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

TURKEY (ATTACK AFTERMATH) - (Update) Elevated security measures are likely to remain in place at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport over the near-term in response to an act of terrorism at the facility during the evening of 28 June. The attack, perpetrated by three assailants, left at least 41 people dead and 239 others wounded. At least 13 of the fatalities were foreign nationals. The airport is open and flights are arriving and departing. Some airlines have cancelled or delayed flights. There is also an elevated risk of reactionary protests and rallies in cities across the country over the near-term. The attack has been attributed to the Islamic State (IS) by the local authorities; however, there have been no official claims of responsibility for the incident. The shooting and bomb attack is one of the deadliest in Turkey in recent times and coincides with a general increase in non-state armed activity in the country. In addition to IS, Kurdish separatists and leftist militants have also executed dozens of attacks since mid-2015. Further terrorist-related violence is anticipated, particularly in the country's major urban centres. Attacks in tourist resort areas may also occur. Disruptions to air travel may persist over the near-term as governments and foreign aviation authorities reassess the risks of travelling to the country. Domestically, the recent attack may serve as a catalyst for rallies and demonstrations. These are typically held in the aftermath of major acts of terrorism. These rallies carry a risk of confrontations between rival political party supporters. Clients are advised to exercise an elevated level of personal security awareness in Turkey, including in Istanbul. Travellers should limit time spent in the vicinity of probable terrorist targets, including ports of entry/departure, prominent tourist sites, busy and crowded areas and near police and military personnel and facilities. Local media should be monitored closely. All related protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Persons intending to fly to and from Turkey over the near-term should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider prior to departure.

UNITED STATES (ATTACK AFTERMATH) - The Federal Aviation Administration lifted its suspension of flights to and from Istanbul, after several hours of caution following the bombing at the airport in Turkey. "The FAA has lifted the ground stop for flights to and from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport," the agency said in a statement late Tuesday.

IRAN / ISTANBUL (FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS) - The Iranian authorities have temporarily suspended flights to and from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport in light of the 28 June terrorist attack at the facility. The authorities have indicated that flights may resume over the near-term. The Iranian authorities are seeking security guarantees from the Turkish authorities. Clients intending to travel to and from Ataturk Airport over the near-term are strongly advised to contact their travel provider or airline for updates on the status of their flight(s).

UNITED STATES / JAPAN (AIRLINE CODESHARE) - Japan Airlines (JAL) and Alaska Airlines are to sign codeshare and frequent flier agreements for flights across Japan and the US Pacific Northwest. The new codeshare will take effect from the end of June, pending government approval, and will offer unified reservations and ticketing, integrated baggage handling, and cross-carrier mileage awards on both JAL and Alaska flights. JAL spokesperson Hideki Oshima said the new agreement would offer customers a broader range of routes and destinations, allow the carrier to strengthen its presence throughout the Pacific Northwest, and offer increased travel options. The codeshare will cover all Alaska's connecting flights out of JAL's key North American destinations including Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Alaska EVP Andrew Harrison said the move would likewise enable its passengers to take advantage of the connections and mileage awards from 600 daily flights on JAL's broad domestic network. Alaska Airlines is in the process of securing regulatory approval for the acquisition of San Francisco-based Virgin America, which would position it as a major US West Coast player.

PORTUGAL (UNIONISED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER STRIKE) - Unionised air traffic controllers are set to stage a countrywide strike action in Portugal on 30 June. The action has been organised in response to various work-related grievances. It is unclear which airlines will be most affected by the strike; however, disruptions to both domestic and international flights are possible. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the strike action is set to take place for two hours on 30 June; the exact time is unclear. Further strikes have been planned for 8, 15, 22, and 29 July. Airlines may implement contingency plans in order to mitigate the impact of the aforementioned strike; however, disruptions remain possible. Furthermore, a possible backlog of aviation services after the strike action may contribute to further travel disruptions. As mediation efforts between the airline and union are ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Clients intending to transit airports in Portugal in the near-term, particularly on the above-mentioned dates, are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight/s.

GUATEMALA (LA AURORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - The authorities in Guatemala have announced that La Aurora International Airport, in the capital, Guatemala City, will be temporarily closed due to maintenance work, from 29 June to 1 July. The flight suspensions will be in effect from 09:00 to 11:00 local time on the affected days. Although the maintenance is expected to be completed during the stated period, construction delays and subsequent flight disruptions are possible. Clients intending to transit La Aurora International Airport over the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s) prior to departure.

SYRIA (TELL ABYAD - BOMBING) - A suicide car bombing has been reported in Tell Abyad, northern Syria, on 29 June. The bomber targeted a local government building. The explosion left at least five people dead and a number of others wounded. Tell Abyad is a town located near the shared border with Turkey. It is currently controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed coalition dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG). An offensive by the SDF against the Islamic State (IS) is ongoing in areas south of Tell Abyad near the IS-held city of Raqqa and in areas near Manbij, located west of Tell Abyad. The threat of retaliatory violence by IS forces in SDF-controlled areas is elevated and will likely remain at elevated levels over the medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. This includes areas outside of active conflict zones. Persons travelling in Syria should do so with a security escort.

URUGUAY (STRIKE/PROTEST) - The PIT-CNT union has called on its members to observe a general countrywide strike in Uruguay on 29 June. The work stoppage is set to take place from 09:00 to 13:00 local time. The main rally will be held in the capital, Montevideo; participants are expected to gather at Plaza de los Treinta y Tres at 09:30 local time. At 10:00, protesters will then march to the Ministry of the Economy via Avenida 18 de Julio. Related protests are also possible in other urban areas. The agitation is in protest against various grievances, including government fiscal adjustments. The general strike may result in disruptions to services and industry in Uruguay. Although public transport services are not expected to be affected by the strike, associated disruptions are still possible. The risk of violence at any strike-related demonstrations is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police cannot be discounted. Persons in Uruguay on 29 June are advised to make allowances for potential disruptions and avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution.

ITALY (SICILY - GENERAL STRIKE) - The La Confederazione Unitaria di Base (CUB) trade union has called for a region-wide strike in Italy's Sicily region on 30 June. The strike has been called with regard to a number of labour concerns, including late payment of wages; as well as alleged maladministration of municipal bodies. The strike is set to cause disruptions to private and public sector services, including transportation services. An associated demonstration is scheduled to take place at the Piazza Marina, located in the regional capital, Palermo, from 09:30 local time. The action is set to be well observed, while attendance at the associated demonstration is expected to be high. Although these events are anticipated to conclude peacefully, they are susceptible to violence due to disruptive elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful gatherings. The industrial action is expected to result in region-wide service disruptions, particularly to public transport; localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of related protest activity. Persons in the Sicily region are advised to monitor local media for information on the upcoming strike action and the expected region-wide service disruptions. Clients are also advised to avoid any demonstrations and any associated large street gatherings as a standard precaution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENT) - Independence Day is set to be commemorated across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 30 June. Reports indicate that a large military parade will take place in Maniema's provincial capital, Kindu, on the day. Although exact details are unclear, localised disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the parade. In addition, associated celebratory events are possible in other prominent urban centres in the country, including in the capital, Kinshasa, as well as Lubumbashi (Katanga), Goma (North Kivu), and Bukavu (South Kivu). Political tensions and related opposition unrest, primarily associated with the DRC's forthcoming general election, have triggered widespread protests and associated violence in the country in recent months. Further agitations are possible on 30 June, as commemorative events may offer a convenient platform for opposition activists to voice their respective grievances. Should such events occur, it should be noted that there is a credible risk of violence at demonstrations in the DRC. Furthermore, commemorative events and related demonstrations may result in localised travel disruptions on the day. Clients are reminded that all travel to a number of eastern provinces is advised against. Heightened caution is advised in the rest of the DRC due to the high risk of crime and civil unrest. Persons in the DRC, regardless of location, are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of commemorative events and avoid all politically motivated gatherings as a standard precaution. Flexible itineraries should be maintained in order to make allowances for possible travel disruptions.

ARGENTINA (STRIKE/PROTESTS) - Argentina's truck drivers' union, SICHOCA, has called for a general countrywide strike on 30 June and 1 July. The strike has been organised over the failure to reach a wage agreement with the government. Further details regarding the strike and potential protests have not been disclosed. Although none have been confirmed as yet, associated protests coinciding with the strike are possible. Truck drivers may also erect unofficial road blockades to disrupt traffic on major roads as part of the agitation. Should this occur, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Argentina during the strike period are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and blockades, should they occur, should be avoided as a precaution.

HONG KONG (HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY DISTRICT - SIT-IN PROTEST) - Doctors in Hong Kong are set to stage a sit-in protest on 29 June. The protest is expected to take place outside the Legislative Council complex in Tamar Park, in Admiralty district, from 14:00 local time. The agitation reportedly stems from opposition to the government's proposed reform of the Medical Council. The protest is expected to be well attended, and may result in localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the Legislative Council. The possibility of low-level skirmishes at the upcoming event cannot be discounted. Clients in Hong Kong on 29 June are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution and to make allowances for possible travel disruptions.

HONG KONG (HONG KONG - RALLY) - On 1 July, Hong Kong will observe the 19th anniversary of the territory's handover from British to Chinese administration. Several organisations are expected to participate in a demonstration that takes place annually on this day in support of democracy and universal suffrage, as well as against the re-election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, and China's control over Hong Kong. Participants are expected to gather at Victoria Park in the Causeway Bay area at 15:00 local time and proceed to Harcourt Road in Admiralty. Pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong are generally well supported, often attracting thousands of demonstrators. The upcoming event is also likely to be well attended and will result in disruptions along the protest route. Although the events are expected to conclude peacefully, clashes between police and demonstrators cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, pro-democracy events are often accompanied by rival demonstrations in support of Beijing's rule of Hong Kong; consequently, clashes between these opposing groups have been known to occur. Persons in Hong Kong on 1 July are advised to avoid all related protests and demonstrations as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions. Clients should monitor local media for updated information on further planned protests.

SLOVAKIA (BRATISLAVA - PROTEST) - Unionised teachers in Slovakia have organised a protest in Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, coinciding with the 100th day of the current government's term in office, on 1 July. The protest has been organised to demand higher salaries for teachers. Participants are expected to gather at Kollarovo Square at 13:00 local time. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be; nonetheless, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest area. While the risk of violence is low, the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Bratislava on 1 July should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions in the city centre.

INDONESIA (PAPUA & WEST PAPUA PROVINCES - ANNIVERSARY) - The anniversary of the establishment of the military wing of the separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) will take place in Indonesia's West Papua and Papua provinces on 1 July. There is a heightened threat of violent civil unrest on the day and increased security forces are likely across the region. Although no announcement of commemorative acts has been made, in previous years the OPM and other pro-independence supporters have raised their banned flag, known as the Morning Star, resulting in a forcible response from Indonesian security forces. The OPM is made up of ethnic Papuans, who are culturally and religiously distinct from ethnic Indonesians. The group seeks a separate state, consisting of Indonesia's West Papua and Papua provinces, and has engaged in conflict with the Indonesian government over this issue. In the past, security forces have established checkpoints at which searches for the flag were conducted, and have responded violently to any attempts to raise the Morning Star. In addition, protest marches and gatherings by OPM supporters are possible on 1 July, especially in Jayapura, capital of West Papua province. These protests carry a heightened risk of clashes between supporters and security forces. Furthermore, travel disruptions may result from possible demonstrations and security checkpoints in the affected area. Due to ongoing civil unrest and ethnic tensions, clients are advised against non-essential travel to a number of regions, including Papua and West Papua provinces. Clients in these provinces on 1 July are advised to avoid any OPM activities, protests and concentrations of security forces. Appropriate identification documentation should be carried to facilitate expedient processing at security checkpoints.

VENEZUELA (CARACAS - PROTEST) - A demonstration in support of Venezuela's government and President Nicolas Maduro, is expected in the capital, Caracas, on 2 July. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza Morelos at 09:00 local time and proceed to Palacio Miraflores. The protest will take place amid Venezuela's ongoing economic and political crises. An increased level of civil unrest has been experienced in recent months, particularly in Caracas, in response to these crises. Numerous pro- and anti-government demonstrations have been marred by violent clashes. The possibility of similar clashes at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. 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.

NETHERLANDS (AMSTERDAM - INCREASED SECURITY FOR FESTIVAL) - The authorities in the Netherlands are expected to increase security measures for a festival event planned in Amsterdam on 2 July. The festival, 'Sensation', will be held at the Amsterdam Arena amid elevated security, following reports of an unspecified threat against this event; however, neither the nature of the threat, nor the threat itself, have been confirmed by authorities. While the Netherlands' experience in terms of terrorism is limited, the risk is still assessed to be medium and is reflective of the global Islamist terrorist levels and related domestic concerns. Given that the nature of the threat has not been identified, it remains possible that the additional security measures are largely precautionary. Nonetheless, as this incident highlights, any potential security threat is taken seriously and prompts a significant security force response. Travellers should note that additional security measures (which may include checkpoints and patrols) and large crowds will likely translate into some localised road travel disruptions in Amsterdam on the day. Clients in Amsterdam on 2 July are advised to adhere to the advisories and directives issued by the local authorities. All suspicious persons, vehicles and packages should be immediately reported to the authorities. Furthermore, clients should anticipate disruptions and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

AUSTRALIA (ELECTIONS) - Australia is scheduled to hold national elections on 2 July. The upcoming vote will be a double dissolution election, which means the electorate will vote for both Houses of Parliament, the House of Representatives and all members of the Senate. An increased security presence is likely in and around strategic interests such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and political party offices. Previous election periods have passed peacefully, with no significant incidents of politically motivated violence having been reported. Peaceful rallies related to the upcoming election have been held across the country in recent days, causing minor traffic disruptions. As such, further rallies and associated demonstrations by various political, civic and labour groups prior to or following the elections cannot be discounted. Disruptions to travel and business services are expected in the country's major urban areas on the day of the elections. Persons in Australia on 2 July are advised to avoid all polling stations and politically motivated gatherings as a standard security precaution. Clients are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential travel disruptions.

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