Europe
- Brussels, Belgium: Travel Advisory | All outbound passenger flights will be cancelled at Brussels Airport (BRU) causing massive disruptions on October 14. The flight cancellations are due to a unionized strike that is voicing grievances over recent government reforms. Airport staff to include security personnel will strike; therefore, BRU outbound flights will be cancelled due to concerns over safety and operational feasibility. BRU averages 200 outbound flights a day. Travelers are advised to reconfirm their flight plans. They should also expect residual delays.
- Zaragoza, Spain: Travel Advisory | Tram workers associated with the Zaragoza Railway Union and the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) in Zaragoza, Spain will through October 19 demanding shift schedule changes and additional recognition for customer service employees. Serious disruptions in all public transportation are expected during this time as it corresponds with the final two days of the Pilar Fiestas, which is an annual fiesta holiday period that is specific to the region and highly popular as a travel destination. Streets are anticipated to be highly congested with vehicle traffic during this time, likely worsened by the unavailability of tram transport. Travelers in the area are advised to add time to their travel plans. Travelers should also expect delays in all available transport options due to increased demand.
- Greece: Protest Advisory | Civil servants will strike across Greece on October 14 causing disruptions to many services. The 24-hour strike was organized by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) and Athens Labor Center (EKA) to oppose a new labor bill that proposes a 13-hour workday, demand higher wages, and abolish the 2% levy. This strike will cause disruptions in many work sectors, such as healthcare, transportation, and education, along with many private companies and government departments. Additionally, union workers and members of the general public supporting the strike will further assemble to protest at Syntagma Square. Travelers are advised to revise travel plans around the protest location. They should also reconfirm any healthcare appointments and the functioning of transportation services they plan to use.
Americas
- Peru: Travel Advisory | There will be a transportation strike and demonstrations across multiple provinces in Peru on October 13-15. These protests will be in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa provinces. Protestors are striking against the rising extortion and violence targeting public transport drivers. There will also be other protests on these days, which are expected to heighten the disruption in the city. SafeAbroad travelers should avoid protests and anticipate heavy traffic and heightened security in the area.
- Colombia: Travel Advisory | October 12 marks the holiday Dia de la Raza in Colombia, a national holiday featuring parades, public ceremonies, and reduced operations across government offices and many businesses. On this day, public transport, banks, and municipal services may operate on limited schedules or be closed altogether. Travelers should expect delays or service interruptions in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and other major cities, particularly around ceremonial routes or downtown areas. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan nonessential activities before or after October 12 and to check local service availability in advance.
- Mexico: Health Advisory | There has been a significant increase in the number of cases of New World Screwworm Myiasis in Mexico. Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of fly larvae (maggots) in human tissue. They are more prevalent in areas with livestock, where they will attempt to lay eggs in open wounds. The screwworm weakens immune systems with symptoms including worsening pain of wounds and additional bleeding. Travelers are advised to cover any open wounds and sleep in a room with screened windows. It is recommended to seek medical attention and remove larvae immediately if they are detected.
Asia & Pacific
- Quezon City, Philippines: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather at 6:00 PM every Friday at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City until November 28. These protests, led by the Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM), were prompted by alleged irregularities in flood control projects and will culminate in a nationwide rally on November 30. TPMM supporters will also encourage others to demonstrate at their residences and places of work nationwide every Friday at noon. Thousands of security personnel were deployed in September to quell a previous round of protests regarding government corruption. Expect a heightened security presence. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations. Expect associated disruption and plan journeys accordingly.
- Philippines: Disaster Advisory | Caraga and Davao regions of the Philippines will continue to experience aftershocks over the coming days following two major earthquakes near Manay on October 10. A magnitude 7.4 earthquake at 9:43 PM was followed by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake just hours later. More than 820 aftershocks, including one measuring magnitude 5.8, have been recorded since. The earthquakes led to brief tsunami warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). At this time, eigh people have been killed, 14 injured and more than 7,900 displaced. Travelers are advised to account for aftershocks over the coming days and weeks. Expect infrastructural damage and short-notice disruptions. Monitor the PHIVOLCS website for aftershock information.
- Sydney, Australia: Protest Advisory | A large counter-protest will raise security concerns and cause disruptions in Sydney on October 19, with participants gathering at Belomore Park at 11:00 AM. The organizing group says they will protest against the racism and fascism that the political right represents. This demonstration is a part of coordinated counter protests to the far-right “March for Australia” occurring the same day in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Expect a heightened police presence, crowd congestion, and short notice traffic diversions around the protest area. Though demonstrations should remain peaceful, violence can break out at short notice. SafeAbroad travelers should exercise caution near protest areas, plan alternative routes, and reconfirm any central city travel.
Africa & Middle East
- Senegal: Health Advisory | Senior health technicians will strike nationwide from October 15 to 16, which will temporarily cause substantial disruptions to public health services. The Autonomous Union of Senior Health Technicians (SATSUS) called for the strike in response to the government’s continued failure to act on the reclassification of senior health technicians, despite having previously signed agreements on the matter. The strike will occur for 48 hours and is expected to affect major hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country. Travelers are advised to contact nearby healthcare facilities in advance to inquire about expected strike-related impacts. Travelers should also monitor local news and media for real-time updates and directives.
- Nigeria: Protest Advisory | Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria will start a two week protest on October 13 at midnight. The two week protest period is intended to force the government to conclude negotiations with the Union. The declaration followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government on September 28. Demands made by the ASUU include the release of withheld salaries, adequate funding, and earned academic allowances. The ASUU has warned the strike may extend indefinitely if “concrete steps” are not taken. Travelers are advised to avoid potential protest locations and expect academic related delays.
- United Arab Emirates: Travel Advisory | Heavy traffic and delays expected ahead of three major events to take place in Dubai during the week of October 13. One of the world’s biggest technology exhibitions, Gitex Global, returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on October 13. Dubai Safari Park will also reopen on October 14 for its seventh season, and finally, Dubai’s multicultural festival park, Global Village, reopens on October 15 at 6 PM, marking the start of its milestone Season 30. Travelers are advised to plan their journeys in advance, especially if traveling around key event areas.
