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

UNITED KINGDOM / IRELAND (CITY JET) - City Jet is axing its London City to Cork service from June due to poor demand. The service was launched in October last year with 18 flights per week. But the carrier's executive chairman Pat Byrne admitted that "In contrast to what we believed to be well-founded optimism when we launched this route last year, we are faced with the reality that demand for this service has simply not taken hold in terms of sustainable commercial viability".

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on City Jet who were ticketed through ATG.

INDONESIA (LION AIR) - All Lion Air domestic and international flights operating at Soekarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, were suspended on 18 May. The suspension, expected to continue until 18 June, comes amid sanctions imposed by the Transportation Ministry due to immigration violations. At least 217 flights have been affected by the suspension of operations. Passengers aboard an international Lion Air flight, travelling from Singapore to Jakarta, were reportedly taken through the domestic arrivals terminal at Soekarno Hatta Airport, instead of the international terminal on 10 May, constituting an unlawful and negligent practice. Additional flight disruptions, including delays are expected to persist. In addition, increased demand on other carriers is also expected. Clients scheduled to travel with Lion Air are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to enquire about the status of their travel arrangements.

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on Lion Air who were ticketed through ATG.

FRANCE (NANTES ATLANTIQUE AIRPORT) - Early reports indicate that a blockade has been set up at Nantes Atlantique Airport in France on 27 May. The incident has caused significant delays to both international and domestic flights operating at the airport. The agitation forms part of an ongoing union-led anti-labour reform campaign, with a number of protests and strikes having been held in recent weeks. It should be noted that as mediation efforts are ongoing, the blockade may be lifted on an ad hoc basis. Although airport authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to attempt to mitigate the impact of the blockades; flight disruptions and cancellations are likely to continue throughout the day. Clients scheduled to transit France in the near-term are advised to contact the airport or their travel provider for further information regarding possible disruptions to their flight schedule(s).

JAPAN (HANEDA AIRPORT) - A Korean Air commercial aircraft was evacuated at Haneda Airport in Japan's capital, Tokyo, on 27 May after an engine caught fire. There were no casualties reported. Media reports indicate that operations at the airport were briefly suspended. Travellers should anticipate some disruptions to flight schedules throughout the remainder of the day. Clients intending to travel via the airport on 27 May should contact their travel provider or airline for further updates on the status of their flight(s).

UNITED STATES (TEXAS, KANSAS, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA & IOWA) - The National Weather Service (NWS) in the US has issued Flash Flood Warning, Flash Flood Watch and Flood Warning alerts for central and eastern Texas, eastern Kansas, north western Missouri, south eastern Nebraska and south western Iowa on 27 May. The anticipated adverse weather may result in heavy rainfall and some localised flooding in the affected areas over the near-term. Disruptions to road and air travel may occur as could power supply interruptions. Clients in the affected areas should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in flooded areas of flood-prone regions. Travellers should cater for potential air and/or road travel disruptions.

FIJI (NDOI ISLAND) - A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck 19km south of Ndoi Island, in Fiji, on 27 May. No immediate damage or casualties have been reported as yet. No tsunami warnings have been issued. Given the magnitude of the earthquake, aftershocks should be anticipated in the coming hours. Further damage to infrastructure and casualties are anticipated in light of the strength of the earthquake. Disruptions to transport services and other utilities are expected. Clients in Fiji on 27 May are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcasting channels for regular updates. Additionally, clients are advised to follow all directives given by authorities in the affected areas. Road travellers should confirm all scheduled services with their travel provider.

EGYPT (MINYA GOVERNORATE) - Communal violence was reported in Minya governorate, central Egypt, on 20 May. The violence involved attacks by suspected Muslim residents on Christian residential property and persons in the village of al-Karm. The attacks were sparked by allegations of an extramarital affair between a Christian and Muslim. On 26 May, the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II, called for calm, and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a statement urging the police to arrest the perpetrators. Sectarian tensions between the minority Coptic Christian community and the majority Muslim population regularly evolve into disruptive violent unrest, targeted attacks or clashes. Cities and towns between Luxor and the capital, Cairo, particularly those located in the Sohag, Assiut, Qena and Minya governorates, have been regularly affected by low-level acts of violence and periodic bursts of extensive religiously motivated violence. In some governorates in this general area (outside of the primary urban centres and tourist zones), the authorities have restricted travel by foreign nationals. Clients travelling between Luxor and Cairo, particularly in rural areas and in Minya governorate, should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All large public gatherings should be avoided. Local cultural and religious sensibilities should be respected, and local dress and behavioural norms adhered too.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - (Update) At least two people were reportedly killed in Goma, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) North Kivu province, following clashes between protesters and security forces on 26 May. Although unconfirmed, the skirmishes are said to have occurred after a demonstrator attempted to grab the firearm of a local police officer. Elsewhere in the country, security forces used teargas to disperse crowds in the capital, Kinshasa, after demonstrators reportedly deviated from their scheduled protest route. Further reports indicate that protest action in Mbandaka (Equateur province), Lubumbashi (Katanga province), Kisangani (Orientale province), and Beni and Bukavu (South Kivu province) concluded without major incident. It should be noted that several protest gatherings in the country were reportedly prevented from taking place; police were deployed early on the day to disperse unsanctioned demonstrations in a number of areas. The aforementioned protests on 26 May formed part of a countrywide agitation against a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court that incumbent president, Joseph Kabila, could remain in office beyond his mandate, if the country's forthcoming presidential elections were delayed. Opposition activists are concerned that Kabila may attempt to extend his term in office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, and that he may seek to purposefully delay the November elections as a result of the court's ruling. Given ongoing political tensions in the country, further related protest action is possible in the near-term. Precedent suggests that due to the emotive nature of such demonstrations, as well as the propensity of police to respond forcibly to incidents of dissent, there is a credible threat of clashes at protests. Such unrest poses an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons operating in the DRC in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on forthcoming demonstrations, as well as related advisories from the authorities. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are reminded that, due to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups, all travel to a number of eastern provinces is advised against. In addition, heightened caution should be exercised in the rest of the DRC, including Kinshasa, due to the high risks of crime and civil unrest.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - According to reports on 27 May, a number of Indian-owned businesses were attacked in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, on 23 and 25 May. Although unconfirmed, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asserted that the attacks may have been linked to the recent killing of a Congolese national in India's capital, Delhi, late on 20 May. At least two Indian nationals were reportedly wounded in the apparent reprisal attacks in Kinshasa. Further details regarding events on 23 and 25 May have not been disclosed. Masonda Ketada Oliver, a Congolese national, was reportedly killed by a Delhi resident following an altercation over rickshaw fees on 20 May. Local media reports indicate that the incident appeared to be criminally motivated; however, a number of Congolese nationals assert that Olivier was targeted in the attack due to his nationality. Although India's MEA has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of foreign nationals in India, particularly those of African descent, it is unclear whether their response will alleviate current tensions in Kinshasa. As such, should the recent attacks on Indian nationals prove to be related to Oliver's death, the possibility of further related incidents cannot be discounted. Persons operating in Kinshasa in the near-term are advised to monitor local media, in order to remain cognisant of local developments. All establishments and/or areas that have recently been affected by violence should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are reminded that heightened caution is advised in Kinshasa due to the high risk of crime and civil unrest.

BELGIUM (COUNTRYWIDE) - Unionised rail workers are set to observe a countrywide 24-hour strike action in Belgium on 30 and 31 May. Rail services, including regional, intercity and inner city services, are expected to be significantly disrupted from 22:00 local time on 30 May. International rail services are not expected to be affected. Unions have called for the action with regards to a long-running dispute with the national rail operator, SNCB, regarding wages and rail productivity. An increased demand for alternate forms of transport should be anticipated. Furthermore, due to the ongoing nature of the unions' grievances, future strike action is highly likely. Clients intending to make use of SNCB rail services during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact the rail operator directly, or their travel provider, to confirm the status of services.

SPAIN (BARCELONA) - (Update) Civil society groups and youth activists are expected to continue unauthorised protests and a campaign of civil disobedience in Barcelona, during the evenings of 26, 27 and possibly 28 May. The protests were initially sparked by the eviction of a group of long-term squatters from an abandoned bank branch in the Gracia district on 23 May; protests have since escalated. The protests are expected to focus on the Gracia district; however, related unrest was also reported in the Nou Barris district of the city for the first time on 25 May. A large police deployment was reported outside the aforementioned bank, located on Travessera de Gracia, on 25 May; a similar deployment is expected on 26 May. In addition, an elevated police presence should be expected throughout the district, particularly in Plaza de la Revolucion. Related protest action is also possible in the Nou Barris district and the Sants area of the city. Protests overnight on 25/26 May resulted in six injured police officers, five injured protesters and one arrest. Protests related to social issues, including housing, have previously escalated into violence in Barcelona. In May 2014, consecutive nights of protest erupted after authorities evicted a group of youths from the Can Vies social centre; numerous injuries and arrests were reported. It should be noted that the third night of violence has come despite a significantly increased police presence in the Gracia area; the heightened security measures have been insufficient to deter groups of youths from gathering, erecting barricades and damaging property, particularly bank fronts. Accordingly, further incidents of disruptive behaviour cannot be ruled out in the coming days. Clients are advised to remain cautious when travelling to the Gracia and Nou Barris districts of Barcelona and to follow any advisories issued by local authorities.

IRAQ (BAGHDAD) - Anti-government protests are anticipated in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 27 May. Ahead of the planned events, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has appealed to protest organisers to cancel the planned gatherings in light of the ongoing military assault in Fallujah, located west of the capital. Protesters, who have gathered regularly on recent Fridays to call for an end to corruption and for political reforms, typically gather in central Baghdad near the Green Zone or Tahrir Square. It is unclear if the protesters will abide by the prime minister's appeal. Al-Abadi is widely unpopular despite his support for the demands of the protesters. The protests have been relatively peaceful in recent weeks; however, on 20 May, protesters stormed the Green Zone. Subsequent clashes with police resulted in a number of casualties. Further violence is possible should the protests proceed. In addition, protesters may also gather in cities and towns in southern Iraq on 27 May, as they have done so in the past, coinciding with the Baghdad gatherings. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad governorate due to elevated terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime risks. Persons operating in the city on 27 May should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Heightened vigilance is also

NEPAL - Nepal will commemorate its annual Republic Day on 28 May, with festivities taking place from 27 to 29 May. Numerous rallies and events are expected across the country during the celebratory period. There is also a possibility of protests by supporters of various political parties and ethnic groups. Security is likely to be heightened for the duration of the commemorations. Republic Day marks the day the Constituent Assembly (CA), elected in 2008, declared the country as a republic and abolished a 240-year-old monarchy. Political tensions are currently high in Nepal following weeks of disruptive protests in the capital, Kathmandu, as well as in cities throughout the country. The demonstrations have been led by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), a coalition of four political parties representing ethnic Madhesi interests from the southern Terai region (which generally encompasses the lowland provinces along the shared border with India). The UDMF are unhappy with government-proposed amendments to the constitution, and are demanding the redrafting of a new constitution, on the grounds that the proposed concessions fail to adequately address Madhesi grievances and represent their interests. While no UDMF protests have been announced to coincide with Republic Day commemorations, the possibility of related gatherings and protests is considered elevated at this time. Clients in Nepal during the forthcoming commemorative period should exercise heightened security awareness and remain cognisant of the current political tensions. Political developments should be monitored closely and all gatherings, protests or demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

BANGLADESH - (Update) The next round of local government elections is set to be held in various parts of Bangladesh on 28 May, with the final round taking place on 4 June. Security is expected to be significantly elevated in areas affected by polls. Local elections in Bangladesh have regularly been marred by incidents of politically motivated violence in the past; more specifically, tensions remain elevated, particularly between the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), following the BNP-boycotted January 2014 general election. Previous polls during March, April and May resulted incidents of politically motivated violence between opposing groups of supporters, as well as between police and demonstrators. Cumulatively, the violence left up to 70 people dead; most recently, in the latest round of elections on 7 May, six people were killed in election-related violence. Given these dynamics, further violence should be anticipated in the coming days, especially on 28 May and 4 June. Persons already in the country, or planning to travel there during the scheduled election period, are advised to avoid all large political gatherings and polling stations as a precaution. Local developments should be monitored closely.

AZERBAIJAN & ARMENIA - Azerbaijan and Armenia are expected to commemorate Republic Day, (also known as First Republic Day) on 28 May. Festivities are expected to encompass parades, cultural events, flag-raising ceremonies, military drills as well as increased security measures, and will likely be concentrated in Armenia's capital, Yerevan as well as Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Republic Day commemorates Azerbaijan and Armenia's declaration of independence from the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, a committee founded by the Russian government. The day marks the establishment of both Democratic Republics respectively, on 28 May 1918. Increased security measures, such as an increased police presence and street cordons are expected to be implemented in larger urban centres. Heightened security measures may also lead to traffic disruptions and travel delays. Travel disruptions and restrictions should be anticipated near primary thoroughfares, public squares and state facilities, where commemorations are likely to be held. In addition, there is an elevated threat of petty crime, as large crowds attending these events provide ample cover from which thieves may operate. Although there have been no indications that anti-government elements may seek to disrupt events or target government facilities or personnel during the events, anti-government protests remain possible in both countries, where anti-government sentiment is high, due to ongoing social, economic and political grievances. Furthermore, an escalation of hostilities in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region near the shared border, has been reported in recent months. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory, but is claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and occupied by Armenian troops. Due to the prominence of the day and its shared significance, an escalation in cross-border hostilities remains possible. Clients in Armenia and Azerbaijan are advised to exercise heightened caution, monitor local media for information regarding related events and to avoid any events or gatherings associated with Republic Day. Possible transport and business disruptions should be anticipated on 28 May. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the greater Nagorno-Karabakh region due to the unresolved conflict and the continuation of sporadic clashes. In addition, unexploded and unmarked ordnance occasionally result in both military and civilian casualties.

TURKEY (ISTANBUL) - Pro-Palestine activists are expected to embark upon a protest march in Istanbul, Turkey, on 28 May. The event is scheduled to commence at 18:00 local time in the vicinity of Taksim Square and proceed through Istiklal Avenue to Galatasaray High School, located in the Beyoglu area of the city. Previous pro-Palestinian protests in Turkey have been well supported. As such, the event is expected to be well-attended. Localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest-affected sites. While the protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Additional police deployments are anticipated in the vicinity of the affected areas as a precaution against unrest. Clients in Istanbul are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and related gatherings as a standard precaution. The planned protest march is likely to result in localised travel disruptions, as such clients are advised to plan accordingly.

ZIMBABWE (BULAWAYO) - Opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T), has called for a mass demonstration in Bulawayo, in Zimbabwe, on 28 May. The demonstration is reportedly set to start at the Bulawayo City Hall at 10:00 local time and end at the King Lobengula Kraal along Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue at 14:00 local time. The action has been called to protest against the perceived ineptitude of incumbent president, Robert Mugabe, and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), in addressing the country's ongoing economic crisis and unemployment issues, among several other grievances. Further details regarding the protests are unavailable at present. Although the upcoming sanctioned protest is intended to conclude peacefully, the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Such unrest poses an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Road travel disruptions during the rally are possible. Persons in Bulawayo on 28 May are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of demonstration sites on the day.

NIGERIA - On 29 May, Nigeria is expected to celebrate Democracy Day, an annual event that marks the county's return to democracy in 1999. Possible celebrations are likely to continue on 30 May, which has been declared a public holiday. The day is likely to be commemorated with rallies, parades and other public events on both 29 and 30 May. Events are generally centred on the capital, Abuja, and other major cities such as Lagos. Heightened security measures are anticipated in and around public gatherings and commemorative events. Although no protests have been announced as yet, the possibility of anti-government protests on the day cannot be discounted. Further protests regarding the controversial recent fuel price increases may also be expected. Incidents of civil unrest between police and demonstrators are regularly reported in Nigeria. Furthermore, Nigeria continues to host an elevated terrorist threat from Islamist extremists. Terrorist activity is mainly reported in Nigeria's north eastern states; although terrorist organisations, specifically Boko Haram, have exhibited both the intent and operational capacity to execute assaults outside of their traditional areas of operation, including in the cities of Abuja and Lagos. As such, the possibly of attacks on the above-mentioned dates cannot be entirely discounted. Commemorative gatherings and other related festivities are likely to cause significant disruptions to business and transportation services across the country. Clients in Nigeria on 29 and 30 May should anticipate and plan for possible travel disruptions. Clients are further advised to exercise caution and heightened security awareness, particularly at venues where celebrations will take place, as well as in other high-risk areas, such as crowded marketplaces, public transport hubs and entertainment establishments. All commemorative events and related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Please note that due to a number of ongoing security concerns, heightened caution is advised in Nigeria, non-essential travel is advised in some parts of the country, while all travel is advised against in other parts.

INDIA (JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - The separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference's (APHC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led faction has called for a demonstration on 29 May, and a shutdown strike, locally known as a 'bandh', on 30 May. These actions are reportedly set to occur in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir state, in India. APHC leaders are said to have called for the demonstration in Shopian town, located some 50km south of Srinagar, following midday prayers. The strike and demonstration have been called to mark the sixth anniversary of the alleged rape and deaths of two local Muslim women by Indian security forces. The upcoming strike and protests are expected to be well attended; as such, they will likely prompt widespread business closures and transport interruptions in the Shopian district. In addition to these actions, the strike and demonstration may gather more support, as they coincide with recent agitation regarding local socio-political issues. These agitations previously initiated a shutdown strike on 26 May. It should be noted that the threat of violence occurring at any related protests is considered elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons in the region on 29 and 30 May should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Clients should also confirm all scheduled transportation services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority, and adjust itineraries to cater for potential travel delays.

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