Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

UNITED STATES / UNITED KINGDOM (UNITED AIRLINES) - United has announced plans to increase the frequency of its services from Heathrow to San Francisco and Los Angeles. The carrier will add a second daily flight to San Francisco for the winter season starting October 30. Flight UA900 will depart Heathrow at 1140, landing in San Francisco at 1540, returning as UA901 at 1615, and arriving back into London at 0940 the following day. The new flight means United will serve the Heathrow-San Francisco twice daily all year round from this winter. United will also add a second daily frequency to LA for the 2017 summer season starting April 5, 2017. Flight UA61 will depart Heathrow at 1140, landing in Los Angeles at 1720, returning as UA60 at 1510 and arriving back into London at 0940 the following day. But the carrier will also reduce the frequency of its Heathrow-Houston service from thrice to twice daily from October 30. It will however swap the remaining frequencies onto B777-200s, an increase in aircraft size from the current schedule operated with B767-300s and B787s.

ITALY (ABRUZZO & LAZIO - UNIONISED TOLL WORKERS STRIKE/TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS) - Unionised toll workers, affiliated with several unions, including FILT CGIL are set to observe a 24-hour strike in Italy's Lazio and Abruzzo regions, on 30 June. The strike has been called against a number of labour concerns, including labour contract renewals and alleged inadequate wage allocations. The strike is set to affect a number of toll stations along the A24 and A25 highways. This is the latest strike by unionised workers in recent weeks, with an associated work stoppage having been observed on 5, 6 and 10 June. Should the industrial action proceed as scheduled, disruptions along the affected highways are anticipated. As negotiations between unions and the transport authority are said to be ongoing, the strike action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to travel via the affected highways, in the Abruzzo and Lazio regions on 30 June, should anticipate travel disruptions during the strike period. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for information on the action and the status of road services.

ARMENIA (YEREVAN - TAXI STRIKE & PROTESTS) - A taxi strike and associated protests are scheduled to take place in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, on 30 June. Taxi driver associations have called for the action with regard to a number of issues affecting the sector, including licensing requirements and the introduction of other low-cost transport service operators. Taxi drivers are set to stage a go-slow protest through the city from 12:15 local time, and to hold rallies in the vicinity of the National Assembly (located on Marshal Baghramyan Avenue), as well as the Ministry of Transport and Communications building (located on Nalbandyan Street). Further details regarding the protest route and the duration of the strike action are currently unavailable. The strike action is expected to be well observed and to cause moderate to severe disruptions to road travel in the city. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Yerevan are advised to anticipate travel disruptions and to use alternative forms of transport. Clients are further advised to make allowances for extended travelling time.

CANADA (TORONTO - LGBT PARADE) - Supporters of the LGBT community are set to hold the annual Pride Parade in Canada's capital, Toronto, on 3 July. Associated events are also set to be held on 1 and 2 July. A number of streets are to be affected on the above-mentioned dates, including Church, Bloor, Yong, and Carlton streets. The Pride Parade on 3 July is set to start at 14:00 local time at the intersection of Church and Bloor streets and will conclude at Alan Gardens park. Although the risk of any security incidents impacting the event is low, police are reviewing security measures, following online threats against the LGBT community in Toronto. Events associated with Pride Month in Canada have generally proceeded without major incident. Although upcoming events are expected to proceed peacefully, concerns have been raised by unsubstantiated threats made to the LGBT community, linked to the recent mass shooting at a nightclub popular with the LGBT community in Orlando, in the US, on 12 June. As such, a heightened level of security is anticipated in the vicinity of the events in Toronto. Furthermore, road closures and associated travel disruptions may be anticipated in the vicinity of events. Persons in Toronto during the aforementioned dates are advised to monitor local media for information on the upcoming pride parade. Clients are advised to exercise a heightened level of caution during large LGBT gatherings. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to accommodate possible travel delays in the vicinity of any events or related demonstrations.

PERU (LIMA - LGBT PARADE) - An LGBT parade is set to take place in Peru's capital, Lima, on 2 July. Participants in the parade are expected to gather at the Historic Centre of Lima, located on the border of the city's Rimac and Cercado de Lima districts. As in previous years, the parade is expected to end at the San Martin Plaza; however, municipal officials have not given permission for the use of the area. Event organisers are intending to end the parade at the plaza despite the decision by the municipality. Although the event is focused on the capital, similar gatherings may occur in other urban cities across the country. Although the parade is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of counter-demonstrations and isolated hate crimes marring the upcoming gathering cannot be dismissed. As such, an increased security presence is likely in the vicinity of the parade. Skirmishes between authorities and demonstrators may also occur if members are blocked from accessing San Martin Plaza during the event. Road closures and associated disruptions in the vicinity of the parade route should be anticipated on the day. Persons in Peru, particularly Lima, on 2 July are advised to monitor local media for information on the upcoming pride parade and possible counter-demonstrations; these should all be avoided as a precaution. Clients should expect an increased security force presence in the city center and plan for possible road travel disruptions.

JAPAN (KAGOSHIMA & NAGASAKI - EVACUATIONS DUE TO LANDSLIDES) - Evacuation orders have been issued in parts of Kagoshima and Nagasaki prefectures, located on Kyushu, as a result of landslides on 29 June. Landslides have been reported as a result of increased rainfall in the affected areas since 28 June. Areas in Tarumizu, Ofunagura, Minamiaso and Uto were reportedly evacuated. In addition, disruptions to scheduled services operated by the Kyushu railway company were reported in the affected areas. Japan typically experiences its rainy season from mid-June to the end of August; as such, further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding, and possibly landslides, remains likely. Further disruptions to scheduled transport services and road-based travel are possible; utility services, such as water and electricity supply, may also be negatively affected by the inclement weather. Clients in the affected prefectures 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.

CAMEROON (DOUALA - EVACUATIONS DUE TO FLOODING) - Evacuations and road closures continue to be reported in Douala due to severe rainfall and flooding, as of 30 June. Further disruptions are expected as intermittent heavy rains are expected to persist until at least 6 July. Some of the worst-affected areas include the low-income settlements of Makepe Missoke and New Town Airport, in the vicinity of Douala International Airport. Low-lying areas adjacent to the Wouri river, in the east and south of Douala, are assessed to be at a greater risk of flood-related disruptions in the coming days. These areas include other low-income settlements such as Mambanda, Bois des Singes, Missoke, Ngangue, and Petit Paris in Bonapriso. Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Cameroon; however, elevated levels of precipitation generally occur between the months of April and November. Flooding occasionally occurs during this period, with significant disruptions reported in June 2015 due to widespread flooding that resulted in severe travel disruptions and a number of fatalities. In addition, the flooding is expected to exacerbate the threat of malaria in the coming weeks and months. Persons operating in Douala in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for flooding updates and associated advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases.

CAMEROON (LIMANI, FAR NORTH REGION - SUICIDE BOMBING) - According to reports on 30 June, at least ten people have been killed and an unconfirmed number have been wounded as a result of a suicide bombing in the locality of Djakana near the town of Limani, located in Cameroon's Far North (Extreme-Nord) region, on 29 June. The incident has allegedly been claimed by the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. Cameroon's Far North region is frequently affected by acts of terrorism. The majority of incidents are blamed on, or are claimed by, the Nigeria-based Boko Haram sect. Boko Haram has increasingly targeted countries bordering its north eastern Nigeria strongholds in recent months, in response to Cameroonian counterinsurgency operations in these areas, which are linked to ongoing retaliatory attacks by the terrorist organisation. Clients are advised against all travel to the Far North region. Persons operating in the area should implement robust travel, personal and residential security measures. Areas recently affected by violence should be avoided.

AFGHANISTAN (KABUL - SUICIDE BOMBING) - Emerging reports indicate that an undetermined number of security force members and civilians have been killed, and several others injured, following a double suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 30 June. A suicide bomber attacked a military convoy on the Kabul-Kandahar highway, in Qala-e-Haidar Khan village, on the outskirts of the capital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Although reports on the exact number of casualties are still emerging, initial indications are that it will be significant, possibly approaching 40 fatalities. The incident underscores the extreme conflict and associated terrorism risks in Afghanistan. The threat stems from a number of extremist Islamist organisations, of which the Taleban is the most prevalent. Despite the efforts of the Afghan security forces against the group, the Taleban continues to have an extensive operational presence in the country, including in Kabul. Given the general insecurity in the country, further conflict- and security-related incidents are expected to persist. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in Kabul are advised to exercise maximum security measures and to avoid the affected area at this time.

TURKEY (ISTANBUL - COUNTERTERRORISM OPERATIONS) - Police in Istanbul, Turkey, have reportedly conducted a number of counterterrorism raids in the city on 30 June. The operation focused on the Pendik, Basaksehir and Sultanbeyli areas. Further information is unavailable. The raids follow a major terrorist attack at the Ataturk Airport on 28 June. It is not clear if the operations are linked to this attack. Turkish authorities regularly conduct raids against suspected militant hideouts following attacks. Further such operations are likely in the coming days in Istanbul and other major cities. Clients in Istanbul should monitor local media closely. Caution is advised in areas impacted by security operations. Travellers should also exercise heightened caution while travelling in Turkey's major urban centres due to the risk of terrorism. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities.

SOMALIA (LAFOOLE - BOMBING) - A roadside bomb detonated near a passenger bus in Lafoole, located west of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, earlier on 30 June. The blast killed 18 people. The identity of the perpetrators and the motive for the attack is unclear. The incident underscores the elevated levels of insecurity in the country. Such bombings are typically linked to militant groups operating in the country, such as al-Shabaab. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

IRELAND (DUBLIN - PROTEST) - The US Embassy in Ireland's capital, Dublin, has warned of a protest march scheduled to take place in the city on 30 June. Activists are expected to gather in the vicinity of the French Embassy, located in Fitzwilliam Road at 12:00 local time and proceed to the US Embassy, located in Elgin Road. The event has been organised in response to grievances expressed by members of the Congolese community. Although the upcoming event is anticipated to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level unrest cannot be dismissed entirely. An increased security presence and localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the protest march. Persons in Dublin on 30 June are advised to avoid the vicinity of the upcoming protest march as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised traffic disruptions during the demonstration.

NIGERIA (ENUGU - PROTEST) - A protest led by the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is expected in Enugu city, located in Nigeria's southern Enugu state, on 2 July. The protest, titled 'Diocesan Peaceful Prayerful Protest March', has been called to denounce ongoing communal violence in the state. The street march will begin in the morning of 2 July at the Holy Ghost Cathedral and proceed towards Government House. Should the protest proceed, a large turnout is possible, as is the deployment of police. There is a risk of low-level confrontations at all public gatherings/protests in Nigeria. There are, however, no immediate indications that the planned event will be overly disruptive or result in violence. Heightened caution is advised in Enugu state. Persons in Enugu city on 2 July should avoid the protest as a standard precaution.

INDIA (JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE - PILGRIMAGE) - The Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage), an important period on the Hindu calendar, is scheduled to begin on 2 July and end on 18 August. During the pilgrimage, thousands of worshippers make their way in groups to the Amarnath cave in Anantnag district, in Jammu and Kashmir state to pay their respects to the god Shiva. Additional security forces will be deployed along the pilgrimage route for the duration of the event. Security has been heightened in the past amid concerns that Islamist extremists or Kashmiri separatist groups may seek to target pilgrims. Indeed, such concerns prompted authorities to ban the event from 1991 until 1995. Further underscoring these concerns, approximately 30 pilgrims were killed in an armed attack in 2000, which has subsequently been attributed to the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group. However, it should be noted that since that attack, there have been no further significant incidents; the primary role of security forces is now seen as ensuring the safety of the pilgrims from the point of view that the pilgrimage takes place in arduous conditions in which there are several fatalities among the elderly or infirm each year. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Persons already in the region are advised to avoid all large gatherings of pilgrims and concentrations of security personnel; heightened security measures and subsequent travel disruptions should also be expected for the duration of the pilgrimage.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.