UAE (EMIRATES) / AUSTRALIA - Passengers travelling to Melbourne, Australia will now have another direct flight option with Emirates announcing that flights EK408 and EK409 will begin operating as non-stop services from Dubai from October 30th, 2016. Operated by an Emirates B777-300ER aircraft, EK408 will depart Dubai at 03:00 and arrive in Melbourne at 23:20. The return flight, EK409, will leave Melbourne at 06:00 and land in Dubai at 13:05. The current service from Dubai to Melbourne operates via Kuala Lumpur in both directions. These flight changes will save passengers approximately two and half hours in travel time in each direction when travelling between Dubai and Melbourne on these services.

CANADA (AIR CANADA & AIR CANADA ROUGE) / GLOBAL - Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge have launched 10 routes over the past month. The Air Canada routes are Toronto to Seoul, South Korea; Vancouver to Brisbane, Australia; and Montreal to Lyon, France. The new Rouge routes are Vancouver to Dublin; Montreal to Casablanca, Morocco; and Toronto to each London's Gatwick Airport; Prague; Glasgow, Scotland; Budapest, Hungary; and Warsaw, Poland. Additionally, Air Canada has begun 11 routes to the United States since the beginning of May.

UNITED STATES (SOUTHWEST STATES - WILDFIRES & HEATWAVE) - (Update) The United States National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for a number of areas within the states of Nevada, California and Arizona following a heat wave, which has already resulted in four fatalities in Arizona, as of 21 June. In addition, ongoing wildfires in southern California, Arizona and New Mexico have resulted in numerous disruptions, including travel interruptions, as well as evacuations of affected communities. A number of new wildfires in the aforementioned states have been reported. The extreme heat may gradually ease towards the end of the week according to reports, although hot and dry conditions continue to pose fire risks. Further evacuations and road closures should be expected in the affected areas. Persons currently operating in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for regular updates on the situation, as well as related advisories from the authorities. A heightened level of caution is advised when travelling in all wildfire-affected areas. If travelling by car in an affected area, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air-condition system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

UNITED KINGDOM (SCOTLAND & SOUTHEAST ENGLAND - RAIL STRIKES) - Unionised employees of the ScotRail and Southern rail operators are set to embark on 24-hour strike actions on 21 and 23 June. Rail services of ScotRail and Southern, which operate in Scotland and south east England, respectively, are set to be significantly disrupted by the strike actions. ScotRail has cancelled at least 15 intercity routes, including Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Glasgow to Edinburgh and Glasgow to Inverness. Southern rail has also cancelled numerous intercity rail services, including several leaving London for various locations. The union-led agitation is the latest form of protest in a long-running dispute with the rail operators over the decision to reduce the role of conductors on board trains. Employees claim this poses a threat to existing jobs and public safety. A number of previous strikes have been postponed at short notice; this remains a possibility. Should the strike go ahead, it is expected to be well observed and significantly disruptive. Clients are advised to monitor local media for any updates regarding the strike. Furthermore, clients are advised to seek alternative modes of transport on the above-mentioned date. Travellers should contact their travel providers or the relevant authorities for updates on the status of the strike and the impact on services.

ITALY (RAIL STRIKE) - A number of major unions have called on rail workers to observe a countrywide rail strike on 23 and 24 June. Rail services operated by Trenord, Trenitalia and Italo are set to be significantly disrupted by the industrial action from 21:00 local time on 23 June to 20:59 on 24 June. The agitation has been launched for various reasons, including work environment-related issues. It should be noted that, as per a legal agreement between unions and rail companies, essential services will continue to run despite the strike action; this includes services running during the peak time hours (from 06:00 to 09:00 and from 18:00 to 21:00 Monday to Saturday). Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well observed and may result in significant disruptions to regional, inter- and inner-city train travel services. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is likely during the aforementioned strike period. Clients are advised to monitor local media for any updates regarding the strike. Furthermore, clients are advised to seek alternative modes of transport on the above-mentioned date. Travellers should contact their travel provider or the relevant authorities for updates on the status of the strike and the impact on services.

BELGIUM (BRUSSELS - BOMB THREAT) - (Update) One suspect was arrested during a security operation, which involved a bomb disposal team investigating a bomb threat at the City2 shopping mall on the morning of 21 June. Unconfirmed reports indicate that a suspicious package prompted the alert. The mall was evacuated as a result although no explosives were found. Related travel disruptions continue to be reported however with delays or closures reported at metro stations at Botany, Bourse, De Brouckere, Rogier and Yser. Traffic disruptions continue to be reported on Boulevard du Jardin Botanique. The incident is indicative of the currently elevated threat of terrorism in Belgium in particular, and in Western Europe in general, due to the persistent threat posed by militant groups and associated self-radicalised individuals, which has been illustrated by recent mass-casualty attacks in Paris and Brussels, as well as continued Islamist extremist groups' threats to conduct attacks in Western states. Nonetheless, amid an already elevated security posture, local authorities are unlikely to initiate additional security measures or raise the terrorism alert status without credible evidence of an imminent attack, at least. The currently elevated security posture in both cities will not eliminate the threat entirely, but will reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. Clients in Brussels are advised to avoid the affected area and to expect travel delays in the vicinity of the City2 mall, and along metro routes through the affected area. Clients are further advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities. All suspicious persons or packages should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.

IRELAND (DUBLIN, LOUTH & COUNTY MAYO - ELEVATED SECURITY) - Elevated security measures are anticipated amid US Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Ireland including the capital, Dublin, as well as Louth and County Mayo, between 21 and 26 June. Security forces are set to have round-the-clock security and traffic management in Phoenix Park; where Biden is due to stay in the US ambassador's residence. The park will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians every night from 11:00 local time until 6.30 during the vice president's visit. While the vice president is traveling between events, some local routes will be closed in some areas. There will also be parking restrictions in areas where Biden will be visiting. For updates regarding traffic restrictions or road closures visit the Gerda traffic twitter account (https://twitter.com/GardaTraffic). The heightened security measures come amid various concerns including the threat of terrorist-related activities during the vice president's visit. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and other movement-restrictive measures, may be implemented during Biden's visit. Clients in Dublin, Louth and County Mayo between 21 and 26 June are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions throughout the city and should plan accordingly. While no protests are expected during the visit, travelers are nonetheless advised to avoid all large gatherings and possible protests as a precaution.

 

CHINA (SOUTHERN PROVINCES - FLOODING) - (Update) Heavy rain and associated flooding continues to impact large parts of southern China on 21 June. Since 18 June, at least 22 people have died and 20 more remain missing in the provinces of Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang and Anhui. Heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding and landslides, which have inundated both urban and rural areas in the aforementioned provinces, leading to house collapses and evacuations. Electricity and telecommunication disruptions have been reported in a number of areas. In addition, in Jiangxi province, approximately 13,000 people from Poyang county were evacuated after a reservoir's dyke burst. No casualties were reported as a result of this. Further heavy rains are forecast to continue in the aforementioned provinces in the coming days. More generally, large parts of China are affected by the annual monsoon season, which generally runs from May to September, although the majority of rain falls in the two-month period from the end of May. However, due to the presence of a stronger-than-normal El Nino weather pattern, the rainfall during China's 2016 annual rainy season is heavier than usual. As such, landslides and severe flooding in affected areas is taking place. This may lead to large-scale population evacuations or disruptions to power supply and public transportation (air, road and rail). It should also be noted that flooding in towns and cities is often exacerbated by urban sprawl and poor drainage infrastructure. Clients in China are advised to monitor local media, including the China Meteorological Administration (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/), 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.

JAPAN (KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE - FLOODING) - Three people have been killed and three more remain missing following heavy rain and associated flooding and landslides in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, located on Kyushu, since 20 June. The fatalities occurred in the cities of Kamiamakusa and Uto, and the town of Kosa. In addition, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heavy rain and flood warnings for Kumamoto, as well as Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on Kyushu, and for Okayama and Kyoto prefectures on Honshu; these are current as of 21 June, and it is unknown if they will be extended into 22 June. An undetermined number of evacuations have also been reported. Japan typically experiences its rainy season from mid-June to the end of August; as such, further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is likely. Although Japan has well-resourced and organised disaster management infrastructure in place, the inclement weather and possible associated flooding may still impact on travel and business operations in the affected areas. It should also be noted that utility services, such as water and electricity supply, may also be negatively affected by the inclement weather. Clients in Kumamoto prefecture are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories. Furthermore, caution is advised in elevated regions and near rivers due to the respective threats of landslides and flooding. In light of the possible transport disruptions, clients are advised to reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider or the relevant authority prior to departure.

CYPRUS (NICOSIA - WILDFIRE) - Reports indicate that a wildfire impacting Cyprus has resulted in the death of a firefighter and evacuation of villages, 50km southwest Nicosia, on June 20. Firefighters continue to battle the wildfire, which has burned through at least 1,500 hectares in the aforementioned area. A total of 16 aircraft, including four airplanes and helicopters from Greece and three aircraft from Israel, were deployed to help fight the fire. Reports further indicate that high temperatures, difficult terrain and shifting winds have made it increasingly difficult for the fire to be controlled. Local authorities state that a 12-year-old boy is suspected of starting the fire. Although firefighters have made some progress on the fire, at least three villages have been evacuated as a precaution. Efforts to control the fire are anticipated to continue throughout 21 June. The aforementioned wildfire coincides with Cyprus's summer months, which are characterised by hot, dry weather, with some regions being prone to wildfires. Additionally, Cyprus is currently experiencing a heat wave, which is due to subside on 23 June. As such, firefighters are likely to continue battling the blaze in the near-term. Furthermore, the wildfires are likely to continue to pose a safety risk and cause travel disruptions in the coming days. Further evacuations and road closures should be expected in the affected areas. Persons currently operating in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for regular updates on the situation, as well as related advisories from the authorities. A heightened level of caution is advised when travelling in all wildfire-affected areas. If travelling by car in an affected area, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air condition system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

AFGHANISTAN (HELMAND PROVINCE - KIDNAPPING) - Up to 100 locals have been kidnapped following a Taliban-led attack on busses in Afghanistan's Helmand province on 21 June. Reports indicate that Sunni militant Taleban fighters intercepted the vehicles along the Herat-Kandahar highway in the Nahri Saraj district. Local authorities have launched an operation to locate and rescue the victims. The attack underscores the persistent and extreme risk of kidnapping in the country, and is the latest in a spate of similar such large-scale kidnappings in recent weeks. There are multiple non-state armed groups, including militant and criminal organisations, involved in kidnapping operations. These are motivated by political and financial concerns. The Sunni militant Taleban fighters have been known to target members of the minority and largely Shiite Muslim Hazara ethnic group during kidnapping incidents, although in this case the identity of the victims is unclear. Furthermore, the incident affirms the elevated risk of travelling by road, even along major intercity routes, in Afghanistan. The security forces have minimal control of routes outside of major cities and the risk of being attacked or kidnapped is elevated in these areas. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons operating in the country should travel with a close protection officer. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Enhanced security measures are specifically recommended for persons travelling outside of major cities.

LIBYA (MISRATA - KIDNAPPING) - The Egyptian authorities issued a statement on 20 June indicating that seven Egyptian nationals had recently been abducted in Misrata, northern Libya. The victims were abducted in the city's Al-Karareem district by unidentified assailants. The threat of kidnapping in Libya is rated as extreme. The threat to foreign nationals is considered elevated if security measures (travel, residential and personal) are insufficient. Independent travel in conflict zones or remote areas further increases the risk; however, it should be noted that even persons with significant security in place can be affected. Clients should note that the ability of the Libyan security forces to prevent kidnappings is severely limited. Kidnappings are frequently reported across the country, and impact both foreign nationals and locals. Kidnapping motivations vary widely, and include either political or financial concerns, or both. The overall risk extends to areas considered relatively secure, including the capital, Tripoli, and Misrata. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya due to ongoing political instability and conflict in key locations. Persons in the country should ensure that they adopt robust security measures. Clients should travel with a security escort, maintain a low public profile and ensure that travel is conducted during the day only. Accommodation and operating sites should have 24-hour security in place.

BRAZIL (RIO DE JANEIRO - CRIME) - According to reports on 21 June, two Australian nationals, both members of the Australian Paralympic sailing team, were robbed at gunpoint in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 20 June. The victims were riding bicycles through a public park when they were confronted by two men who robbed them of their bicycles. This incident underscores the high risk of crime in Brazil, particularly in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro. Petty street crime, fuelled by high levels of poverty, is the most prevalent concern, although violent crime incidents can periodically affect visitors. High-risk areas for violent crime are typically low-income areas (favelas), where gangs are known to operate; nonetheless, the recent incident demonstrates that no area is immune to violent criminal activity. Additionally, an uptick in opportunistic crime is anticipated ahead of and during the Rio Olympic Games 2016, which will commence on 5 August. It should be noted the risk of physical violence increases if robbery attempts are resisted. Clients in Brazil should remain aware of the prevailing risks of petty and violent crime. Robust security precautions should be implemented at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour, being prepared to let belongings go in the event of someone trying to steal them, and avoiding walking around alone or after dark.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (BANGUI & ELSEWHERE - CLASHES) - Reports on 21 June indicate that several people have been killed amid clashes in the Central African Republic (CAR)'s capital, Bangui, and in the country's northern region, over the past two days. In northern CAR, at least 16 people were killed and 20 more wounded during clashes between Fula tribesman and former Seleka rebels. More detail regarding the clashes and the exact location of the incident remains unclear. In a separate wave of violence, shooting in the PK5 section of Bangui's 3rd District left at least three people dead on 20 June. The shooting was reportedly part of a security force operation in response to the kidnapping of six police officers by members of the former Seleka rebel group on 19 June. The above-mentioned incidents underline the extreme threat of conflict in the CAR. The country continues to be affected by high numbers of ethno-religious incidents of violence, following the overthrow of the regime of former president, Francois Bozize, in 2013. Clashes in the CAR typically occur between individuals and groups affiliated with the Seleka rebels, Christian anti-Balaka militia, or Fula tribesmen, a Muslim ethnic group. The above-mentioned incidents may spark retaliatory attacks and associated violence in the near-term in the affected areas. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons in Bangui and the country's northern regions should be particularly vigilant. Intended travel in the country should be done using a close protection officer, and clients should reside in a secure compound or hotel.

JORDAN (RUWAISHED DISTRICT - EXPLOSION) - An explosion has been reported near Jordan's shared border with Syria and Iraq in the north eastern Ruwaished district on 21 June. Initial media reports indicate that the blast was caused by a car bomb near a refugee camp, close to the Al Waleed Border Crossing between Iraq and Syria. The blast resulted in several casualties among the Jordanian security forces. Heightened caution is advised in the immediate vicinity of the shared borders with Syria and Iraq. Persons in the affected area should avoid concentrations of security force personnel and seek secure accommodation.

 

SOUTH AFRICA (PRETORIA - PROTEST) - Protests are underway in South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria, in the Gauteng province, on 21 June. The agitation stems from opposition to the African National Congress (ANC)'s nominated candidate, Thoko Didiza, for the 3 August municipal elections. Residents from a number of townships in and around Pretoria, including Mamelodi, are protesting for another nominee, Kgosientso Ramokgopa, to be the mayoral candidate for the city. Attridgeville district seems to be the most affected, with a number of road closures in the area, including one of the main streets, Maunde Street. The burning of a truck and tyres has been reported in the area. The Darspoort tunnel in Pretoria West is also closed as a result of the protest action. Reports indicate that the N1 highway has been affected. Clashes between protesters, and between protesters and police, have been reported during previous protest action in Pretoria; as such, further violence may be possible in the affected areas. Clients in the above-mentioned area should monitor local media for updates on road closures and protest action. Affected areas should be avoided as a standard precaution. Persons should keep flexible itineraries due to travel disruptions.

 

URUGUAY (MONTEVIDEO - TRUCKER'S BLOCKCADE) - Unionised truck drivers have reportedly blockaded the Port of Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, on 21 June as part of an indefinite strike to protest unfavourable regulations imposed by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. Access to and from the port is restricted due to the large numbers of truckers present. Wider disruptions in Montevideo have not been reported. Authorities, including the Uruguayan National Ports Administration (ANP) have called for the truckers to vacate the port area, however the Freight Transport Association union has called for an indefinite strike and blockade until their demands are met. Strikes in Uruguay, especially in the capital, usually conclude without incident; however, clashes with police have been reported on occasion. Unrest is possible due to the negative effects the port blockade may have on the local economy, which may prompt an escalated response by authorities in the coming days. Clients are advised to expect travel delays if intending to travel in the vicinity of the port area. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates on the situation, and to avoid the affected area in the coming days.

VENEZUELA (CARACAS - PROTEST) - Afro-Venezuelan groups are expected to stage a pro-government demonstration in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on 21 June. The demonstration is expected to commence at 09:00 local time in plaza Diego Ibarra from where the participants will proceed to the office of the President, Miraflores Palace, which is located on Urdaneta Avenue. Venezuela is currently experiencing a political crisis partially spurred by an ongoing economic crisis and associated shortages of basic commodities. An increased level of civil unrest has been experienced in recent months, particularly in Caracas, as a result. Numerous pro- and anti-government demonstrations have been marred by violent clashes. The possibility of similar incidents taking place during the upcoming demonstration is credible. Clients in Venezuela in the near-term should closely monitor political developments, exercise heightened personal security awareness and maintain a low profile. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, in light of the ongoing economic and political crises, clients are advised to ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

BOLIVIA (PROTESTS) - (Update) Bolivia's primary trade union, the Bolivian Workers' Centre (COB), has called on its members to observe a 48-hour general strike beginning on 23 June. The announcement follows a 24-hour strike that was held on 20 June. Associated strikes and demonstrations are likely in La Paz on 23 and 24 June. Further details have not yet been disclosed. The agitations have been organised to protest the upcoming closure of Bolivia's largest state-run textile company, Strategic National Public Enterprise Textiles (Enatex); protesters are demanding that the government keep the factory open, which employs almost one thousand people. A protest march between the city of Caracollo and the capital, La Paz, took place on 20 June, which resulted in travel disruptions, although no violence was reported. Persons in Bolivia in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and for related advisories from the authorities. All demonstrations and related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of all demonstrations.

FRANCE (PARIS - PROTEST) - A number of major unions, including CGT and Solidaires, have called for a demonstration against proposed labour reforms, in France's capital, Paris, on 23 June. The unions requested permission for a protest march from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation from 14:00 local time; however, local authorities have only granted permission for a static demonstration to be held in Place de la Nation. The organisers have stated that they will proceed with the protest march, despite the lack of authorisation. In response, senior police officials have stated the protest march would be deemed illegal and dispersed. A large deployment of police is expected in central Paris on the day. The agitation forms part of an ongoing anti-labour reform campaign, with a number of protests and strikes having been held in recent weeks. It should be noted that a number of related protests have been marred by low-level incidents of violence and vandalism. As such, the possibility of the upcoming demonstration being marred by similar incidents is credible. Indeed, the risk of violent clashes between police and protesters is deemed elevated should the organisers attempt to proceed with a protest march. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration on the affected day.

CHILE (STRIKE) - The National Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH ) has called for a countrywide strike on 23 June. The strike has been called with regard to the ongoing dispute regarding education reforms. Demonstrations are expected to accompany the strike. Precedent suggests that the largest protests will take place in the capital, Santiago, at the Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia) or the Plaza los Heroes, and in Valparaiso at Plaza Civica or Parque Italia. While the strikes are expected to conclude peacefully, associated protest action in the past has degenerated into violence. Should protests occur, they are likely to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence, resulting in localised travel disruptions. Clients in Chile on 23 June are advised to monitor local media for updates and to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of protest-affected areas. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.