Header NEWS
 
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
UNITED STATES / SERBIA (AIR SERBIA) - On June 23, Air Serbia-formerly Jat Airways, renamed in 2013-began round-trip service five times per week between Belgrade and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, restoring service the carrier discontinued in 1992 amid sanctions related to the Yugoslav Wars. 
 
SPAIN (MADRID - AIR SECTOR STRIKE) - Disruptions to flight services are anticipated in Madrid, Spain, on 28 and 29 June. Unionised employees working in terms of the Service Management Platform (SDP) provided by transport authority, Ineco, at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, are set to protest against a number of working conditions. These conditions include working schedules and safety management plans. Disruptions to both domestic and international flight services from the airport are anticipated. Although airport authorities have confirmed the implementation of contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to flight schedules, flight delays and/or cancellations remain a possibility over the aforementioned period. As negotiations between unionised employees and Ineco are said to be ongoing, the action may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Clients scheduled to transit Madrid-Barajas Airport during the aforementioned strike period should anticipate possible delays, and are advised to contact their airline or travel provider, to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON - RAIL DISRUPTIONS)
- Disruptions to Southeastern rail services have been reported in UK's capital, London, on 27 June. The delay was due to a train having struck a tree that had fallen on the line. Affected rail services are those between Hayes Kent to Charing Cross stations. While the accident has been cleared and alternative routes have been made. Residual disruptions to rail services are anticipated until at least midday. Persons scheduled to utilise Southeastern rail services are advised to contact the rail operator directly or their travel provider to enquire about the status of services.

UNITED KINGDOM (LONDON - PLANNED RALLY)
- A large rally is expected in Trafalgar Square in the UK's capital, London, from 17:00 local time on 28 June. The protest, titled London Stays, has been called in response to the outcome of the recent referendum, which resulted in a decision to withdraw from the European Union (EU). Protest organisers have called for the Trafalgar gathering to show solidarity with Europe. Related gatherings are anticipated in other cities in England, Scotland and possibly, Wales, on the same day. The anticipated rally is the latest in the UK since referendum results were announced on 24 June. The protests have been peaceful, albeit partially disruptive, to date. The 28 June rally in London is expected to be accompanied by a large police presence and be well-attended. Associated disruptions to road travel and possibly, London Underground and other public transport services, are possible on the day. Clients in London should exercise caution and heightened awareness in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square on 28 June. Persons travelling in the area should adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays. Persons utilising underground and other public transport services should monitor the Transport for London website (https://tfl.gov.uk/).   

CHILE (SANTIAGO - TRANSPORT SECTOR STRIKE/PROTESTS) - Unionised transport sector workers have called for a 24-hour strike in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 28 June. The strike has been called over working conditions. Approximately 10,000 workers are expected to observe the strike. As part of the agitation, striking drivers may stage protests in the capital; however, further details have not been disclosed. Given the large number of people expected to observe the strike, significant disruptions to public transport services should be anticipated in Santiago. Furthermore, should any associated protests be held, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Plaza de Armas in Santiago, where a related demonstration was held on 24 June, is a likely gathering point for any protests, should they occur. Persons in Santiago on 28 June should anticipate travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.   

COLOMBIA (BARRANQUILLA - TRANSPORT SECTOR STRIKE/PROTEST) - Taxi drivers affiliated with the Colombia Association of Taxis (ACT) are expected to observe a strike in Barranquilla, Colombia, from 06:00 local time on 28 June. The strike has been called in opposition to ride-hailing apps, such as Uber. A related protest has also been planned in the city; striking drivers are expected to stage a go-slow protest on Calle 17 at the entrance of the city. Although the action is expected to be peaceful, the possibility of low-level confrontations cannot be discounted, including between traditional taxi drivers and Uber drivers. Disruptions to road travel as a result of the protests should be anticipated in Barranquilla. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. It should be noted that the strike may be cancelled on an ad hoc basis. Clients in Barranquilla on 28 June are advised to avoid any associated large street gatherings as a precaution. Clients are further advised to consider refraining from using Uber taxi services on the day as a precautionary measure. Allowances should be made to accommodate potential road travel delays.   

THAILAND (MULTIPLE PROVINCES - FLOODING & LANDSLIDES)
- Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has issued a flooding and landslide alert for nine provinces across the country. The advisory, which will be in effect until 28 June, is specifically applicable to the provinces of Krabi, Phangnga, Phuket, Ranong and Trang in the south west, as well as the eastern coastal provinces of Chanthaburi, Chonburi, Rayong and Trat. The warnings are in place due to the impact of the south west monsoon. As such, the heavy seasonal rains associated with this time of year will likely result in saturated ground conditions, which may exacerbate the risk of flooding and resultant landslides in any further heavy rains. In addition, transport disruptions are likely as a result of the inclement weather. Disruptions to electricity supply and telecommunications are also possible. Clients in the affected provinces are advised to monitor local media for further updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides.

ISRAEL (JERUSALEM - CLASHES)
- Clashes broke out in the Old City of Jerusalem, in Israel, on 26 June. The violence broke out at the symbolic Al-Aqsa mosque in the Mount Temple area, during a protest against Jewish visits to the site during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan; at least seven Palestinian protesters were wounded when the protesters clashed with Israeli security forces. Further violence was reported on 27 June. Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a flashpoint for civil unrest in Jerusalem in the past; most notably, in early October 2015, protests triggered by Palestinian concerns regarding Israeli encroachment on the Al-Aqsa Mosque resulted in weeks of violent civil unrest. As such, the risk of further protests and associated clashes is credible. The civil unrest may also spread to other areas of the Old City and East Jerusalem. The risk to visitors is considered largely incidental. An increased Israeli security force presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected areas in the near-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City, due to the risk of civil unrest. Heightened caution is advised in western Jerusalem. Persons in the vicinity of Temple Mount should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided.

LEBANON (EASTERN LEBANON - MILITANT ATTACK) - Emerging reports indicate that at least 6 people have been killed and 13 others injured in Lebanon's village of Qaa, on 27 June. The casualties came amid a series of suicide bombings and a coordinated attack, which reportedly involved four assailants. Clients in eastern Lebanon should avoid the affected area until the situation stabilises and more information comes to light.

BOLIVIA (STRIKE/PROTESTS) - Bolivia's primary trade union, the Bolivian Workers' Centre (COB), has called for a countrywide 72-hour general strike from 29 June to 1 July. The agitation comes amid failed negotiations with the government regarding the closure of Bolivia's largest state-run textile company, Enatex; protesters are demanding that the government keep the factory open, which employs hundreds of people. The agitation is the latest to affect Bolivia in recent weeks. Associated protests are likely to coincide with the strike action, including in La Paz, as well as in Cochabamba and Chuquisaca. It should be noted that that previous actions have been disruptive and marred by low-level violence at times. The possibility of the similar occurrences cannot be discounted. Persons in Bolivia during the strike period are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All demonstrations and related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for disruptions associated with the protests.
   
ARGENTINA (TRUCK DRIVERS STRIKE/POSSIBLE PROTESTS)
- Argentina's Union of Truck Drivers (SICHOCA) has called for a general strike across Argentina from 30 June to 1 July. The strike has been organised over failed negotiations relating to wage increases. Although none have been confirmed as yet, related protests are possible during the strike period. In addition to the strike, truck drivers may also erect blockades on major roads in Argentina as part of the agitation. While the risk of violence at all potential protests is low; the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. It should be noted that although negotiations are ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or extended on an ad hoc basis. Clients in Argentina in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike and on any potential protests. All street protests and road blockades should be avoided as a standard precaution.  

SOUTH SUDAN (FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS) - Flight operations have been suspended at Juba International Airport in South Sudan's capital, Juba, due to power supply disruptions on 27 June. The lack of electricity is reportedly due to the ongoing budget crisis in the country. Back-up generators are also currently said to be non-functional at the airport, and departing passengers are unable proceed through security checks. It remains unclear as to when normal flight schedules will resume. Ongoing disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be expected to the persist for the remainder of 27 June. Residual disruptions should also be anticipated once normal operations resume, due to the resultant backlog of flights. Travellers intending to transit Juba International Airport on 27 June are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to enquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan, including Juba, due to ongoing conflict and political instability.   
 

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