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

NORWAY (WESTERN NORWAY - PARTIALLY RESTRICTED AIRSPACE) - Authorities in Norway have partially restricted the airspace over western Norway due to a technical problem, on 14 June; significant flight disruptions have been reported. Initial reports have indicated that a radar control centre in Stavanger had suffered a malfunction. The affected airports include Bergen Airport Flesland and Stavanger Airport Sola, as well as airports in Haugesund, Forde, Floro, Sandane, Sogndal and Stord settlements. Technical staff have identified the error and expect the problem to be resolved by late on 14 June. Regular flight schedules are expected to resume shortly after this; however, residual delays should be expected as airport authorities will likely take several hours to clear the backlog of flights. Persons intending to transit airports in western Norway over the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

CHINA (SHANGHI PUDONG & SHANGHI HONGQIAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS) - i Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao international airports, following a low-level attack at the Pudong airport by a mentally ill person, on 12 June. The attacker detonated a home-made bomb, injuring four people, after which he attempted to commit suicide. Longer check-in times are likely to accompany the enhanced passenger screening procedures. Clients are advised to adjust travel itineraries to accommodate delays resulting from the increase in security at Pudong and Hongqiao airports. Clients are also advised to be aware of the sensitive security environment and to refrain from any unusual behaviour at the aforementioned airports in the near-term.

SPAIN (MADRID - RAILWAY STRIKE) - (Update) Metro service disruptions are anticipated in Spain's capital, Madrid, from 14 to 24 June as unionised train drivers maintain a strike that began on 13 June. The partial strike will be observed as a series of three-hour work stoppages from 06:00 local time on 14, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23 and 24 June. The action has been called with regard to collective labour agreements with rail operator, Madrid Metro. Although Madrid Metro authorities have indicated that minimum services will be available during the aforementioned strike period, travel delays are to be expected, given that the strikes will be held during peak travel hours. Due to the ongoing nature of the dispute, the strike may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to utilise metro services during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact the Madrid Metro (https://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html) or their travel provider to confirm the status of rail services.

UNITED KINGDOM (PRIDE IN LONDON FESTIVAL) - The Pride in London festival, which celebrates the LGBT community, started on 10 June in the United Kingdom's capital, London, and will continue until 26 June. Associated events will focus on Trafalgar Square and surrounding areas. For a full list of locations, please visit the Pride in London website (http://prideinlondon.org/). The festival will end with a Pride in London Parade on 25 June from 13:00 to 16:30 local time. Local media reports indicate that Pride in London organisers are reviewing and may increase security in light of a recent mass-casualty attack at the Pulse nightclub, an establishment popular with the LGBT community, in the US city of Orlando, Florida, on 12 June. The security review is seen as precautionary and is likely to take the form of increased vigilance by and visible presence of local police officials. There have been no direct threats made or intelligence received of planned attacks against Pride in London related events. In addition, travellers in London should anticipate localised disruptions near associated events over the near-term. Clients in London should exercise a heightened level of awareness and caution when travelling in the city, particularly in busy and crowded areas and near events associated with the Pride in London Festival. Itineraries should be adjusted for potential delays during major event days.

AZERBAIJAN (BAKU - FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE) - The Formula One Grand Prix of Europe will be held in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, from 17 to 19 June. Related road closures are set to be implemented from 23:59 local time on 13 June; the majority of the closures are expected to be lifted late on 19 June. The race events will be held at the Baku City Circuit, which consists of several roads in the city centre, including Aziz Aliyev, Pushin, Xaqani and Niyazi streets, as well as Bulbul Avenue and Gosha Gala Gapisi, among many other partial restrictions in the area on race days. A large deployment of security forces is also expected in the city ahead of, as well as during, the event. Additional police are set to be deployed in the Bayil area of Baku in addition to the city centre. Although authorities are expected to implement road diversions to regulate traffic, localised transport disruptions should be anticipated in Baku for the duration of the event-related road closures. Clients in Baku are advised to prepare for travel disruptions from 13 to 19 June.

CHINA (GUIZHOU, HUNAN, JIANGXI, JIANGSU, ZHEJIANG, FUJIAN, GUANGDONG, ANHUI, SHANDONG, SICHUAN AND GUANGXI - HEAVY RAIN /FLOODING) -

China's National Meteorological Administration (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/) has warned of heavy rainfall in several central and south eastern provinces from 14 to 16 June. Likely worst-affected areas will be the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Anhui, Shandong, Sichuan and Guangxi. Rainfall levels may reach 200mm in some areas. The authorities have warned of flooding and landslides. Large parts of China are affected by the annual monsoon season, which generally runs from May to September. Landslides and flooding in affected areas are common during this time. These may lead to large-scale population evacuations or disruptions to power supply and public transportation (air, road and rail). Clients in China are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated areas. Motorists should avoid travelling through flooded roadways. Persons relying on public transport should regularly check the status of services.

TAIWAN (HEAVY RAINS / FLOODING) - Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau has issued heavy rain warnings for approximately 16 cities and counties throughout northern, western and southern parts of Taiwan on 14 June. This follows recent heavy rains reported in the southern districts, which resulted in the evacuation of at least 2,200 people from Kaohsiung city on 13 June, due to the risk of landslides in the area. In addition, the city's Taoyuan district announced school and office closures due to a number of flooded roads. Traffic disruptions have been reported in the country's southern Tainan city, also due to flooding in the area. The Water Resources Bureau issued a red alert for 53 river basins located in northern, central and western regions of the country. Heavy rains are forecast to impact a number of regions over the near-term. Areas assessed to be at an elevated risk of flooding include those located near riverbanks and canals. Localised travel disruptions due to associated flooding should be anticipated. Persons operating in the aforementioned areas of Taiwan in the short-term are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Inundated 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. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions, and should consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

SURINAME (PARAMARIBO & SURROUNDS - FLOODING) - Localised flooding has been reported in parts of Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, and its immediate surrounds in recent days. The flooding has resulted in moderate to severe road travel disruptions. Local media have cited poor drainage systems as contributing to the flooding. Further rainfall, conducive to flooding, is expected in the coming days. The rainy seasons extend from May to August and from November to February. During this time, there is a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas of the country, particularly in northern and central Suriname, while populated areas located in proximity to hillsides or mountainous areas may experience landslides. Clients in Suriname should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Motorists should exercise caution when travelling through flooded roadways and should adjust itineraries to cater for potential disruptions. Due to the safety risk posed by flooded roadways, travellers should consider driving during the day only.

VENEZUELA (TACHIRA STATE, SUCRE STATE, CARACAS - FATALITIES / LOOTING) - At least three fatalities linked to incidents of looting have been reported in recent days in the states of Tachira and Sucre, and in the Petare slum of Caracas, between 6 and 11 June. The fatalities occurred amid food riots outside stores, which have become flashpoints for violence due to the country's dire shortages of basic goods. The agitation takes place amid Venezuela's ongoing political and economic crises; the economic crisis has resulted in a shortage of basic commodities including food, medicine and electricity. The crisis has also translated into increased anti-government sentiment and opposition protests since 2015. A further deterioration in the economic situation is also anticipated, particularly in the likely event that the government defaults on its debt repayments; this will serve to exacerbate the food shortages in the country. As a result, anti-government protests, acts of looting and criminally motivated activity are expected to persist in the near-term, at least. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of violence at all related protests in Venezuela, as police forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics in response to unrest. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Venezuela due to ongoing political instability and related insecurity. Clients intending to travel to Venezuela should monitor related developments and avoid all street protests, as well as concentrations of security forces. Furthermore, travel with a trusted local contact or trained security driver should be considered.

PAKISTAN (QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE - CONFLICT) - Early reports indicate that at least five militants were killed during a security operation in Pakistan's south west Balochistan province on 14 June. Authorities state that the operation was launched after an intelligence tip-off was received regarding the presence of suspected militants at the Airport Road area of Quetta. Sources reveal that a shoot-out ensued when militants opened fire on the police during the raid. The local minister of police is said to have confirmed the seizure of several hand grenades, a 15kg explosive device, homemade bombs and sub-machine guns. Security operations targeting militants are regularly reported in the Balochistan province; therefore further clashes between the security forces and militants should be anticipated in the affected area. These are likely to occur in rural areas rather than in nearby urban centres. Persons in Balochistan province should expect to encounter increased police patrols and checkpoints, particularly when travelling in the vicinity of Airport Road in Quetta. Clients are advised against all travel to Balochistan province due to extreme conflict and terrorism risks, as well as the high risks of crime and kidnapping. Clients currently in and/or travelling to the affected area despite this advisory should adopt robust security measures.

KENYA (NAIROBI - DEMONSTRATIONS) - Incoming reports indicate that a student-led demonstration is causing localised travel disruptions in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, on 14 June. The protest action was reportedly triggered by the arrest of Babu Owino, the incumbent chairman of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU). The students are said to be marching from the University of Nairobi towards Kilimani police station, where Owino is being detained, in order to demand his release. Valley Road is among the thoroughfares reported to be impacted by the aforementioned protest action. As the incident is ongoing, further details remain unclear. Persons currently operating in Kenya are advised to monitor local media for updates on the protest action, 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 road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest.

INDIA (SRINAGAR - PROTEST) - Both factions of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) have called for a sit-in protest in the city of Srinagar, in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state, on 15 June. The event will take place at Lal Chowk. The demonstration has been called to protest against government proposals to allot land for Kashmiri pandits (a Hindu community) and for military personnel; the areas in question are referred to locally as Pandit and Sainik colonies. The proposal for Pandit and Sainik colonies is unpopular with a considerable proportion of the population in Jammu and Kashmir state; it is argued that the proposal is part of a plan to change the demographic nature of the Muslim-majority state, which also carries a considerable amount of anti-military sentiment, given the history of the pro-independence struggle in Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended; as such, it will likely prompt transport interruptions in Srinagar. In addition, the threat of violence occurring at any related protests is considered elevated, as clashes between security forces and protesters are regularly reported in Jammu and Kashmir state. 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 Srinagar on 15 June should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution against violent civil unrest.

NAMIBIA (WINDHOEK - PROTEST) - The youth activist group, Affirmative Repositioning, has called for a protest in Namibia's capital, Windhoek, on 16 June. The protest will be held at Parliament Gardens. The gathering will begin at 09:00 local time. The protest has been called against plans to build a new Parliament building. The anticipated size of the protest is unknown. The protest should be avoided as a standard precaution.

GEORGIA (TBILISI - PROTEST) - A protest is scheduled to be held in front of the court of appeals in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, on 16 June from 14:00 local time. The demonstration is being led by the Free Democrats opposition party. The exact reason for the gathering is unclear, as is the anticipated size of the protest. Persons in Tbilisi on 16 June should exercise caution in the vicinity of the court of appeals. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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