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

UNITED STATES (UNITED ARILINES) / AFRICA - United Airlines will end service between Houston and Lagos, Nigeria, the carrier's only route to Africa, after June 30. The carrier sent a note to employees this week saying the route "has been underperforming financially for several years." United continued to invest in it in deference to Houston-based corporate customers. The downturn in the oil industry, however, has depleted Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, and airlines have found it difficult to repatriate funds from the nation, according to the International Air Transport Association. Customers can reach Lagos via Star Alliance partner Lufthansa. Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, will become the only major U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service to Africa.

ICELAND (KEFLAVIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Travel disruptions are possible at Iceland's Keflavik International Airport, from 31 May until 4 June, due to scheduled upgrades of the facility's automated baggage handling system. All passenger luggage will reportedly be sorted by hand during this period, which may lead to associated travel delays at the facility. Although airport officials have implemented contingency plans in order to mitigate any resultant delays, passengers have been advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flights. Persons scheduled to transit Keflavik International Airport during the aforementioned period are advised to contact their travel provider(s) for an update on the status of services. Allowances should be made for potential delays at the airport.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers holding reservations through Iceland's Keflavik International Airport, from 31 May until 4 June who were ticketed through ATG.

FRENCH POLYNESIA (AIR TAHITI) - (Update) Disruptions to Air Tahiti flight services are expected to continue in French Polynesia, as unionised workers and the airline failed to resolve a deadlock in negotiations, on 31 May. The strike action has now entered its third consecutive week following agitations due to potential job cuts. Several domestic and regional flights have been cancelled or delayed. Affected services to the islands of Mo'orea, Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, Austral Islands, the Tuamotu atolls and Gambier Island have been reported since 13 May. It is currently unclear when normal schedules for flight services will resume. Negotiations between the unions and Air Tahiti are said to continue following previous failed attempts to reach an agreement; the latest negotiation was held on 29 May. Further disruptions to flight services are anticipated. The strike action may reportedly extend for another month; however, it should be noted that the ongoing strike may be cancelled or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to utilise Air Tahiti flight services in French Polynesia are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s).

FRANCE (PUBLIC TRANSPORT STRIKES) - Union-led strikes are set to cause countrywide disruptions to public transport services in France between 2 and 5 June. The strikes form a part the ongoing protest campaign against proposed labour reforms, as well as associated industry specific labour-related grievances. The strikes are set to affect all public transport services, including bus, rail, metro, and air services. Unionised employees of transport operators, RAPT and SNCF, are set to observe an indefinite strike from 2 June; and civil aviation employees and associated unions are scheduled to stage a three-day strike from 3 June. Strikes and demonstrations affecting France's transport services have been a frequent occurrence in recent months, amid the ongoing anti-labour reform campaigns. Previous related strikes have been well observed and resulted in significant disruptions to public transport services. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is likely on the aforementioned affected period. Due to the ongoing nature of the campaign and associated labour grievances, further related industrial actions and demonstrations are expected to persist for the short- to medium-term. In the event of associated protests, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. It should be noted that the upcoming strikes may be cancelled, suspended, or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons in France during the aforementioned period are advised to anticipate disruptions to public transport services. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and contact their travel provider(s) for further information on the status of services and possible travel alternatives.

BOLIVIA (TRANSPORT SECTOR STRIKE) - Members of the Transporte Pesado de Chuquisaca union launched a countrywide strike action in Bolivia on 30 May. Reports indicate that the agitation has continued on 1 June. Truck drivers have used their carriers to install blockades in the capital, La Paz, as well as in Santa Cruz, Tarija, Sucre and Guayaramerin. The blockades have caused significant disruptions to travel in the affected areas. Reports indicate that blockades were installed in Santa Cruz on the Old Road to Santa Cruz (Highway 17), and between Camiri and Santa Cruz, on 31 May. Unconfirmed reports indicate that thousands of carriers have blocked road routes across the country. The agitation has been launched due to numerous issues regarding tax reforms. As negotiations between the Transporte Pesado de Chuquisaca union and the Deputy Minister of Tax Policy, Susana Rios, are ongoing, the strike action may be cancelled, suspended, or extended on an ad hoc basis. The strike is expected to proceed peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level confrontations between union members and security forces cannot be discounted. Furthermore, significant disruptions to travel are anticipated along major transport routes in the aforementioned areas. Persons in Bolivia in the near-term are advised to anticipate disruptions to road travel. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and contact their travel provider(s) for further information on the status of services and possible travel alternatives. Additionally, clients are advised to avoid any strike-related gatherings as a precaution.

NIGERIA (LASSA FEVER) - (Update) A countrywide outbreak of Lassa fever continues unabated in Nigeria as of 31 May. Recent reports indicate that as many as 149 related-deaths have been recorded in the country since late August 2015. Moreover, there have been 273 cases of infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly dispatched teams to the country to assist the authorities in containing the disease. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus. The virus is carried by rodents and transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent excreta. The onset of disease is gradual, with fever, vomiting and retrosternal pain. Signs and symptoms of Lassa fever typically occur one to three weeks after the patient comes into contact with the virus. As the symptoms of Lassa fever are so varied and nonspecific, clinical diagnosis is often difficult. Symptoms of Lassa fever often include a slight fever, general malaise and weakness, headaches, haemorrhaging and respiratory distress. If untreated, the disease is often fatal. Persons in Nigeria are advised to take precautions against contracting the disease, such as avoiding contact with mice and practicing good hygiene. Furthermore, clients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are experienced. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of north eastern and southern states, while heightened caution is advised in the rest of the country.

YEMEN (MA'RIB & SHABWAH GOVERNORATES & SHARED YEMEN-SAUDI ABRABIA BORDER) - (Update) Fighting between Houthi fighters and military forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi is ongoing in the vicinity of Bayhan al Qisab in the Shabwah governorate and Sirwah, located east of the city of Ma'rib in Ma'rib governorate. Media reports on 31 May, citing Yemeni military sources, indicated that 38 people had been killed in clashes in the area over the past 24 hours. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen on 30 May. The fighting persists despite an April ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed Hadi government. The prospect for a peace agreement remains slim despite ongoing talks between the sides. The fighting in the Ma'rib and Shabwah governorates, and sporadic cross-border violence along the shared northern Yemen and southern Saudi Arabia border, continues to undermine the talks. Coinciding with these developments, Islamist extremists continue to pose a lingering threat in southern and south eastern areas of the country and are likely to continue to target state facilities and personnel. Southern Popular Resistance militias are also present in many southern areas, which are nominally under the control of pro-Hadi forces. The presence of these forces also continues to undermine the overall security environment. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be updated or reviewed in conjunction with a security provider.

UGANDA (KAMPALA) - Detained opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, is set to appear before the Nakawa High Court in Uganda's capital, Kampala, on 1 June. Besigye was arrested and charged with treason on 11 May after he staged a presidential inauguration ceremony for himself, a day before incumbent president Yoweri Museveni was scheduled to take his official oath of office. Given current political tensions in the country, as well as the gravity of the charge laid against Besigye, there is an elevated risk of unrest during and after court proceedings. It should be noted that unconfirmed reports suggest that the hearing may be relocated due to security concerns. Although Besigye's party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has yet to announce any planned demonstrations, the Nakawa High Court may serve as a focal point for protests related to his arrest and subsequent treason indictment. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a number of Besigye supporters were arrested on 28 and 29 May for distributing apparel emblazoned with the opposition figure's face. Local media assert that they were arrested for attempting to promote anti-social protests ahead of Besigye's hearing. It should be noted that the government has previously banned all FDC-related activities. The government's response to pro-Besigye actions only serves to further increase tensions in the country. The emotive nature of Besigye's indictment, coupled with the forcible response of security forces to incidents of dissent, may result in clashes between police and protesters during possible opposition unrest on 1 June. Persons in Uganda on 1 June are advised to monitor local for announcements of opposition protests, as well as related advisories from the authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protests, should they occur.

VENEZUELA (CARACAS) - Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has called for a protest march in the capital, Caracas, on 1 June. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza Morelos de Bellas Artes and proceed to Palacio de Miraflores; the exact time of protest is unknown. The protest has been organised against the secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, following his call for an urgent OAS meeting to discuss the political situation in Venezuela. Almagro has repeatedly called for the imposition of the OAS Democratic Charter amid Venezuela's ongoing political crisis; should his case proceed, Venezuela could potentially be suspended from the organisation. Meanwhile, amid the country's elevated political tensions, Venezuela's economic situation has worsened and incidents of anti-government civil unrest and looting continue to be reported, including in the wider Caracas area. On 31 May, related incidents were reported in the Catia and Petare areas, as well as La Urbina where the military was deployed. The incidents in Petare and La Urbina resulted in significant disruptions, including the temporary blockade of the capital's main Francisco Fajardo highway. Anti-government agitation is expected to persist in the near- to medium-term, and may coincide with the Maduro-led protest on 1 June. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of violence at all protests in Venezuela. Associated disruptions should be anticipated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Venezuela, including Caracas, due to ongoing political instability and related insecurity. Clients intending to travel to Caracas should monitor related developments and avoid all street protests, including the protest on 1 June, as well as concentrations of security forces. Furthermore, travel with a trusted local contact or trained security driver should be considered.

MEXICO (MEXICO CITY & OAXACA, GUERRERO, MICHOACAN & CHIAPAS STATES) - (Update) Teachers affiliated with the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) have called for further protests associated with an ongoing strike in a number of Mexico's southern states. On 1 June, participants are expected to march to the Senate of the Republic on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in the capital, Mexico City, at 10:00 local time. A protest will also be held in the capital on 3 June; protesters are expected to march to Benito Juarez International Airport, following a press conference scheduled for 10:00 local time. In addition to the planned protests in Mexico City, demonstrations, including road blockades are expected in the strike-affected states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacan and Chiapas, from 1 to 3 June. The strike was launched on 15 May over education reforms and lay-offs; it is unclear when the action will conclude. It should be noted that this strike and associated protests, have resulted in significant disruptions along major roads in the affected states, as protesting teachers have erected road blockades along major thoroughfares, as part of the agitation. Although the recent protests have been largely peaceful to date, the possibility of isolated skirmishes at any upcoming protests, cannot be discounted. Clients in Mexico City from 1 to 3 June should avoid all street protests and should make allowances for localised disruptions near protest-affected areas. Clients in the strike-affected states over the near-term should monitor local media for updates on related developments and protests. Furthermore, it should be noted that heightened caution is advised across Mexico due to the threats of crime and kidnapping, and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict.

COLOMBIA (HUILA DEPARTMENT) - (Update) Reports indicate that security forces were deployed to parts of the Huila department, in Colombia, amid an ongoing protest action on 1 June. Protesters erected roadblocks between the towns of Bruselas and Pitalito, as well as the city of Neiva, in the Huila department on 31 May. Police officers were deployed to the scenes and proceeded to clear the road and restore order. Security forces have been called on to bring calm to areas affected by the protests and to deter any further disturbances. Authorities have stated that several officials, including ministers, will travel to regions where communities have requested dialogue. The demonstrations and associated protests were organised under the banner of The Agrarian, Ethnic, Rural and Popular Assembly, to protest a number of social, political and environmental grievances. These include land dispossession by paramilitary forces and as a result of mining contracts, as well as the killing of indigenous social leaders and the generally poor levels of security in the country. Further protests are expected in the coming days. As such, localised disruptions are anticipated in all affected areas. The risk of violence at the demonstrations is assessed to be low; however, the possibility of skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Colombia in the near-term are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions. Additionally, clients are advised to follow all directives issued by local authorities.

CROATIA (ZAGREB) - Education unions and activist groups will hold a demonstration in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, on 1 June. The demonstration has been called in protest against proposed education reforms. The demonstration also forms part of an international campaign for better access and improvement of education, with associated protests expected in France, Hungary, UK and Romania. Participants are expected to gather at the Ban Jelacic Square from 18:00 local time. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of incidents of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Attendance is expected to be high; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the Ban Jelacic Square. Persons in Zagreb are advised to avoid the vicinity of the demonstration if possible and to keep itineraries flexible in order to accommodate localised disruptions.

MACEDONIA (SKOPJE) - Anti-government protests have been reported in Macedonia's capital, Skopje, on 1 June. Protesters are said to have begun gathering at several intersections in the capital since 12:00 local time; affected intersections include those surrounding the Church of Saint Clement of Ohrid, as well as the Court Palace, Kocho Racin and Macedonia boulevards. An associated mass demonstration is also expected outside the office of the Special Public Prosecutor, from 18:00. This is the latest in a series of anti-government demonstrations held in the country, including in the capital, in recent weeks, with an associated protest having taken place on 31 May. The demonstrations have increasingly been marred by incidents of civil unrest, including clashes between police and participants and vandalism of government buildings. The possibility of the latest demonstrations being affected by such incidents cannot be discounted. Attendance at the protests is expected to be high; as such, localised disruptions are anticipated. An escalation in anti-government protest activity across the country is expected in the coming days ahead of the parliamentary elections to be held on 5 June. Persons in Skopje are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protest activity. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.

GEORGIA (TBILISI, KUTAISI, RUSTAVI) - Students and activists are set to stage a demonstration calling for the decriminalisation of narcotics for personal and medicinal use in the capital, Tbilisi, on 2 June. The demonstration will be held in front of the Chancellery of Government building, on Paul Ingorovka Street, from 18:00 local time. Related demonstrations will also take place in Kutaisi and Rustavi. The demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully; however, localised travel disruptions can be expected in the vicinity of the march-affected venue. Clients in Brazil are advised to check local media for further information on the planned demonstrations. Clients are generally advised to avoid all public gatherings as a precaution and should anticipate road travel delays in the vicinity of protest-affected sites.

PAKISTAN (SINDH PROVINCE) - Pakistan's electoral commission has announced the deployment of large numbers of law enforcement personnel to polling stations in the Karachi and Naushahro Feroze districts, both located in Sindh province, to provide security during provincial by-elections on 2 June. A number of polling stations have been declared as sensitive to political unrest in these districts, namely the PS-106 (Azizabad, Hussain Abad, and Liaquatabad), PS-117 (Soldier Bazar, Pakistan Quarters, Lasbela, PIB Colony, and Patel Para), and PS-22 (Padidan, Cheeho, and Miranpur) constituencies. The elevated security presence therefore seeks to mitigate the threat of unrest. A public holiday has been declared in Karachi and Naushahro Feroze on the polling day. As such, the polling stations are anticipated to be well attended. Moreover, the possibility of demonstrations triggered by political issues is possible. Violence at such protest gatherings cannot be discounted and may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Furthermore, the aforementioned heightened security presence is likely to cause travel disruptions in the affected areas. Persons in Sindh province on 2 June are advised to avoid all election-related facilities, as well as any related demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel delays in the vicinity of any polling stations. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of areas in Pakistan, including Sindh province, due to the threat of terrorism.

ISRAEL (TEL AVIV) - The Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 3 June. The gathering will start at Meir Garden and then proceed towards Charles Clore Park. The Tel Aviv pride parade has attracted increasingly large numbers of people in recent years. Road closures and travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of all pride-related events on 3 June. There are no overt security threats to the event, and parades in recent years have proceeded without major incident. While minor counter-protests against the parade remain possible, none have been announced as yet. Clients operating in Tel Aviv on 3 June should plan for possible road travel delays. Travellers in or near parade-related events should exercise a normal level of personal security awareness. Should counter-protests develop, affected areas should be avoided.

UGANDA (NAMUGONGO, CENTRAL REGION) - Security measures have been elevated in Namugongo, located in Uganda's Central Region, ahead of the country's Martyrs' Day commemorations on 3 June. The increased measures, which will likely result in localised travel disruptions, include the deployment of additional security forces, random security checks, and the implementation of an exclusion zone for motor vehicles. Given the expected influx of pilgrims to Namugongo, associated disruptions to travel and business operations in the town are also anticipated. Security in Uganda is routinely increased on significant religious and/or commemorative days, following coordinated large-scale bomb attacks in the capital, Kampala, in July 2010. The attacks, claimed by the Somalia-based Islamist extremist group, al-Shabaab, were executed in retaliation to the country's ongoing participation in the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). The group has continued to threaten attacks within Ugandan territory; given the religious orientation of Martyrs' Day events, the possibility that these gatherings could be targeted by extremist groups cannot be discounted. In addition, there is an elevated threat of petty crime, as large crowds attending these events provide ample cover from which thieves may operate. Persons in Namugongo on 3 June are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, particularly near the town's shrines, as well as other high-risk areas, such as crowded marketplaces, public transport hubs, and entertainment establishments. All suspicious persons, packages, and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. In addition, clients are advised to plan accordingly for travel disruptions due to road closures and route diversions.

SINGAPORE (SINGAPORE) - The International Institute for Security Studies (IISS)'s Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), is scheduled to be held in Singapore from 3 to 5 June. The event will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel, located on 22 Orange Grove Road. Although there are no security concerns associated with this event, security is likely to be considerably heightened before and during the event as defence ministers, military chiefs, and heads of states are scheduled to attend. Localised travel delays are highly probable, especially on Orange Grove Road. Roadblocks and security checkpoints are likely in the vicinity of the hotel, including on Anderson Road, as well as on parts of Stevens Road. Increased security at ports of entry into the country, such as at Singapore Changi Airport, are anticipated. Persons in Singapore from 3 to 5 June should anticipate travel disruptions in the above-mentioned areas and should plan accordingly. Clients should keep flexible itineraries due to possible delays at ports of entry and increased security checks.

MONGOLIA - Parliamentary elections are set to take place in Mongolia on 29 June. Election-related events and rallies, particularly in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, are anticipated in the period leading up to the election day. Protests during this period, as well as in the days following the release of the election results, are possible. Parliamentary election results in 2008 were marred by rumours of corruption, which sparked riots in the capital of Mongolia. The unrest left several casualties and resulted in the imposition of a four-day state of emergency. Elections in 2012 passed relatively peacefully; however, an economic slowdown since 2012 and a high unemployment rate have sparked a degree of discontent with the government. Furthermore, protests by supporters of smaller parties are possible; these small parties claim to have been marginalised by recent changes to election rules. The changes involve reverting back to a majoritarian voting system, which will encourage smaller parties to join major political blocs. The decision will also mean approximately 150,000 Mongolians living abroad will not be able to vote as they are not registered with a constituency. No demonstrations have been called for as yet; however, protests usually occur sporadically in Mongolia. Rallies and election-related events are likely to cause travel disruptions in the affected areas. Clients in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, in the period leading up to the elections on 29 June, as well as the days following election results, should monitor local developments closely and avoid all demonstrations and related gatherings as a standard precaution.

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