LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 18 MAR 2019 MARCH 18, 2019

AMERICAS

Canada

Today, flights at Terminals 1 and 3 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) are operating normally, with the exception of departures to the United States from Terminal 1, which may still experience delays. The terminals were closed after a fire in Terminal 1 yesterday. Passengers transiting the facility should reconfirm flights prior to setting out and expect delays if traveling to the United States from Terminal 1.

Colombia

Today, travelers in urban centers should avoid demonstrations related to the controversial Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) law due to the potential for local unrest. Opposition and civic groups are protesting President Ivan Duque’s objection to several articles of the legislation, which they claim threaten the implementation of peace agreements between the government and armed groups. The main rally will take place in Bogota; demonstrations will also be held in other cities.

Tomorrow and Wednesday, March 20, travelers in urban centers should anticipate and avoid rallies linked to a 48-hour nationwide strike called by the Fecode teachers’ union. The union has called the strike to demand more funding for infrastructure and education in the government’s proposed National Development Plan. The strike will culminate with a march through Bogota on Wednesday, March 20; similar demonstrations are expected in most major urban centers. All related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution and to minimize inconvenience.

Jamaica

An outbreak of dengue fever has been declared in Jamaica. Case numbers have increased significantly since December 2018. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

Mexico

Today, travelers in Hermosillo should avoid a protest at 10:00 AM local time outside the Governor’s Palace; demonstrators are demanding an investigation into the recent killing of a local journalist. The reporter, Santiago Barroso, died on Friday, March 15 after being shot at his home by unknown assailants. Since the beginning of the year, seven journalists, including two from Sonora, have been killed in similar incidents. Travelers should avoid the rally due to the risk of local disruption.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Congo (DRC)

Today, travelers in Kinshasa should avoid an anti-corruption rally by Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party supporters due to the risk of unrest; flashpoints include the Limete neighborhood and the Gombe district. Additionally, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced a Ministerial meeting at 10:00 AM local time. Following defeat in the March 15 Senatorial Elections, UDPS supporters protestedin Limete on Saturday, March 16, briefly blocking Boulevard Lumumba, which leads to Ndjili International Airport (FIH), with burning tires. Protesters also attempted to enter Palais du Peuple before being forcefully dispersed by police.

Kenya

Today, travelers in Nairobi should avoid the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Kiambu Road due to ongoing clashes between protesters and police. The demonstrators are protesting fraud investigations currently being undertaken by the DCI. Police have used tear gas as part of efforts to disperse protesters.

Lebanon

Travelers in Beirut should anticipate and avoid further demonstrations surrounding a controversial nationality law, which does not permit mothers to pass on citizenship to their children. Yesterday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Interior Ministry before marching to Riad al-Solh Square to demand amendments to the law. Activists have vowed to stage further demonstrations if changes are not implemented within the next three months. A related protest in Beirut on March 10 attracted around 2,000 participants.

Mali

Today and tomorrow, travelers in Bamako should avoid demonstrations by police officers as a precaution and to minimize inconvenience. Several police unions have called for sit-in protests over the non-implementation of a 2018 agreement on working conditions. A gathering at the General Directorate of the National Police building is scheduled for 7:00 AM local time today, while a related protest at the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection will start at an unspecified time tomorrow. Participating unions have threatened further “coercive action” if their demands are not met.

Travelers in Bamako and other urban centers should continue to avoid all demonstrations linked to nationwide teachers’ strikes scheduled for today through Friday, March 22, as well as April 1-5, over living and working conditions. In addition, a rally over the current education crisis on Friday, March 22 is due to take place in Bamako, during which participants will march from the Bourse du Travail to the Monument de l’Independance at 4:00 PM local time.

Mozambique

Travelers in Mozambique should exercise caution and anticipate disruption linked to adverse weather conditions in central and southern regions. The Mozambique National Meteorology Institute (INAM) has forecast heavy rainfall, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms in the central provinces of Sofala, Tete, and Manica, well as in the southern provinces of Gaza and Inhambe, through Thursday, March 21. There is a higher likelihood of flash flooding in the central region following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Ida, which killed at least 48 people in the country and damaged communications and transportation infrastructure.

Namibia

Today, traveler in Windhoek should plan routes bypassing a demonstration over land and housing issues to minimize inconvenience. The march will begin at the Katutura Youth Complex at 8:00 AM local time before proceeding to the City of Windhoek main office and concluding at the Parliament building. Protesters are demanding information on 14,000 unanswered land applications submitted in 2015 and other housing projects. The event has received official authorization and will be accompanied by a police escort.

Sudan

Today, travelers in Khartoum and Omdurman should avoid planned protests due to the risk of unrest. The protests have been organized by the Sudan Professionals Association and the Sudan Students Association against the use of violence by security forces. A number of simultaneous processions are planned, with participantsgathering at 60th Street and al-Sahafa West Street in Khartoum and el-Fil Street in Omdurman.

Zimbabwe

Travelers in Manicaland, Masvingo, and Mashonaland Central province should exercise caution and maintain flexible itineraries following the passage of former Tropical Cyclone Idai. The most severely impacted areas are Chimanimani, Chipinge, Nyanga and Mutare districts, where a State of Disaster has been declared. At least 89 people have been killed, and transportation infrastructure has been damaged and disrupted. Sporadic rain and thunderstorms will continue across affected provinces until at least Friday, March 22.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Australia

Travelers in the far north of Queensland state should plan journeys accounting for disruption during the passage of Tropical Cyclone Trevor through Thursday, March 21. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the weather system is moving west and is forecast to make landfall between Lockhart River and Coen as a Category Three Tropical Cyclone (the thirdhighest on a five-tier scale) tomorrow.

China

Today, travelers using Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway should expect disruption on the Tsuen Wan Line after two trains collided near Central station at 3:00 AM local time. There were no passengers on board as the trains were on a trial run for a new signaling system. One driver was injured. Services between Central and Admiralty stations on the Tsuen Wan Line have been suspended for the rest of the day. Travelers should reconfirm train schedules before setting out to minimize inconvenience.

India

Today, travelers in Panaji should expect heightened security and travel disruption during the state funeral for Chief Minister and former Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar. The funeral procession will take place from Kala Academy in the Campal area to Miramar, where the funeral is scheduled for 4:30 PM local time. A large number of people, including high-profile officials such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are expected to attend the procession. The Goa government has declared a public holiday today and a seven-day mourning period.

Malaysia

An increase in dengue activity continues, particularly on the Malay Peninsula and in East Malaysia. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

New Caledonia

Unions representing public sector workers have called for an indefinite strike in New Caledonia beginning today to demand higher wages. Travelers should anticipate disruption to travel and public services, particularly in Noumea, if the action proceeds as planned. Transportation unions may also join the strike, which could affect the availability of taxis. Travelers should avoid all related protests and reconfirm transportation bookings and appointments during the strike.

New Zealand

Dunedin International Airport (DUD) reopened this morning after it was closed the previous night due to the discovery of a suspicious package. A number of flights were canceled or delayed. Security personnel subsequently neutralized the package, which was found to be a hoax object. Passengers transiting Dunedin Airport should anticipate residual disruption and reconfirm flight itineraries.

Pakistan

Today, travelers planning to use Motorway 1 and Motorway 2 should reconfirm the status of routes before setting out. Authorities have closed sections of the highways to all traffic until 3:00 PM local time to facilitate military exercises and rehearsals ahead of Pakistan Day on Saturday, March 23. On the M1, the section between Swabi and Burhan has been closed; affected points on the M2 include Sheikhupura, Kot Abdul Malik, and Faizpur.

Papua New Guinea

Travelers in Papua New Guinea should plan journeys accounting for disruption during the rainy season, which is expected to last through the first week of April. Heavy rainfall is likely to trigger flash flooding and landslides. Tropical storms are also liable to exacerbate seasonal weather conditions, as seen March 15-17 as Tropical Cyclone Trevor moved towards northern Australia. In Port Moresby and Central province, heavy rainfall and flooding caused severe disruption, rendering several roads impassable, particularly in Rigo district.

Vietnam

Thousands of cases of dengue have been reported nationwide in 2019. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and is present in both rural and urban areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms and has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine is available in several locations, it is only recommended for people who have been infected with dengue in the past and are living or traveling in areas with high levels of dengue transmission. Travelers should prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

EUROPE

France

Today and tomorrow, travelers between London and Paris are advised to use Eurostar services only if absolutely necessary. Today, five trains between St Pancras International and Paris Nord have been canceled because of industrial action by French customs officials. Travelers should expect long lines, delays, and cancellations on Eurostar services.

Travelers in urban centers should continue to avoid weekly protests by supporters of the “Yellow Vests” movement due to the risk of local unrest. On Saturday, March 16, demonstrations attracted approximately 32,000 participants nationwide, 10,000 of them in Paris. Violent clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Paris, and several shops were looted and torched on Avenue des Champs Elysees. Although this protest was presented as an “ultimatum” to the government, further protests have been announced for Saturday, March 23.

On Sunday, March 24, travelers in urban centers should avoid protests led by members of the Algerian diaspora over the recent postponement of the April Presidential Election in Algeria. In Paris, participants will gather at 1:00 PM local time at Place de la Republique. According to unconfirmed reports, a meeting between a Franco-Algerian delegation and the government scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled. Yesterday, a related demonstration in Paris attracted thousands of participants.

Netherlands

Travelers in Utrecht should avoid 24 Oktoberplein following an apparent shooting incident on a tram. Roads in the area have been closed and police are on the scene. Today, passengers transiting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) should expect extended wait times and reconfirm the status of flights due to a strike by security staff and baggage handlers between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM local time.

Ukraine

Travelers in Ukraine should exercise caution ahead of the March 31 Presidential Election. There is a potential for unrest during campaign rallies between supporters and security forces, as well as between rival party activists. Election-related tensions also hold potential to trigger an increase in political violence, particularly in parts of the eastern and southern provinces. Travelers should avoid all related gatherings and exercise caution around likely targets for violence and vandalism, including Russian-owned businesses, diplomatic missions, and Orthodox churches.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

March 18
Aruba: National Anthem and Flag Day Canada, United Kingdom: St. Patrick’s Day
Comoros: Cheikh Al Maarouf Day Mongolia: Soldiers’ Day
Montserrat: St. Patrick’s Day (Observed) Mexico: Day off for Benito Juárez’s Birthday Memorial
United States: Evacuation Day (Observed)

March 19
Austria, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Liechtenstein, Malta, Holy See,
Venezeula: St Joseph’s Day Bolivia: Father Day Spain: San Jose Honduras: Father’s Day

March 20
Azerbaijan: Nowruz Congo (DRC): International Francophonie Day
Israel: Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther) Israel: Erev Purim India: Holika Dahana
Iran: Birthday of Imam Ali Sri Lanka: Madin Full Moon Poya Day
Turkmenistan: Nowruz Bayram (Spring Festival) Tunisia: Independence Day

March 21
Afghanistan: Naw Roz Australia, Canada, Israel,
United Kingdom, United States: Purim
Australia: Harmony Day Azerbaijan: Nowruz/Spring Holiday Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka,
Myanmar, Mauritius, Malaysia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, United States,
South Africa: Holi Bangladesh: Doljatra Georgia: Nowruz India: Dolyatra
India: Hazarat Ali’s Birthday Iraq: Nowruz Japan: Spring Equinox
Kyrgyzstan: National Holiday “Nooruz” Kazakhstan: Nauryz Lebanon: Mother’s Day
March 21
Mexico: Benito Juárez’s Birthday Memorial Namibia: Independence Day
Pakistan: Dulhandi Suriname: Holi Phagwa Syria: Mothers’ Day
Uzbekistan: Nowruz South Africa: Human Rights Day

March 22
Albania: Nevruz Day
Azerbaijan: Nowruz/Spring Holiday
Israel: Shushan Purim (Jerusalem)
Kazakhstan: Nauryz (Day 2)
Puerto Rico: Emancipation Day

March 23
Angola: Southern Africa Liberation Day
Azerbaijan: Nowruz/Spring Holiday
Bolivia: Day of the Sea
Kazakhstan: Nauryz (Day 3)
Malaysia: Birthday of the Sultan of Johor
Pakistan: Pakistan Day

March 24
Argentina: Memorial Day
Azerbaijan: Nowruz/Spring Holiday
Northern Mariana Islands: Commonwealth Covenant Day

March 25
Azerbaijan: Nowruz/Spring Holiday Colombia: Saint Joseph’s Day Cyprus: Greek Independence Day
Greece: 25th of March Greece, Lebanon: Annunciation of the Lord
Kazakhstan: Nauryz (Day 3) Observed New Zealand: Otago Anniversary Day United States: Seward’s Day

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