Europe
- Spain: Travel Advisory | Azul Handling ground workers will strike August 15-17 from 5:00 AM-9:00 AM, 12:00 PM-3:00 PM, and 9:00 PM-11:59 PM at airports across Spain. Azul Handling provides ground handling services for Ryanair Group airlines. Should striking workers and Azul Handling not come to a resolution by the 17th, the work stoppages will continue every following Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday until December 31 during the same timeframes. Flight delays are expected, and cancellations are possible. Travelers are advised to reconfirm any flights that may be affected by the strikes and to anticipate delays checking in and picking up baggage.
- Portugal: Travel Advisory | Baggage handlers associated with the Metallurgical and Related Industries Union (SIMA) will strike nationwide in Portugal from August 15 at 12:00 AM to August 18 at 11:59 PM. The demonstration is being organized to demand improved wages and working conditions, and is expected to cause flight delays and cancellations. Protests related to the strike may be held but have not yet been announced. Travelers are advised to reconfirm all flights scheduled to arrive or depart during the strikes and to anticipate significant baggage delays. Adjust travel plans accordingly.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Security Advisory | The UEFA Champions League match between FC Copenhagen and Malmö FF on August 12 at 7:00 PM in Parken Stadium will draw large crowds and cause an increase in law enforcement presence near the stadium, in the city center, and in the Østerbro neighborhood. Travel disruptions are expected. Historical soccer-related violence in Denmark means that clashes between fans and incidental violence are possible. Travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution during, before, and after the match, particularly if in attendance or in the surrounding area. Anticipate travel delays if traveling near the stadium.
Americas
- Bolivia: Security Advisory | National elections will occur in Bolivia on August 17; demonstrations and roadblocks are expected. A warning has been issued by the US Embassy regarding upcoming national elections. Civil unrest and roadblocks have occurred during election time in the past. Demonstrations may also occur in the weeks surrounding the election. SafeAbroad travelers should exit areas if there are signs of unrest and adhere to the advice of authorities.Travelers should also monitor local media for updates and avoid all areas in which a demonstration is underway.
- Quito, Ecuador: Protest Advisory | On August 12, protesters will gather at 11:00 AM at Guambra Bridge and march towards the Constitutional Court in Quito, Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa called for the demonstration to protest the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend several articles in laws promoted by his administration. The demonstration is expected to be well-attended and Noboa has called for it to remain peaceful. Heightened security and travel disruptions near the march is expected. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the protest and plan alternate routes. Anticipate delays if traveling near the march and expect heightened security.
- Canada: Travel Advisory | On August 11, aviation workers will gather at airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto, to begin their demonstrations starting mid-morning. The demonstrations will begin at 10:00 AM in Vancouver, 11:00 AM in Calgary, and 1:00 PM in both Montreal and Toronto. Aviation employees are organizing the events to demand fair pay and improved working conditions. While protests are expected to cause disruption around the airports, they are unlikely to result in significant flight delays or cancellations. Large gatherings of participants and potential traffic congestion may occur near airport entrances and access roads.Travelers are advised to allow extra travel time to and from airports during the demonstrations. Avoid nonessential travel through affected areas during the stated times to reduce delays. Reconfirm transportation schedules before departing, and check with airlines for any changes to flight arrangements.
Asia & Pacific
- India: Protest Advisory | On August 13 nationwide demonstrations organized by various unions will protest the 25% U.S. tariff on Indian goods, introduced in response to India’s continued oil trade with Russia. The protest will feature rallies, caravans, and gatherings, disrupting traffic and prompting heightened security. Protesters plan to gather in front of key government buildings, in public squares, and along major thoroughfares across the country. Activities are expected to include tractor and motorcycle caravans, as well as large-scale rallies. Protesters will also demand revisions to the recently signed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Travelers are advised to avoid protest sites and large gatherings. Plan alternate travel routes to bypass affected roads, and allow extra time for transportation. Monitor local news and official advisories for updated protest locations and security developments.
- Taiwan: Weather Advisory | Exercise caution as tropical storm Podu will hit the eastern coast of Taiwan on August 13. The storm has been locally named Gorio. Authorities are expecting winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Wind gusts will be accompanied by heavy thunder and rainstorms. The storm may grow to reach typhoon strength. Travelers should monitor the situation via local media and follow the guidance of local authorities.
- Kolkata, India: Protest Advisory | On August 14, protests organized by doctors’ and civil society groups will take place throughout the city of Kolkata, India. The protests are in remembrance of the one year anniversary of a trainee doctor who was killed after being sexually assaulted at RG Kar Hospital. These protests follow previous gatherings on August 8 and 9 which drew large crowds. Protests broke out in over 100 different locations last year after the horrific event; this year’s anniversary protest is expected to also draw large crowds at many different locations throughout the city. Travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings and avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night.
Africa & Middle East
- Tunisia: Travel Advisory | A nationwide aviation strike in Tunisia from August 11-14 will cause disruptions to flights. Airport and aviation technical staff affiliated with the Office of Civil Aviation and Airports (OACA) will stage a nationwide strike in Tunisia from 11:00 PM on August 11 to 8:59 PM on August 14. The strike is expected to affect both domestic and international commercial and private flights. The action was organized to demand the enforcement of a January 2024 agreement regarding bonuses, health insurance, and social funding. Travelers are advised to reconfirm their travel plans and be prepared for any possible delays.
- Israel: Protest Advisory | Mass protests are likely to break out in the coming days if the Israeli government goes through with its plan to expand the war in Gaza. President Netanyahu and his cabinet are seeking to take full control of Gaza City. The release of the planned military actions prompted mass protests on Saturday, including one that shut down Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway. Travelers are advised to monitor the local media and avoid large gatherings.
- South Africa: Protest Advisory | Protesters will likely continue to gather throughout South Africa in the coming weeks due to an increase in electricity tariffs. A recent increase in electricity tariffs has caused unruly protests near Johannesburg causing authorities to temporarily suspend the tariff locally. Civil society groups are calling for the suspension to be extended to the whole province and nationwide calls for reduction in electricity costs persist. There is a credible risk of unrest regarding future protests. Travelers are advised to avoid these protests and to monitor the local news for any updates of escalation.
