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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 AIRLINES) / ISRAEL - United Airlines on Thursday announced that it was increasing the frequency of its nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and San Francisco from three a week to one per day. The new daily flights will begin on October 8, 2016 on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners which fly faster, with passengers enjoying larger windows and better ventilation on the planes. The additional flights will operate according to the same timetable as that of the existing flights. Flights will depart Tel Aviv at 12:55 a.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays and land in San Francisco at 6:00 a.m. the same day. The returns will depart San Francisco at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and arrive in Tel Aviv at 8:10 p.m. the following days. While American Airlines canceled its Tel Aviv-Philadelphia route, El Al recently added direct flights to Boston, and European low-cost carrier Ryanair announced new routes between Europe and Eilat's Uvda Airport.

TAIWAN (TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Significant flight disruptions were reported at Taoyuan International Airport, which serves Taiwan's capital, Taipei, due to adverse weather on 2 June. Thunderstorms reportedly delayed as many as 200 flights and resulted in severe traffic congestion in the vicinity of the airport, following reports of flooding. Torrential rainfall also resulted in the overflowing of the Pusin River, which rendered parts of provincial Highway 2 impassable and resulted in flooding inside the airport facility, including Terminal Two. Due to the extensive infrastructural damage reported at the facility, including the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA)'s navigation station, which was reportedly damaged due to lightning, residual disruptions remain possible in the near-term. Additionally, due to drain blockages, traffic to the airport has been re-directed via provincial Highway 4.  Although operations at the facility fully resumed late on 2 June, residual delays are anticipated in the coming hours. Road conditions, particularly along thoroughfares in the vicinity of the airport, are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas and remain subject to partial closures. As it is unclear when the inclement weather conditions will cease, further disruptions to flight services at the airport cannot be discounted. Clients intending to transit the Taoyuan International Airport by air are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or the airport directly for further information on the status of transport services and for travel alternatives. Persons driving in inclement weather conditions are advised to exercise caution and make allowances for road travel disruptions.

We have run a Client Location Report and are rebooking customers who are directly affected by the flight disruptions and who were ticketed through ATG.
 
AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA STATE) - Heavy fog has resulted in the suspension and/or delay of several flights at Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport, located in Australia's south eastern Victoria state, on 3 June. Local media reports indicate that at least 30 domestic flights have been affected by the disruptions, including those operated by Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia Airlines, Tigerair Australia, and Qantas Airways Limited. It is unclear when normal operations at the aforementioned facilities will resume. Weather officials assert that the fog coverage, and related poor visibility, is set to continue until at least 12:00 local time. Clients who are scheduled to transit Melbourne Airport or Avalon Airport in the coming hours are advised to contact their travel provider(s) for an update on the status of their flights. 

We have run a Client Location Report and are rebooking customers who are directly affected by the weather delay and who were ticketed through ATG.

UNITED STATES (TEXAS) - Flooding in Texas has resulted in three confirmed fatalities on 2 June after a rescue vehicle overturned while driving through moving waters in the Fort Hood area. Six other rescue personnel remain missing. Several Flood Warning and Flash Flood Watch alerts for Texas, including for most Central Texas counties, remain in effect, or have been extended, by the The US National Weather Service (NWS). The warnings follow adverse weather, including heavy rainfall, and associated localised flooding in Texas in recent days, which led the authorities to declare a state of disaster in several counties on 1 June. The incident demonstrates the danger of attempting to drive through flood waters. The adverse weather is likely to result in further localised flooding in the coming days. Low-lying areas, particularly those near major rivers, are susceptible to further inundation. Disruptions to road travel and power supply are possible at times.  Clients in the affected areas should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas. Motorists should maintain a heightened level of caution and awareness when driving through flooded or partially flooded routes.  

INDIA (MATHURA) - At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in violent clashes in the city of Mathura, in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, on 2 June. The clashes took place in Jawahar Bagh (Garden), when police attempted to evict the followers of a local guru who had been living their illegally for the past two years. According to reports, approximately 3,000 people had gathered to prevent the police from evicting the squatters. Many of the protesters were armed, resulting in live fire being exchanged between them and police. Approximately half of the fatalities were caused by live ammunition, while the other half were caused by gas cooking cylinders that caught fire during the violence. Police have brought the situation under control, although a security force presence, as well as some residual squatters, remains in the area. This incident underscores the high threat of violence associated with civil unrest in India. Moreover, protests against police brutality are possible in the near-term; these are likely to be highly emotive in light of the high number of casualties associated with the police action. As such, further violence cannot be discounted at any future action. It should also be noted that in the event of further violence, local authorities may impose a curfew or other movement-restrictive measures. Clients in or planning to be in Mathura are advised to monitor local developments closely. All protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided.

ARGENTINA (BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE) - Demonstrations denouncing violence against women are anticipated in various urban centres in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, on 3 June. In the state capital, Buenos Aires, participants are expected to gather at Plaza del Congreso at 17:00 local time. Other protests are expected at Plaza Moreno in La Plata, Plaza de las Fuerzas Armadas in Junin, Plaza de la Merced in Pergamino, Plaza Principal in Chivilcoy and Plaza San Martin in Azul, all beginning at 17:00. Protests are also expected at Plaza Independencia in Tandil and at Plaza Central in Olavarria, at 18:00. The protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions in the vicinity of all protest sites. The risk of violence is low; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected city on 3 June are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate localised disruptions.

INDONESIA (JAKARTA) - A demonstration by hardline Islamist groups and retired army staff is reportedly underway in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 3 June. Protesters gathered at the Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque), located next to Merdeka Square, and are marching to Istana Negara (State Palace), located on Veteran Street. Participants are protesting against the incumbent government's reconciliation attempts over government-led mass killings of communists and other left-wing activists between 1965 and 1956. It is unclear how many people are in attendance, but approximately 300 military generals had previously stated they would participate. Although there have been no reports of violence or major disruptions associated with the rally thus far, it should be noted that among the hardline groups protesting is the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), who have been known to use violent tactics to draw attention to their cause in the past. As such, the possibility of low-level violence occurring during the rally cannot be discounted entirely. Clients currently in Jakarta are advised to monitor local developments and avoid the rally as a standard precaution.

BANGLADESH (DHAKA) - Protest action by unemployed nurses has resumed in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 3 June. The agitation follows an announcement made by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in April about a recruitment process for nurses in public hospitals. The announcement stated that nurses under the age of 36 must take the required test to be considered for recruitment. On 1 June, nurses protested for the cancellation of the test and are reportedly boycotting the test scheduled for today. Protests are taking place at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) campus. Road disruptions are anticipated in the affected area. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced that the writing of the test will continue, albeit with minor changes to the test layout. Although no violence has been reported at today's protest, the protest on 1 June turned violent as police forces clashed with protesters. Two nurses were arrested and at least 50 more people were injured in the clashes. As such, an incidental risk to bystanders remains at the ongoing demonstration. As the issue is yet to be unresolved, future related protests are possible. Clients in Dhaka on 3 June should monitor local media for updates on the protests. Persons are further advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution.

MACEDONIA (SKOPJE) - Road travel disruptions have been reported in Macedonia's capital, Skopje, on 3 June. Judicial administration trade unions and associated organisations are currently staging a strike and associated protests outside the Ministry of Justice building, located on Dimitrie Cupovski Street. The protest has been called due to the failing ongoing negotiations with regard to wages of judicial officials. UPOZ union has indicated that the strike and demonstration will be observed for an indefinite period. While the associated demonstrations, which began on 2 June are currently proceeding peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes occurring cannot be discounted. Further disruptions to road travel in the vicinity of the building are possible for the immediate-term. Persons in Skopje are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and security forces as a precaution. Localised disruptions are anticipated for the immediate-term.

GERMANY (DORTMUND) - Rival demonstrations are expected in Dortmund, Germany, on 4 June. Far-right groups are set to stage a protest march through the city. Due to security concerns relating to the march, authorities have banned the announcement of the proposed march route. Despite this, the march is expected to be met with counter-demonstrations by anti-fascist groups. Anti-fascist groups, such as BlockaDO, will gather at several locales in the city, including at the Dortmunder U (from 11:00 local time) and along Kampstrasse (from 18:00). An increased police presence is expected to accompany the demonstrations. Far-right and anti-fascist groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants and security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstrations in Dortmund cannot be dismissed. The potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time, due to increased tensions relating to the ongoing migrant crisis, and the associated growing anti-Islamic sentiment among far-right organisations in the country. Isolated hate crimes are also possible. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration affected sites. Persons in Dortmund on 4 June are advised to expect an increased police presence in the city and to avoid the vicinity of the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions can be anticipated.

POLAND - A Polish civic organisation, The Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD), is set to hold a number of demonstrations in several major urban areas in Poland on 4 June. The demonstrations have been called to commemorate the 1989 parliamentary elections, which were regarded as the first democratic elections in the country. The largest of these events is expected in the capital, Warsaw, where a march is set to take place. Participants are scheduled to gather at Bank Square (Plac Bankowy) from 16:00 local time and proceed to Constitution Square, where a rally will be held. Associated demonstrations are also expected in Krakow, Lodz, Wroclaw and elsewhere. The demonstrations are anticipated to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Although the protests are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the affected sites. Persons in Poland on 4 June are advised to avoid large street protests as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstrations. For further details regarding the demonstrations, clients can visit the group's social media site (https://goo.gl/Y4L9TW). Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.

MALAYSIA - Agong's Birthday, a ceremonial day in which the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme King) is celebrated, will be commemorated across Malaysia on 4 June. In the capital, Kuala Lumpur, a military parade is expected to take place in the vicinity of Merdeka Square. King Abdul Halim is scheduled to address the public from the Istana Negara Palace, located on Jalan Tunku Abdul Halim. Authorities estimate at least 3,000 people are expected to be in attendance. Road closures associated with celebratory events should be anticipated in urban centres across the country. Agong's Birthday is a Malaysian holiday which takes place annually on the first Saturday of June, in which the incumbent king is celebrated; Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, with an elected monarch. Although not anticipated, upcoming events may serve as a platform for opposing political and civic groups to voice their political and economic grievances. Should such protests occur, they are likely to centre on Kuala Lumpur; the country's security forces have been known to use heavy-handed tactics when dispersing crowds. Heightened security measures should be anticipated in all major cities on 4 June. Such measures may involve increased police presence at strategic locations, additional security checkpoints and road closures. Associated disruptions to business and transport services should be anticipated in major urban centres across the country on 4 June. Clients in Malaysia on 4 June, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, are advised to avoid any politically motivated gatherings as a precaution, and should anticipate road closures and localised traffic disruptions due to the commemorative events.

INDIA (HARYANA STATE) - Protests by members of the Jat community are reportedly scheduled to resume in India's northern state of Haryana on 5 June. The Jat community is demanding reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC) quota, the withdrawal of criminal cases against agitators during the associated February protests, and compensation for the families of those killed during said agitation. Although Jat members have announced that the protests will be village-based, protests across the state are anticipated, and an elevated level of security will be present in Haryana state. The protests may be cancelled or postponed without notice. This will be the latest in a number of protests from Jat members over the past weeks. Members of the Jat community have reportedly stated that no road blocks will be erected; however, given the proximity of the state to the capital, Delhi, road travel disruptions to and from the capital are possible if protesters block highways, as happened in previous demonstrations. Furthermore, Jat members have announced that the protest will be conducted peacefully; however, as previous protests in February were marred by violence and left at least 30 people dead, the possibility of civil unrest at the coming protest is credible. Persons in Haryana state are advised to avoid all protest action, monitor local developments and anticipate localised travel disruptions. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel delays.

MEXICO - Local elections will be held in numerous states in Mexico on 5 June. The local elections are scheduled to take place in the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz and Zacatecas. 12 of these states will also hold gubernatorial elections on the day. Furthermore, the capital, Mexico City, will hold a vote to elect its Constituent Assembly members. The authorities are expected to increase security measures at all polling stations on the day as a precaution against any potential violence. Local elections in Mexico have been marred by violence in the past, where candidates who propose hardline policies to combat cartel-related violence have been targeted. During the current election cycle, at least 21 people linked to political parties and local governments have reportedly been killed since April; however, the motives for most of these are still unclear. Foreign nationals have generally not been targeted or directly affected; however, the possibility of inadvertently being caught in the crossfire remains a concern. Furthermore, although the campaign period for the elections concluded on 1 June, further politically motivated rallies, as well as protests against the pre-election violence, are possible in the affected states. Should these occur, the possibility of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in the above-mentioned states ahead of and on 5 June should avoid all protests and rallies as a standard precaution. Particular caution should be exercised near candidate offices and polling stations. 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.

PERU - The second round of Peru's presidential election will be held on 5 June. The two contenders in the election are Keiko Fujimori of the Fuerza Popular (FP) party, and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski Godard of the centrist Peruanos por el Kambio (PPK) party. Fujimori placed first in the first round of the presidential election on 10 April. The authorities are likely to increase security across the country on the day, particularly at polling stations. Tensions in Peru have been elevated since the disqualification of presidential candidates prior to the first election round; this has been viewed in some quarters as unfairly benefiting Fujimori. In addition, despite Fujimori's victory in the first round of the election, the capital, Lima, has recently been affected by large-scale protests against Fujimori's candidacy, amid a corruption scandal involving members of the FP. Further protests, rallies and campaigns by rival groups should be anticipated in cities and towns across the country, including in Lima, in the run up to and after the election. The upcoming election is expected to be tightly contested; the risk of protests escalating increases should Fujimori win the election. There remains a risk of low-level confrontations at all protest events. Clients in Peru ahead of and during the election period are advised to monitor local media for updates on related developments and potential upcoming events. All protests and demonstrations should be avoided as standard precaution.

SOUTH KOREA - South Korea will observe Memorial Day on 6 June. A ceremony will be held at the National Cemetery, located in the Dongjak-dong area of the capital, Seoul. Heightened security measures are anticipated in the affected area due to the high number of government officials and dignitaries expected to attend the event. Commercial businesses and public facilities are scheduled to remain closed for the duration of the day. At 10:00 local time on 6 June, a siren will sound in cities countrywide; South Koreans are expected to observe a minute of silence. South Korean Memorial Day commemorates those killed while in military service during the Korean War, which occurred between 1950 and 1953. Although security will be at its highest in the immediate surrounds of the National Cemetery, increased security measures throughout South Korea are possible. Heightened measures are expected to include additional security force deployments and road closures in the vicinity of associated events; these are likely to cause localised travel disruptions. Additionally, disruptions to public transport and business services are anticipated as the day is a public holiday. Clients in South Korea are advised to anticipate potential travel and business disruptions on 6 June.

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