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

BELGIUM (VLM AIRLINES - FLIGHTS SUSPENDED) - VLM Airlines, a Belgium-based chartered airline services operator, filed for bankruptcy on 22 June. The declaration comes amid ongoing financial difficulties. The airline offers flights to a number of domestic and regional locations, including from the city of Deurne to Hamburg and Southampton, between Watford and London, and also between Friedrichshafen, Dusseldorf, Hamburg and Berlin. These flight services have been suspended with immediate effect. As a result of the suspension of flights, an increase in demand for other airline services, particularly transiting the above-mentioned cities, is anticipated. Clients scheduled to fly with VLM Airlines are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to enquire as to the status of their travel arrangements and possible travel alternatives.

NETHERLANDS (AMSTERDAM - EASYJET STRIKE) - Strike action is anticipated to cause disruptions to EasyJet flight services operating from the Netherland's capital, Amsterdam, on 24 June. Unionised employees of the airline, represented by the Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV), are expected to launch a 24-hour work stoppage. The industrial action has been initiated amid ongoing labour disputes regarding working hours and pensions. The upcoming strike, which follows a related strike held on 14 June, is expected to result in significant delays. Although EasyJet authorities implemented contingency plans in order to mitigate the impact of the aforementioned strike, flight disruptions are nonetheless expected for the duration of the action. It should be noted that, as mediation efforts between the airline and union are ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Persons scheduled to fly to or from Amsterdam with EasyJet on 24 June are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

UNITED KINGDOM (SCOTLAND - RAIL STRIKE) - (Update) Strikes by unionised employees of ScotRail are set to continue on 25 and 26 June, following a 24-hour strike on 21 June and the strike currently underway on 23 June. The ScotRail strike will likely result in reduced services and/or cancellation of services on a number of intercity routes. Replacement bus services are available for certain routes. 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. The strike will result in a 30 percent reduction in services according to ScotRail; however, there are a number of alternative train companies in Scotland which are unaffected, including Virgin Trains, Cross Country, and First Transpennine Express. Further information, including affected routes are available on www.scotrail.co.uk/strike. Clients are advised to check the ScotRail website 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.

UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON - LGBT FESTIVAL) - (Update) The Pride in London festival, which celebrates the LGBT community, started on 10 June in the UK'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. The parade leaves Portland Place at 13:00 local time and then ends at Whitehall Place. Security for the festival has been increased 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 increase is seen as precautionary and is likely to take the form of increased vigilance by and visible presence of local police officials. No direct threats to the London Pride Parade have been made nor is there intelligence of a possible attack. 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.

UNITED STATES (SAN FRANCISCO - TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS) - US President Barack Obama is expected to arrive in San Francisco, in California state, on 23 June, and attend a global entrepreneurship summit at Stanford University. As a result, numerous road closures have been announced in the city's South of Market from 15:00 local time on 23 June until 03:00 on 24 June. The affected roads include Fifth Street between Mission and Folsom streets, and Howard Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. These closures are expected to result in significant disruptions to road travel in the area. Clients in San Francisco on 23 and 24 June are advised to maintain flexible itineraries to accommodate the anticipated disruptions. Clients should also abide by all directives issued by the local authorities.

UNITED STATES (SAN FRANCISCO - LGBT FESTIVAL) - Additional police will be deployed to safeguard the annual LGBT Pride festival (http://www.sfpride.org/) in San Francisco, California, on 25 and 26 June. Security for the festival has been increased in light of a recent mass-casualty attack at the Pulse nightclub, an establishment popular with the LGBT community in Orlando, Florida, on 12 June. Event organisers expect tens of thousands of people to attend the event and have warned of delays and long queues to access related venues in light of the elevated vigilance. The main parade on 26 June will start at 10:30 local time at the corner of Market Street and Beale Street and ends at the corner of Market Street and 8th Street. Associated events on 25 and 26 June will be held in the vicinity of the Civic Center Plaza. The San Francisco event is one of dozens of related LGBT events in June and July across the United States which are expected to carry increased security measures in light of the Orlando attack. A full list of upcoming events can be accessed here http://www.gaypridecalendar.com/. The security increase is seen as precautionary. No direct threats to the San Francisco LGBT Pride festival have been made nor is there intelligence of a possible attack. In addition, travellers in San Francisco should anticipate localised disruptions near associated events on 25 and 26 June. Clients in San Francisco 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 San Francisco LGBT Pride festival. Itineraries should be adjusted for potential delays during major event days.

UNITED STATES (BALTIMORE - PROTESTS) - Protests are possible in Baltimore, in the US state of Maryland, on 23 June, depending on a court decision involving a police officer accused of second-degree murder. The officer, Caesar Goodson, along with five colleagues, arrested a 25-year-old African-American man named Freddie Gray in April 2015; he died while in police custody. The verdict will be delivered at 10:00 local time at the Baltimore City Courthouse, located on Calvert Street, downtown Baltimore. A number of security measures have been implemented in the city of Baltimore ahead of the verdict, which is expected to generate protests, should the officer be acquitted. The death of Gray follows a number of fatalities involving African-Americans and police officers in recent years, which have led to incidents of civil unrest amid accusations of racism and socio-economic based discrimination. Should Goodson be acquitted of murder, unrest may follow in the vicinity of the courthouse, and spread elsewhere. Previously associated demonstrations in Baltimore have been marred by vandalism, widespread incidents of unrest and significant deployments of security forces. Clients in Baltimore on 23 June are advised to monitor local media for updates, and to avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

TURKEY (ISTANBUL - LGBT PRIDE MARCH) - An LGBT pride march in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled for 26 June, has been banned by the Istanbul Governor's Office due to security concerns. The annual parade, the culmination of Istanbul's Pride Week, typically attracts thousands of people and is one of the largest LGBT events in the Muslim world. The banning order follows the violent dispersal of a related event, the Transgender Pride March, on 19 June in Istanbul's Taksim Square. The police dispersed the gathering after the authorities had earlier banned the event, citing security concerns. On 17 June, the security forces arrested three suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in connection with a plot to target the 19 June event. Ultra-nationalist and conservative groupings, including Alperen Hearths, have also called for the event to be banned. The developments coincide with increased security concerns regarding LGBT events, in light of the mass-casualty attack at the Pulse nightclub, an establishment popular with the LGBT community in the US city of Orlando, Florida, on 12 June. Despite the banning of the event, it is possible that LGBT activists may still gather on 26 June, as they did on 19 June. The traditional staging area for the event is Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue; this area remains the most likely gathering point, should the event proceed. As with the event's 2015 iteration, and 19 June 2016 rally, the police are likely to disperse the gathering with force. Anti-LGBT groups may also seek to gather to protest and/or to attack LGBT events, should they proceed. Tensions are particularly elevated this year in light of the Orlando attack and the event dates coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is set to end 5 July. Clients in Istanbul should exercise a heightened level of awareness and caution when travelling in the city on 26 June, particularly in the vicinity of Taksim Square. Large gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

AFGHANISTAN (HELMAND PROVINCE - KIDNAP RELEASE) - (Update) The majority of locals kidnapped by Taleban insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province on 21 June have been released. Approximately 100 people were initially detained; thereafter women and children were subsequently released. The remaining victims, approximately 27 men, were transported to the Marjah area. Approximately 21 people were released on 22 June; insurgents stated that they were released as they were not government employees. Six further victims remain in captivity. The kidnapping took place when insurgents intercepted the vehicles in which the victims were travelling along the Herat-Kandahar highway in Washir district. The incident 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 communities, such as the Shiite Muslim Hazara ethnic group, as well as government employees, during kidnapping incidents. 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.

NIGERIA (CROSS RIVER STATE - KIDNAPPING) - At least three foreign nationals and two locals are said to have been kidnapped near Calabar, located in Nigeria's Cross River state, on 22 June. The victims, employed by an international cement company, were ambushed by unknown gunmen while travelling on an unspecified road on the outskirts of the city in the Akpabuyo district. According to conflicting reports, gunmen killed the driver, a local national and are said to have taken the remaining victims to a nearby waiting boat. Two Australians and one South African are said to be among the kidnapped victims. Further details regarding the incident are currently unavailable. The incident underscores the elevated kidnapping and operating risk in Nigeria, particularly in the country's insecure southern Niger Delta region, including in Cross River state. The majority of kidnap victims in Nigeria are local citizens; middle- to high-income individuals and their dependents, prominent businesspeople, politicians and traditional/religious leaders are most frequently targeted. Locals employed by foreign-owned businesses are also viewed as high-value targets. The threat extends to foreign nationals, with regular kidnappings of foreign aid workers and construction, engineering, oil and gas personnel reported. Kidnappings in Nigeria are resolved fairly quickly, and victims are generally released unharmed; however, rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have previously resulted in casualties. Inexperienced kidnappers have also killed hostages in the past. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to several states in the Niger Delta region, including Cross River state. Persons operating in these areas should travel with a security escort and avoid all travel at night. Clients should reside in secure compounds or hotels.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PORT MORESBY - CIVIL UNREST) - Incidents of civil unrest have taken place in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, on 23 June. According to reports, students at the University of Papua New Guinea's (UPNG) Waigani campus set alight several UPNG vehicles and clashed with security guards, prompting the deployment of police to the affected area. It is believed that the unrest began when one group of students, who were boycotting classes, attempted to stop another group of students from attending lectures. Latest reports indicate police have since departed from the campus, although tensions remain. There have been no confirmed reports of injuries as a result of the unrest. The incident is the latest in a series of sit-ins and associated protests that have been impacting UPNG and other tertiary institutions elsewhere in the country since early May. Students have been agitating for the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister Peter O'Neill over corruption allegations. While some students have returned to class, other students have continued their campaign to pressure O'Neill to resign. As O'Neill is highly unlikely to heed any calls for resignation at this stage, further protests are possible in the near-term. It should be noted that security forces in PNG are generally poorly trained, and ill-equipped to deal with crowd control situations. This was highlighted on 8 June, when at least one student was killed and up to 20 injured when police opened fire on protesting students at UPNG. As such, there is a credible threat of violence at any further student-led demonstrations. Persons currently operating in Port Moresby are advised to avoid the UPNG campus, as well as any protest gatherings, as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for announcements of further planned demonstrations, as well as related advisories from the authorities.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (LUBUMBASHI, KATANGA PROVINCE - CIVIL UNREST) - There is an elevated threat of unrest in Lubumbashi, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s southern Katanga province, following a local court's 22 June decision to sentence popular opposition figure and presidential candidate, Moise Katumbi, to three years in prison. Katumbi, who is currently outside of the country receiving medical treatment, was indicted on charges relating to the sale of a house that he allegedly did not own. Katumbi's supporters have accused the court of failing to follow due process, given that he was charged in absentia. Moreover, they assert that the judgement serves as the government's latest move to prevent Katumbi from contesting the country's 2016 presidential elections. Although Katumbi intends to appeal the ruling, this development may serve to catalyse opposition unrest in the city the near-term.This is the second time that Katumbi has faced criminal allegations in recent months. Significant unrest was triggered in Lubumbashi in mid-May when he was indicted on charges relating to the employment of mercenaries. The timing of the accusations led his supporters to contend that the charges are politically motivated, given that they were made shortly after Katumbi announced his candidacy. Related protests at the time were forcibly dispersed by police; it should be noted that similar crowd dispersal tactics, including the use of teargas, may be employed at any forthcoming opposition agitations. Such unrest poses an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons operating in Lubumbashi in the coming days should monitor local media closely, in order to remain aware of political developments, as well as for updates on possible protests in the city. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are reminded that, due to general insecurity, all non-essential travel to Katanga province is advised against.

MEXICO (TIJUANA - PROTEST) - Members of the public transport sector are set to lead a protest march in Tijuana, located in Mexico's Baja California province, on 24 June. The agitation reportedly stems from opposition to the government's proposed regulations relating to the Integrated Transport System Tijuana (SITT). Protesters, mostly taxi drivers and possibly including members of other public transport operators, are set to stage 'go-slow' road blockades from various parts of the city to the Palacio Municipal, starting at 09:00 local time. Associated travel disruptions are anticipated along, but not limited to, Boulevard Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, Boulevard Independencia and Via Rapida Oriente. While the protest action is expected to conclude without major incident, protest activity in Mexico carries an elevated risk of violent unrest. As such, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be dismissed. Such activity poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Furthermore, travel disruptions are anticipated in affected areas, including areas surrounding the Palacio Municipal. An increased demand for alternate means of public transport services is likely during the aforementioned protest action. Clients in Tijuana on 24 June should avoid all protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Flexible itineraries should be kept due to possible travel disruptions across the city, as well as congestion resulting from an increased demand for alternate means of public transport.

BANGLADESH (DHAKA - POLITICALLY MOTIVATED EVENTS) - Bangladesh's ruling party, the Awami League (AL), is scheduled to host gatherings in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, in commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the party on 23 June. A flag-raising ceremony and memorial service is underway at Bangabandhu Memorial in Dhaka. A related event is expected to take place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, located in the Sher-e-Bangla area of the city, at 14:30 local time. Prime Minister Sheik Hasina is expected to address party supporters. Coinciding with the commemorative events, Khaleda Zia, leader of the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is scheduled to appear in court in Dhaka, on 23 June in connection with an ongoing corruption trial. The court has been set up at the Alia Madrasa grounds, in the Bakshibazar area. A security force deployment is anticipated in the vicinity of the court, due to the heightened risk of violent unrest. There is a heightened threat of violent and disruptive protest action by opposition groupings on this day. Anti-government protests by opposition parties, especially the BNP and the largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, are possible in the vicinity of associated commemorative events. Clashes between protesters and opposition activists seeking to disrupt these events may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Additionally, protests are possible amid the upcoming court case involving Khaleda Zia. BNP and AL party supporters have previously gathered outside the court in the past. These gatherings have been marred by incidents of violent unrest. As such, the possibility of gatherings and clashes in the vicinity of the Alia Madrasa grounds remains possible for the duration of 23 June. Furthermore, the events are likely to result in localised travel disruptions in the affected areas of Dhaka. Persons in Dhaka are advised to avoid all security force concentrations, commemorative events, protests and gatherings due to the potential for violence. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of related gatherings.

SLOVAKIA (BRATISLAVA - PROTESTS) - Reports suggest that multiple demonstrations are expected in
Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, on 25 June. An activist group known as The Alternative Way (Alternativna cesta) will lead an anti-immigration protest march from the Hlavna Stanica train station to Freedom Square (Namestie Slobody) from 15:00 local time. A counter-demonstration by an anti-fascist group is expected in response, which will take place at the Slovak National Uprising Square (SNP Square) from 15:00. Related demonstrations by Alternativna cesta in 2015 led to dozens of arrests, following clashes between protesters and security forces. Although the upcoming demonstrations are anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and police, cannot be discounted. The event is expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration site. Persons in Bratislava on 25 June advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution against possible violent civil unrest. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protests.

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