The Week Ahead: January 5, 2025

Date

Europe
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands: Travel Advisory | Winter weather will continue to cause major cancellations at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands through January 5 and 6. Prolonged winter weather has overwhelmed the airport’s ability to service flights since January 2, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed. Around 450 flights have been canceled for January 5, with the airport expecting similar disruptions the next day. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights, and to seek alternative transportation where available.
  • Europe: Protest Advisory | Expect further farmer protests over the coming weeks across several European nations. Farmer protests have led to demonstrations, roadblocks along highways, delays at ports of entry, and other disruptions over the last few weeks in France, Greece, Belgium, and Poland. Farmers are protesting simultaneously against a proposed EU trade agreement as well as local grievances with their own government’s agricultural policies. Groups organizing the protests have signaled that they intend to restart the demonstrations after a short holiday break. Travelers are advised to reconfirm routes ahead of departure. They should also avoid all protests where possible.
  • London, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | A bus driver strike will limit transportation in the north and northeast of London from January 8-9. Over 300 drivers are expected to walk off the job in protest of alleged anti-union activities by their employers. The following 12 routes are expected to be out of service: 58, 97, 135, 276, 236, 308, 339, 488, D8, W13, W14, and 678. Other routes are likely to be impacted by delays as well. Travelers are advised to seek alternate forms of transportation. They should also leave earlier in anticipation of heightened demand for the limited routes and delays.
Americas
  • Latin America: Protest Advisory | Expect further anti-U.S. protests outside of American embassies across Latin America over the coming weeks. Following the U.S. operation that captured Venezuela’s President Maduro, anti-U.S. protests attracted hundreds to thousands of protesters across Latin American nations to protest outside of U.S. diplomatic buildings on January 3. Notable protests included those in Argentina and Mexico. Travelers are advised to avoid all protests. They should also avoid interacting with the protesters.
  • Caribbean: Travel Advisory | Expect residual flight delays as airlines resume operations throughout the Caribbean after the closure of airspace through January 6. Recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela led to the closure of airspace in the Caribbean, in turn forcing airlines to cancel around 1,000 flights. These restrictions ended early Sunday morning which prompted airlines to increase the number of flights to the region to pick up stranded travelers. Travelers are advised to reconfirm their bookings and to monitor local media for updates.
  • Brazil: Weather Advisory | Heavy rain is expected to create dangerous conditions in both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil from January 5-7. Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) forecasts the region to receive between 1.2 and 2 inches of rain per hour during this period. This creates a risk of flooding and landslides in low-lying areas and those around bodies of water. Travelers are advised to avoid flood-prone areas and to monitor local media for updates.
Asia & Pacific
  • Manila, Philippines: Security Advisory | Millions are expected to participate in festivities during the Feast of the Black Nazerene celebrations in Manila on January 9. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a religious holiday that draws millions of attendees to the streets of Manila every year, with an estimated eight million participating in 2025’s celebrations. The event centers around Manila’s Qiapo neighborhood where a procession of religious iconography will take place. Travelers are advised to secure their valuables and maintain awareness when in large crowds. They should also build extra time into travel plans to account for delays around Manila.
  • Maharashtra, India: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security throughout Maharashtra state in India until the elections on January 15. The state will be holding local elections on January 15 which has brought out a large police force to enforce security. Authorities have already conducted over 2,500 minor operations throughout the state seizing illegal weapons, cash, and drugs in an effort to prevent any potential unrest. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They also are advised to carry a form of identification on them at all times.
  • Australia: Weather Advisory | A major heatwave will affect Australia’s southern states this week through January 9. The states of Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales will see temperatures that climb up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Affected cities include Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, and Canberra. Travelers are advised to limit time outside during the hottest times of the day. They are also advised to make a conscious effort to remain hydrated during this period.
Africa & Middle East
  • Gabon: Travel Advisory | A strike by rail workers will limit train services throughout Gabon starting January 5. The strike will last for an indefinite amount of time to protest the governing authority for the country’s railroads’ refusal to negotiate with the main rail union. This strike has an outsized impact on travel throughout Gabon as there is only one major rail system in the nation, the Trans-Gabon Railway, that connects Libreville with Franceville. Travelers are advised to seek alternate forms of travel if available. They should also monitor local media for updates.
  • Nigeria: Health Advisory | Nigerian doctors will strike nationwide disrupting healthcare services starting on January 12. The Nigerian Association of Residential Doctors (NARD) announced that they will strike indefinitely to protest the non-payment of salaries owed to doctors. In addition to the strike, NARD announced that protests were likely at some point after January 16. Emergency services will still be available. Travelers are advised to see if their healthcare provider is affected by the strike. They are also advised to monitor local media for updates.
  • Benin: Security Advisory | Expect heightened security ahead of Benin’s parliamentary elections on January 11. A failed coup on December 7 is likely to prompt the heightened security for the elections. The National Electoral Commission (CENA) has called on various actors to ensure that the elections pass peacefully. Campaigning so far has not sparked any signs of violence. Travelers are advised to follow official directives. They are also advised to leave an area at the first sign of violence.

Recent
Advisories

Expect heightened security and travel disruptions during the Champions League Football final in Budapest, Hungary, from May 29 to May 31.

Heightened security and travel disruptions are expected across Budapest, from May 29–31 during the UEFA Champions League final weekend at Puskás Arena. Over 4,000 police officers will be deployed around the city, with road closures expected to cause congestion near the stadium and Budapest International Airport (BUD). Additional designated fan zones in Heroes Square, Napozoret, and MTK Sportpark will host thousands of fans over the weekend.

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Doctors will strike nationwide across Spain on May 18-22; expect disruptions to healthcare services.

Doctors will strike nationwide from May 18-22 in an ongoing call for improved working conditions. The Spanish Confederation of Medical Unions (CESM) organized the strikes which have been ongoing since February 2026. No strike-related protest have been announced but are likely. The strike is expected to cause disruptions and closures to healthcare facilities, routine appointments, elective surgeries and specialist appointments. The emergency rooms will remain open during the strike, anticipate longer wait times.

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Anticipate heightened security and travel disruptions across Japan, during pro-peace demonstrations on May 19 and 29.

Localized disruptions are expected in Tokyo and other major urban centers in Japan on May 19 and May 29 with protesters gathering in response to proposed revisions to Japan’s pacifist constitution, concerns over lethal arms exports and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Protesters are expected to gather at key locations including the National Diet, the Ministry of Defence, the Prime Minister’s Office and main train stations. Past demonstrations have recorded significant turnout. Expect disruptions to public transport and local traffic.

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