LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 1 MAR 2019 MARCH 1, 2019

 

AMERICAS

United States

Due to inclement weather, there is a traffic management program in effect for flights arriving to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 1 hour and 21 minutes. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights and allow addittional travel me.

Mexico

Travelers in Mexico City, as well as Morelos, Puebla and Tlaxcala states, should plan journeys accounting for possible disruption due to increased activity at the Popocatepetl Volcano, which is located 56 miles southeast of Mexico City. Yesterday, the National Center for Preven on of Disasters (CENAPRED) recorded two explosions, ash emissions, and tremors at the volcano. No evacuation orders have yet been issued, but a Yellow Alert (second-highest level on a three- er scale) is in place, meaning that popula ons near the volcano need to prepare for potential evacuation.

Peru

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred at 3:50 AM local time today, around 80 miles north of Puno. The tremblor occurred at a depth of around 160 miles.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Guinea-Bissau

Travelers in urban centers, particularly Bissau, should avoid all protests related to an ongoing teachers’ strike through March 7 due to the potential for unrest. The work stoppage resumed yesterday after being suspended on February 15. On February 8, students blocked roads and set fire to vehicles in Bissau during a protest against the walkout. Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators; at least 19 people were injured. Teachers are demanding the payment of salary and allowance arrears, among other issues. A related strike was suspended in early January following successful negotiations; teachers have accused authorities of not following through with their promises.

Lebanon

On Sunday, March 3, travelers in Sidon should plan routes bypassing a march organized by the Popular Nasserite Organization (PNO) and Youth Movement for Change groups. Participants will gather at 10:00 AM local me near the Maarouf Saad statue in the Bawwabat al-Fawqa area and will march to Nejmeh Square. The annual event, which attracts thousands of participants, commemorates Maarouf Saad, a prominent politician who founded the PNO in 1973 and represented Sidon in Parliament from 1957 to 1972. He was killed on March 6, 1975, several weeks before the start of the Lebanese Civil War.

Nigeria

On Tuesday, March 5, travelers in Ogun state should anticipate disruption and avoid protests during a strike by public sector workers from the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) over unpaid wages and other grievances. The protests are going ahead despite accusations from Governor Ibikunle Amosun that the strike is politically motivated. Travelers should avoid all related events as security forces are liable to disperse any unauthorized gatherings.

Somalia

Today, a security operation is ongoing at and around the Makkah al-Mukaramah Hotel in Mogadishu. The operation is being held in response to a militant a ack that started yesterday with explosions at the hotel and the nearby KM4 Junction. Sporadic gunfire is still being reported from the area. Local sources indicate that movement restrictions are in place on Makkah al-Mukaramah and other key roads. Travelers should confirm feasibility of movement prior to setting out.

South Africa

Today, travelers in Polokwane should plan routes avoiding an ongoing rally organized by local residents to demand justice for a youth recently killed by a group of teenagers. Participants have gathered near the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium and will march towards a local police station.

Tunisia

Today through Sunday, March 3, travelers in Tunisia should expect fuel shortages and avoid all gatherings due to a strike by fuel tanker drivers. The strike is demanding improved pay and working conditions. Disruption should be expected in and around fuel stations for the duration of the strike. Any fuel shortages may also impact the availability of taxis and public transportation, par cularly buses.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Regional

Today, limited flight operations are expected to resume at 1:00 PM local me at Pakistan’s international airports in Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), Peshawar (PEW), and Quetta (UET). The country’s airspace will remain closed for all other operations until at least 1:00 PM local me on Monday, March 4. Travelers should continue to expect disruption until flight operations fully normalize; those due to fly to and from Pakistan in the coming days should reconfirm the status of their flights.

Indonesia

Yesterday, reports emerged that at least 347 buildings, mostly residential properties, in South Solok regency sustained damage following a magnitude 5.4 earthquake. Around 30 buildings were severely damaged. The tremblor struck around 90 miles southeast of Padang at a depth of six miles. At least 48 people were injured. Travelers should continue to follow all official directives and expect disruption to overland travel and essential services in affected areas.
Today, travelers in Jakarta should avoid a rally organized by the Islamic Community Forum (FUI). The group is demanding fair elections, which will take place on April 17. Participants will gather at 1:00 PM local me at several mosques near the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout before marching to the General Elec ons Commission (KPU) office in central Jakarta. At least 4,000 security personnel will be deployed for the event.

Palau

An outbreak of dengue fever is underway. 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

Regional

Tomorrow and Sunday, March 3, travelers in urban centers in France and Belgium should avoid protests by members of the Algerian Diaspora as a precaution. The
demonstrations are being held to denounce the decision by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a fifth term in office.

Germany

Today, passengers transisting Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) should expect residual delays after the airport was evacuated this morning when three unauthorized people breached a security checkpoint. The facility has since reopened.

United Kingdom

From March 3-10, passengers of Wizz Air transiting London Luton Airport (LTN) should expect delays and possible flight cancellations due to a strike by ground staff . The strike has been called by the Unite union over the airline’s decision to impose a pay freeze on staff. The strike will begin at 6:00 PM local me on Sunday, March 3 and end at 5:59 PM local me on March 10. Travelers should reconfirm flights if transiting the airport.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

March 1
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Independence Day
Bulgaria: Baba Marta
Switzerland: Republic Day
Spain: Day of the Balearic Islands
Micronesia: Yap Day
India: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
South Korea: Independence Movement Day
Moldova: Martisor (First Day of Spring)
Marshall Islands: Remembrance Day
Mongolia: Patriots’ Day
Paraguay: Heroes’ Day
Romania: Mărțișor
United Kingdom: St. David’s Day
United States: St. David’s Day

March 2
Anguilla: James Ronald Webster Day
Bangladesh: National Flag Day
Brazil, Panama: Carnival Saturday
Ethiopia: Adwa Victory Day
United States: Texas Independence Day

March 3
Bulgaria: Liberation Day
Brazil, Denmark, Norway, Panama:
Carnival Sunday
Georgia: Mothers’ Day
Japan: Dolls’ Festival/Girls’ Festival
Myanmar: Peasants’ Day
Malawi: Martyrs’ Day
Qatar: March Bank Holiday

March 4
Andorra, Argentina, St. Barts,
Bolivia, Brazil, Curaçao, Germany,
Dominica, Ecuador, French
Guiana, Panama, Trinidad and
March 4
Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela: Carnival
Australia: Labor Day
Bangladesh, Indonesia, India,
Myanmar, Mauritius, Malaysia,
Nepal, Pakistan, United Kingdom,
South Africa: Maha Shivaratri
Bulgaria: Liberation Day (Observed)
Guam: Guam History and Chamorro Heritage Day
Sri Lanka: Mahasivarathri Day
Malaysia: Anniversary of the coronation of the Sultan of Terengganu
British Virgin Islands: Lavity Stoutt’s Birthday

March 5
Angola, Argentina, Australia,Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Germany,Dominica, Ecuador, FrenchGuiana, Haiti, Liechtenstein,Lithuania, Panama, Puerto Rico, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela: Carnival
Spain: Fifth of March
French Polynesia: Arrival of the first Missionaries
United States: Town Meeting Day
Vanuatu: Custom Chief’s Day

March 6
Australia, Bangladesh, St. Barts, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, French Guiana, Iceland, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Panama, United Kingdom, United States: Ash Wednesday
Ghana: Independence Day
Kosovo: Day of Memorial and Respect for Veterans

March 7
Indonesia: Bali’s Day of Silence and Hindu New Year Nepal: Gyalpo Losarultan of Terengganu
British Virgin Islands: Lavity Stoutt’s Birthday

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