and Uganda; the group has the capacity to execute extraterritorial attacks in the East Africa region, including Tanzania. While Tanzania is not directly involved in the current conflict, attacks remain possible against a range of targets in the country, including places of worship. Heightened security measures are expected to remain in place in Mwanza in the near-term at least. Persons operating in Tanzania should adhere to any directives or warnings issued by the authorities regarding the implementation of any additional security measures as a precaution. Clients are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time and to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities.

UGANDA (YUMBE DISTRICT) - According to reports released on 20 May, at least 20 locals were abducted from Lewa village in the north western Yumbe district, which borders South Sudan, early on 18 May. Security forces have indicated that unknown gunmen from South Sudan may have perpetrated the abduction and fled into South Sudan. Banditry is a concern in many border areas of the country, particularly along Uganda's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Kenya. In light of the recent incident, an increased security presence and alert status is anticipated in the affected area and surrounding districts. Further attacks by the armed group remain possible. Clients are advised against all travel to within 30km of Uganda's shared borders with the DRC and South Sudan, excluding major settlements, due to ongoing conflict and insecurity.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (KOUKI) - Reports on 19 May indicate a local driver employed by the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) aid organisation was shot and killed during a highway robbery in Kouki, near Bossangoa, in Ouham prefecture, western Central African Republic (CAR), on 18 May. The driver was transporting patients and staff members when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle, forcing the occupants out before robbing them of their possessions and medical supplies. The CAR remains chronically unstable following several bouts of ethno-religious violence in the country in 2014 and 2015. Criminal elements have taken advantage of the resultant security vacuum in the country, particularly in northern regions where banditry and highway robbery have become rife. Security forces, particularly police officials, are poorly equipped and under-resourced; they are largely unable to provide a prompt or efficient service. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a close protection officer and should reside in a secure compound or hotel. Contingency plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

ZAMBIA (KITWE) - The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) party has organised a rally in the city of Kitwe, Zambia, on 21 May. The rally serves as the party's official campaign launch ahead of the country's 11 August general election. The event will be held at the Freedom Park from 12:00 local time. A previous UPND rally scheduled for 14 May was cancelled by the authorities; the party has since accused the government of forcefully and unlawfully disrupting the efforts of the UPND to hold meetings. Furthermore, President Edgar Lungu has accused opposition members of training militia to conduct acts of violence during the upcoming election; however, these accusations have been denied. As such, political tensions remain elevated and the possibility of outbreaks of civil unrest at any election-related gatherings cannot be discounted. It should also be noted that there is a credible risk of violence at all upcoming events, as previous election cycles in Zambia have been marred by violence. Clients in Zambia over the coming months should monitor local media for updates on further election-related events and potential protests. All street protests and rallies, including those in Kitwe on 21 May, should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MALI (BAMAKO) - Opposition parties and various other civil society groups are set to hold a protest march in Mali's capital, Bamako, on 21 May. Although it is yet clear when the march is due to commence, protesters are anticipated to gather in the vicinity of Liberty Square (Place de la Liberte). The agitation has been launched to demand respect for the rule of law and good governance. There is a high risk of civil unrest in Mali, with protests and strike actions regularly triggered by socio-economic and political concerns. Clashes between protesters and police are often reported; as such, the threat of such incidents occurring at the upcoming demonstrations remains a credible concern. Disruptions to travel are anticipated in the affected area. Persons in Mali on 21 May are advised to monitor local media for updates on the aforementioned demonstration 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 Liberty Square.

TOGO (LOME) - Opposition parties in Togo are set to hold a march in the capital, Lome, on 21 May. The march is scheduled to commence at 08:00 local time. The march is set to proceed through Be Kondjindi, Be Market, Boulevard Felix Houphouet Boigny, Immeuble Fiata, Boulevard Circulaire cote ouest, Ancienne Fontaine Lumineuse, Place Anani Santos, RAMCO, Ancien SGGG, Koumore Street, Palm Beach Hotel, Boulevard de la Republique and the Ancien Palais de la Presidence cote plage. The agitation has been launched to demand constitutional, institutional and electoral reforms in the country. The aforementioned march is anticipated to be well attended due to the number of opposition political parties involved, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC) and the Socialist Pact for Renewal (PSR). A demonstration led by the ANC on 4 April, was marred by violent clashes between protesters and security forces; therefore the possibility of further violent clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. In addition, localised road travel disruptions should be expected along the affected roads and adjoining streets through the course of the day. Clients in Lome on 21 May should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

BOLIVIA (EL ALTO) - The Federation of Neighbourhood Committees (Fejuve) in El Alto, has called for a general strike and associated protests in El Alto,Bolivia, on 23 May. The agitation is in protest against an increase in the price of bread and attempts to increase the price of public transport fares. Protesters have also threatened to block major roads in the city. It is unclear how well supported the strike will be; nonetheless, disruptions to business operations and public transport services should be anticipated. Disruptions to road travel in should also be expected in El Alto as a result of the protests and road blockades. There is a risk of low-level violence at all protests in Bolivia. Clients in El Alto on 23 May are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions as a result of the strike and associated street protests.

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