The Week Ahead: February 16, 2026

Date

Europe
  • Valais, Switzerland: Travel Advisory | A train derailment has cancelled train services between Goppenstein and Brig until February 17. An avalanche led to a derailment of a CFF regional train that resulted in 5 injuries on the morning of February 16. CFF has posted that the important, connective section of train lines in the south of the country will remain closed until 5:30 PM on February 17. Travelers are advised to confirm their train status before departure. They should also secure other bookings quickly if needed.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather near Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on February 17 at 11:00 AM. Demonstrators will arrive at Schiphol Plaza before marching to Schiphol Court at Schiphol Logistics Park to call attention to alleged violence against peaceful demonstrators. Localized congestion and road disruptions are expected in the surrounding area. Travelers are advised to avoid protest sites near and adjacent roadways. Travelers should monitor local media for updates.
  • Glasgow, United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | A labor union protest will take place outside Glasgow City Council on February 23 at 12:30 PM. The UNISON Glasgow City Branch organizes the demonstration to oppose proposed budget cuts and advocate for increased municipal funding, citing concerns over wage conditions and public services. Similar union-led demonstrations in Glasgow are typically peaceful but draw a visible police presence and may cause localized congestion near government buildings. Travelers are advised to avoid the immediate protest area and plan alternate routes. They should allow additional time for travel and monitor local media for updates.
Americas
  • Colombia: Protest Advisory | A nationwide strike will take place on February 19 at 4:00 PM following a call by President Gustavo Petro. President Gustavo Petro urges citizens to gather in public squares nationwide to protest the Council of State’s decision suspending his administration’s decree to raise the minimum wage by 23.7%. The proposed wage increase faces strong opposition from parts of the business sector since its introduction in December 2025, prompting prior demonstrations with moderate turnout. Increased security presence and localized disruptions are likely in major city centers, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid public squares and protest gathering points where possible. They should allow additional time for travel, remain alert in city centers, and monitor local media for updates.
  • Toronto, Canada: Protest Advisory | A migration-related protest will take place at Dundas Square on February 21 at 1:00 PM. The Canada First movement organizes the demonstration to advocate for stricter migration policies, including the deportation of undocumented migrants. Similar immigration-focused protests in downtown Toronto in recent years have remained largely peaceful but have occasionally drawn counter protests, resulting in heightened police presence and temporary street closures. While significant violence is not typical, isolated verbal confrontations and minor scuffles have occurred at comparable events. Travel disruptions and increased security are likely around Dundas Square. Travelers are advised to avoid all protest sites and plan alternate routes. Travelers should allow additional time for travel and monitor local media for updates.
  • Lima, Peru: Travel Advisory | Bus workers will strike on February 16, limiting transportation options in the nations capital Lima. The drivers are striking against government inaction over the continued violence against transportation workers by criminals. Several groups of bus drivers will be striking, resulting in larger disruptions than previous strikes with more bus lines affected. Travelers are advised to seek alternate forms of transportation. They should also avoid any associated protests.
Asia & Pacific
  • Asia: Travel Advisory | Significant travel delays and congestion will result from region-wide Lunar New Year celebrations through February 23. Several Southeast and East Asian nations celebrate Lunar New Year by visiting with family and friends resulting in a massive demand for transportation services. It is estimated that around 1.4 billion inter-regional trips (including flights, train rides, and bus rides) will be made during this period. Travelers are advised to reconfirm departure times for any transportation service they may be utilizing. They should also maintain a heightened sense of awareness when in large crowds. 
  • Indonesia: Weather Advisory | Flooding and transportation disruptions are expected to continue across Indonesia through February 19 due to heavy rainfall. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warns of heavy to very heavy rain across multiple regions, including Jakarta. Floodwaters reach up to 30 cm in some areas, and train services along the northern route of Central Java remain disrupted. Ongoing rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding, road closures, fallen trees, and power outages, likely causing further travel disruptions. Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential road travel and remain clear of fallen trees and downed power lines. They should prepare essential supplies, including food, water, medical kits, and backup power sources.
  • Mumbai, India: Travel Advisory | A high-profile diplomatic visit will disrupt travel in Mumbai on February 17. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai for the Indo-French Innovation Forum, with events at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Gateway of India. Authorities will enforce traffic restrictions in the Colaba area from 2:00 to 9:00 PM and maintain a heavy police presence, causing significant congestion and road closures. Travelers are advised to allow additional time for travel and use alternate routes or public transportation, including the Mumbai Metro, where possible. They should also carry valid identification and monitor Mumbai Traffic Police advisories for real-time updates.
Africa & Middle East
  • Madagascar: Disaster Advisory | Expect major challenges to transportation and safety across many areas of Madagascar over the coming weeks following the passage of Cyclone Gezani. The storm destroyed a significant portion of Madagascar’s second largest city Toamasina prompting the government to declare a national emergency. Widespread power outages and water shortages are also being reported. Travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas of Madagascar. They should also monitor local media for updates. 
  • Rabat, Morocco: Protest Advisory | Protesters will gather at the Ministry of Education in Rabat on February 18 at 11:00 AM, likely causing travel disruptions. The demonstration is linked to ongoing labor disputes and dissatisfaction within Morocco’s public education sector. Similar protests in Rabat have previously drawn moderate crowds and prompted a visible security presence near government buildings. While organizers indicate the gathering is expected to remain peaceful, road congestion and temporary traffic diversions are possible in central Rabat, particularly around government offices. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid protest areas and plan alternate routes. Travelers should monitor local media for updates.
  • Cape Town, South Africa: Travel Advisory | Road closures will disrupt travel in central Cape Town until February 28. Authorities maintain an increased police presence around the Parliament precinct and Central Business District due to National Assembly events and the State of the Nation Address. Roads including Roeland, Buitenkant, Plein, and Darling Streets remain closed or restricted, causing congestion and traffic diversions, particularly during peak hours. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow additional time for travel. Travelers should also monitor local media for updates.

Recent
Advisories

Transport workers will strike across Lima, Peru, on March 5 over driver killings and extortion; expect citywide travel disruptions.

The Association of Urban Transport Service Operators of Peru will lead a 24-hour strike involving more than 8,000 transport workers across Lima. Drivers will suspend services and convoy from Plaza 2 de Mayo and Plaza San Martin to the Government Palace and Congress. Organizers protest rising killings and armed extortion targeting drivers. The strike may reduce transport availability and increase delays.

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Limited air travel resumed in the United Arab Emirates on March 4 following previous airspace closure due to conflict in the region.

Airlines have partially resumed operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Travel delays will continue until at least March 6. Air travel slowed in the UAE after several airports were struck by Iran. Not all ongoing flights are commercial, as airlines are assisting with evacuations. The US State Department (DoS) has flights to evacuate American citizens via their crisis intake form at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.

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