Europe
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: Travel Advisory | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ground staff at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) will strike on September 24 and October 1. The strikes were coordinated by the Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV) and Christian National Trade Union Federation (CNV) to demand increased wages as well as early retirement provisions. The first strike will be at 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM on September 24, and from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM on October 1. The strikes are expected to cause disruptions and delays between the airport, the airline’s primary hub, and the operational center. Travelers are advised to check with their flight providers to see if they are affected, and expect residual delays.
- Valencia, Spain: Protest Advisory | On September 28, protesters will march in Valencia and Paiporta to demand the resignation of Carlom Mazon Guixot due to the government’s handling of deadly regional flooding in 2024. Protesters will gather in front of the Savia Senior Center in Paiporta and La Rambleta in Valencia at 6:00 PM before marching to Solidarity Bridge. This is part of an ongoing series of protests, each bringing in large numbers of demonstrators. Travelers are advised to avoid the protest and plan alternate routes ahead of time.
- Bournemouth, United Kingdom: Travel Advisory | Airport workers will strike on September 30, October 1, 16, and 17 causing delays and cancellations at Bournemouth Airport. Workers are seeking pay raises due to the increased cost of living. Bournemouth airport primarily serves flights to and from Western Europe and the Mediterranean region. Travelers are advised to check with their flight providers to see if they are affected, and to expect residual delays following strikes.
Americas
- Ecuador: Security Advisory | Ecuador is in a 60-day state of emergency until November 15 due to violent strikes and protests over the end of a diesel subsidy. There is an 11:00 PM curfew in Bolivar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Imbabura provinces. Police are likely to forcibly disperse protests. Travelers are advised to avoid all demonstrations, follow authority directives, reconfirm routes and transportation, and to monitor social media and local news sites for updates.
- Brazil: Travel Advisory | Brazil’s National Union of Flight Protection Workers plan to stop all departures from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on September 24, 26, and 30, and then again on October 2. Representatives state that this partial strike is due to staffing issues that has put undue pressure on workers and created an operational deficit. Current negotiations are only aimed at reducing the effect of the strike rather than preventing it. This strike will affect all major airports in Brazil, including Brasilia President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB), Viracopos-Campinas International Airport (VCP), RIOgaleão International Airport (GIG), Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), and Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Landings, takeoffs, and priority aircraft (such as ambulance, firefighters, police) will not be affected. Travelers should expect significant delays in all departures due to these strike periods that will create a significant backlog. Reconfirm flight itineraries, and be prepared to reschedule as necessary.
- Montreal, Canada: Travel Advisory | Bus maintenance employees will go on strike from September 22 until October 5 in Montreal. While drivers are not going on strike, maintenance employees are needed to inspect buses before travel. Major delays are expected on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Travelers are advised to anticipate travel delays and plan alternate travel methods.
Asia & Pacific
- Southeast Asia: Weather Advisory | Super typhoon Ragasa is expected to cause major disruptions to Southeast China and Taiwan over the coming days. Ragasa made landfall in the Philippines on September 22 prompting tens of thousands to evacuate. Taiwan is not expected to be hit directly, but heavy rains have cancelled transportation throughout the island. The storm is expected to make landfall south of Hong Kong late Tuesday night; 400,000 people are expected to evacuate low-lying areas of the city of Shenzen. By the end of September 24, super typhoon Ragasa is expected to weaken before fizzling out over northern Vietnam and Laos. Travelers should follow local official directives and monitor the storm’s update via media.
- Japan: Health Advisory | There is an outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in Japan. The most affected areas are Tokyo, Saitama, and Niigata, although confirmed cases have been found in all 47 prefectures. Japan has recorded over 72,000 official confirmed cases so far this year. Whooping cough spreads through close contact, airborne transmission, and touching contaminated surfaces. Antibiotics are necessary to treat the disease and prevent its spread. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to consult with their PCP about vaccination before departure. Travelers should also take care to practice hygienic measures such as washing hands.
- Manila, Philippines: Protest Advisory | Expect further anti-corruption protests to take place over the coming weeks. Protesters allege that funds set aside for building up flood protection infrastructure have been stolen by government officials. Recent protests have seen instances of violence, with over 100 people arrested during a September 21 demonstration. Travelers are advised to avoid protests and to monitor local media for updates.
Africa & Middle East
- Cape Town, South Africa: Protest Advisory | Organizers will hold a ‘Mass March for Palestine’ on September 27 at 11:00 AM in Cape Town. Protesters will gather at Muir Street Mosque and end at the Parliament building. Those attending demand that the government take action regarding the Gaza conflict. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid the Parliament precinct and surrounding streets between late morning and mid-afternoon, allow extra time for travel, and monitor local media for police traffic updates.
- Jordan-Palestine Border: Security Advisory | Continue to expect heightened security and disruptions at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge checkpoint on the Jordan-West Bank border over the coming days following the shooting of two Israeli soldiers. On September 18, two Israeli soldiers were shot and killed at the checkpoint by a truck driver delivering humanitarian aid. The checkpoint was closed, briefly reopened on September 21, then closed again by Israel. SafeAbroad travelers should expect disruptions at the bridge in the coming days. It is advised to reconfirm the status of the crossing before setting out.
- Accra, Ghana: Protest Advisory | The New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth will protest in downtown Accra on September 23 starting at 6:00 AM. The NPP youth wing, led by Salam Mustapha, will protest alleged harassment by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The march will start at Obra Spot at 6 AM, continue to Police Headquarters to present a petition to the Inspector General of Police, and end at Jubilee House. The protest follows the arrest of Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe and reported intimidation of other NPP members. While organizers intend a peaceful demonstration, heightened political tensions increase the risk of escalation. SafeAbroad travelers are advised to avoid protest routes and anticipate traffic congestion. Monitor local media for updates and follow security directives.
