Recent clashes between Israel and Palestine have sparked military operations throughout the region. Israeli Defense Forces have urged civilians in the Gaza area to leave as they intend to carry out strikes. In addition, Tel Aviv and surrounding areas have been targeted by missile/rocket attacks. Casualties have been reported.
Travelers can expect moderate to significant delays at airports throughout Italy on 15 May as workers intend on participating in a strike throughout the country. Workers at Florence Regional Airport and Pisa International Airport are expected to participate.
Transportation workers are planning a strike on 12 May. Services on railways, metros, and bus systems may be temporarily disrupted. Specifically in Rome from 08:30-12:30, Bologna 11:00-15:00, Naples 11:30-15:30, and Palermo 09:00-13:00.
Between 6 and 13 May, expect elevated security around Jerusalem as Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) celebrations occur. Celebrations are to begin the evening of 9 May through 10 May. Roadblocks and checkpoints throughout Jerusalem are likely. Restrictions may be imposed on tourist sites and transportation as well.
As of 5 May, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issues and extended a level 6 orange-level warning through 7 May in the Western Cape Province. Warnings are due to heavy rainfall and likely flooding. Meanwhile, damaging wind and disruptive rain have been reported for areas including Cape Town and the Eastern Cape Province. Closure of the N12 highway at Meiringspoort Pass was also reported due to flooding. The South African Air Force is on standby to provide rescue via helicopters.
A 24-hour strike in Athens on behalf of unionized public transportation workers is set to occur on 6 May. Protests aim to denounce attempts on behalf of the government to undermine labor rights. Cancellations and delays across all public transportation is extremely likely either from the strikes or due to increased demand on available transportation. Protests in city centers likely to be met by police.
Nationwide ongoing protests as of 4 May in Colombia have intensified leading to violent clashes with police. Additionally, protests near the University of Cauca and the Industrial University of Santander have led to looting and have been met with tear gas, water cannons, and stun grenades. Further unrest is expected. As a result of unrest, there have been 17 fatalities and hundreds injured as of protests on 3 May, and Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport has been temporarily closed.
On 6 May, nationwide protests will take place as planned by student groups. The main protest will take place in the Ministry of Universities in Madrid at 19:00 local time. The protests are to demand free public education and increased funding. Expect traffic disruptions around areas of protests.
On 9 May the Victory Day military parade will occur in Moscow’s city center causing travel disruptions throughout the area. Rehearsals in the days prior to the parade will also cause travel disruptions. Road closures, traffic diversions, and delays are likely to occur. Expect increased traffic in and around the area as well as disruptions to various public transportation services.
In anticipation of May Day, several activist and union groups plan to protest in major cities across Europe to commemorate International Workers’ day on 1 May. Likely forms of protests include marches or gatherings at public locations such as central squares, city centers, or government offices. Attendance will vary but large-scale gatherings can have attendance in the thousands. Large gatherings could cause local transportation disruptions. Clashes may be possible if protests become unruly.
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