Europe
- Helsinki, Finland: Travel Advisory | On June 2 and 4, airport and ground handling staff will strike at Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL), disrupting Finnair operations and affecting thousands of passengers. The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) organized the work stoppages in response to an ongoing dispute with the employers’ association Palta over wages and working conditions. Finnair has cancelled 50 flights on June 2 and further cancellations are likely on June 4. Travelers are advised to reconfirm bookings, arrive early, and prepare for delays and limited services.
- France: Protest Advisory | On June 5, public sector employees from transport, healthcare, and other fields will strike and demonstrate in urban hubs nationwide. In Paris, protesters will gather at City Hall square at 10:00 AM. The demonstrations are organized to demand the withdrawal of a recent pension reform, which raises the retirement age to 64. Heightened security and travel disruptions are likely near protest sites. Disruptions to services including transport and healthcare are possible. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations. Plan routes in advance and allow additional travel time.
- Cork, Ireland: Protest Advisory | On June 7, two contrasted demonstrations will take place at Grand Parade, potentially causing disruptions and heightened tensions in the area. At 2:00 PM, anti-immigration demonstrators will gather in opposition to the government’s immigration policies, with particular focus on the settlement of Muslim immigrants. Beginning at 1:00 PM, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) will gather for a Palestine solidarity march, set to begin at 1:30 PM near the Cork City Library. A large turnout is anticipated at both events. Heightened police presence and localized travel disruptions are likely. Travelers should avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan alternate routes and exercise enhanced situational awareness if traveling in the vicinity.
Americas
- Canada: Disaster Advisory | Until at least June 27-28, states of emergency have been declared in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan provinces due to ongoing and uncontained wildfires. More than 25,000 people have been ordered to evacuate in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Smoke has caused air quality alerts to be issued across Canada and the United States. Travelers should monitor local news and avoid areas affected by wildfires. Prepare essentials and follow official directives in the event of an evacuation. Anticipate traffic delays as roads may be closed with little to no notice. Minimize outdoor activity in smoke-affected areas.
- Bolivia: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, activists will strike and demonstrate across the country to denounce rising living costs, fuel shortages, and Morales’s exclusion from the upcoming general election. Protesters may gather outside the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) building in La Paz until at least June 6 to demand his reinstatement as a candidate. On June 2, protesters will block major highways across the country, including routes in and around Cochabamba, La Paz, and Sucre. On June 3, the Bolivian Drivers’ Confederation will stage a 24-hour strike, which will likely cause disruptions to road and intercity bus travel. On June 4, the Evismo movement will begin indefinite roadblocks in Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, and Chuquisaca. Travelers should avoid all protest activity. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks. Maintain situational awareness and leave areas at the first sign of unrest.
- Salvador, Brazil: Travel Advisory | Starting June 3 at 12:01 AM, bus drivers employed by Avanço will launch an indefinite strike to demand improved working conditions. The work stoppage will impact local and intermunicipal bus travel in Lauro de Freitas, Candeias, Camaçari, Madre de Deus, Simões Filho, Santo Amaro, and São Francisco do Conde. Associated demonstrations are possible. Travelers should avoid all protest activity, plan alternate means of travel, and anticipate shortages of available transport.
Asia & Pacific
- Kathmandu, Nepal: Protest Advisory | On June 1, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Kathmandu to demand the restoration of the monarchy and the return of former King Gyanendra Shah as head of state. The protest resulted in several arrests, including former Home Minister Kamal Thapa, after demonstrators attempted to enter restricted areas near the Narayanhiti Palace. A two-month government ban on demonstrations in most parts of Kathmandu began on June 2, allowing protests only within designated zones: Koteshwor, Balkhu, and Sifal ground. Organizers have stated that they will continue demonstrating until their demands are met. Further associated gatherings are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity and follow instructions from local authorities. Exercise heightened awareness and leave areas at the first sign of unrest.
- Jakarta, Indonesia: Protest Advisory | On June 3, protesters including retired employees of Pos Indonesia and labor union members will gather outside the People’s Representative Council (DPR) building, with possible activity near the State Palace. On June 2 at 10:00 AM, thousands of protesters gathered near the State Palace as part of the same campaign. Heightened security and disruptions on nearby roads are expected. Police may use force to disperse crowds. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations and protest areas. Plan journeys in advance and anticipate delays. Exercise situational awareness, and leave at the first sign of unrest.
- Melbourne, Australia: Protest Advisory | On June 3, pro-Palestinian protesters with the Free Palestine Coalition Naarm and additional activist groups will gather at 290 Salmon Street at 12:00 PM to denounce Elbit Systems and demand an end to the conflict in the Middle East. Traffic disruptions and heightened security are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan travel in advance and use alternate routes.
Africa & Middle East
- Mzuzu, Malawi: Protest Advisory | Over the coming days, demonstrations are expected across the city amid ongoing election tensions. On May 27, protesters demanding change to the electoral management system clashed with authorities after gathering at Katoto Ground and marching toward the Mzuzu Civic Offices. Tires were set ablaze on the M1 and property was vandalized in several areas of the city. Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and at least 17 people were arrested. Organizers have stated that nationwide demonstrations will begin on June 6 if their demands are not met. Heightened security and localized disruptions are expected at demonstration sites. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest activity. Exercise situational awareness, allow additional travel time, and leave areas at the first sign of unrest.
- Rabat, Morocco: Protest Advisory | On June 3 at 11:00 AM, protesters will gather outside the Ministry of Higher Education to denounce perceived inequities in the current system of academic seniority and to demand reforms that ensure fairer career progression pathways for university faculty members. Expect heightened security and localized disruptions. Travelers are advised to avoid the area and all protest activity. Plan alternate routes, allow additional travel time, and follow official directives.
- Saudi Arabia: Travel Advisory | From June 4 to 9, significant disruptions are anticipated during the Hajj pilgrimage, which overlaps with the Eid al-Adha holiday on June 6. Millions of pilgrims are expected to travel to Mecca and Medina, placing pressure on transport infrastructure, accommodations, and government services. Travel to Mecca will be restricted to individuals with a valid Hajj permit until at least June 9. Flight delays are possible. Travelers should expect crowded airports, longer wait times, road congestion, and limited availability of services due to public office and business closures. Reconfirm all bookings and allow extra time for journeys. Exercise cultural and religious sensitivity, and follow all instructions from Saudi authorities.
