LEGEND TRAVEL NEWS ALERT 13 MAY 2019 MAY 13, 2019

AMERICAS

United States

Due to inclement weather, there is a traffic management program in effect for flights arriving to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). This is causing some arriving flights to be delayed an average of 1 hour and 36 minutes. Travelers are advised to reconfirm flights and allow additional travel time.

Travelers in New Orleans, LA should avoid the vicinity of the Le Meridien Hotel in the central business district following the containment of a fire in the building. The fire broke out yesterday at approximately 4:00 PM local time, prompting the evacuation of several hundred guests and the closure of nearby roads. Local disruption should be expected in the area until clean-up operations are complete.

Brazil

Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes before setting out due to a possible nationwide truck drivers’ strike. Drivers have threatened to launch unauthorized industrial action today. Negotiations to avert an eventual sanctioned work stoppage are currently underway.

Chile

Today, travelers in Santiago should avoid demonstrations calling on the government to restructure the state pension system. The gatherings, organized by the “No + AFP” movement, will begin at 3:00 PM local time, with participants expected to converge on the former National Congress building. Previous related marches have led to scuffles between protesters and security forces, and travelers should avoid all protests as a precaution.

Costa Rica

Today, passengers transiting Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) should anticipate disruption due to a protest by taxi drivers against unregistered and appbased ride-sharing services. Protesting drivers will gather at 8:30 AM local time on airport access roads and use “go-slow” tactics to disrupt traffic traveling around the facility. The drivers are also planning a protest inside the airport terminal building. Flight operations at the airport will not be affected.

Dominican Republic

Today, fuel retailers affiliated with the Anadegas union plan to stage strikes and demonstrations nationwide over apparent smuggling. While details of the actions are not known, gatherings are likely at the National Palace and the Chamber of Commerce in Santo Domingo. Operations at fuel stations are also likely to be affected. Travelers in urban centers should avoid all protests due to the potential for local unrest.

Haiti

Today and tomorrow, travelers should exercise caution in Gonaives and avoid a planned protest linked to a strike by local businesspeople over escalating gang-related violence. Tomorrow, residents plan to march along Route National 1 from Carrefour Bassin to the city center at 9:00 AM local time. Additional local gatherings are possible during the strike. Residents claim that gang members fleeing security operations are seeking refuge in Gonaives, causing a spike in violent crime. All demonstrations should be avoided due to the risk of violence.

Peru

Today, travelers should avoid all protests and reconfirm the status of routes during a nationwide strike by agricultural unions. Organizers are demanding that the government address grievances related to the agricultural sector. PeruRail will suspend their Cusco–Machu Picchu and Cusco–Puno services as a precaution. Travelers should anticipate disruption along major roads and in urban centers.

AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Regional

On Wednesday, May 15, travelers in Israel and the Palestinian Territories should expect heightened security and related disruption around the Palestinian commemoration of Nakba Day, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. This year’s commemorations coincide with the anniversary of the inauguration of the US Embassy in Jerusalem and heightened tensions following cross-border hostilities on May 4-5. Precedents suggest that local scuffles between protesters and Israeli security forces may occur. Security measures, including movement restrictions, may be implemented with little or no warning. Travelers should avoid all related gatherings as a precaution.

Burkina Faso

Yesterday, suspected militants killed six people at a church in Dablo village in Sanmatenga province, 56 miles north of Kaya. More than 20 gunmen attacked the church during mass; a priest was among the fatalities. They subsequently set fire to the church, nearby shops, and vehicles.

Jordan

Travelers in Zarqa should continue to avoid the area around the Jordan Petroleum Refinery due to daily unruly protests. Since May 11, protesters have gathered to demand the release of a detained activist, burning tires, throwing rocks and blocking streets. Yesterday, demonstrators blocked the main road leading to the oil refinery. Today, travelers in Amman should avoid a planned demonstration outside the Ministry of Labor by the Private Schools Union. The event is the latest in a series of demonstrations organized by the union to demand legal status and fair treatment of private school staff. The organizers claim there have been no tangible developments thus far. Travelers should avoid the area to minimize disruption.

Kenya

Travelers in Mombasa should plan journeys accounting for disruption due to ongoing flooding caused by heavy rainfall. A poor drainage system in the city has exacerbated the situation. Kenya typically experiences its heaviest rainfall from April to June, with seasonal flooding a recurring issue in Mombasa. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in the coming days.

Lebanon

Today, travelers in Beirut and other urban centers should anticipate disruption from planned sit-ins and road blockades by military veterans. The National Veterans’ Organization is planning these actions beginning at 6:00 AM local time in protest of austerity measures in the draft 2019 budget. Although no exact locations have been announced, participants in previous related protests blocked the entrance to Port of Beirut and roads in the downtown district, including around Riad al Solh Square, with burning tires. Travelers should avoid all protests as a precaution.

Namibia

Ground staff of Air Namibia have threatened to strike beginning Thursday, May 16 over salary-related grievances. Negotiations are under way to avert the work stoppage. If the industrial action goes ahead, disruption to Air Namibia flights is likely. Passengers of Air Namibia due to fly on or after Thursday, May 16 should reconfirm schedules before setting out.

Nigeria

Today, travelers in Abuja should avoid a protest by the National Labor Congress (NLC) as a precaution; the time and location have not been announced. The NLC is demanding Minister of Labor and Employment Chris Ngige’s resignation after a related protest on May 8 outside his residence in the Asokoro area turned violent. The NLC has accused Ngige of hiring youths to attack protesters, inciting the violence. Security forces also threw stones at the protesters, injuring several participants. Main flashpoints for unrest include Ngige’s residence in Asokoro, Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and Area One.

Somalia

Yesterday, a Turkish National was killed in a targeted explosion near the KM4 Junction in Mogadishu. The device was planted in the victim’s vehicle; the extremist al-Shabab group claimed responsibility.

Uganda

Travelers should continue to avoid all unauthorized opposition gatherings due to the credible risk of unrest. Yesterday, security forces surrounded the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Headquarters in Najjanankumbi in an unsuccessful attempt to arrest FDC President Kizza Besigye for organizing unauthorized gatherings. Further such attempts are likely, as are fresh demonstrations by the FDC. Recent rallies by the party in Western and Eastern regions have been forcibly dispersed.

ASIA & THE PACIFIC

Australia

Today, passengers of Virgin Australia should reconfirm flight schedules due to ongoing delays. According to the airline, a technical glitch in its check-in system has affected flights.

Bangladesh

Travelers should anticipate disruption during an indefinite strike by jute-mill workers due to begin today. Employees of state-owned Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) are organizing the industrial action over wages and other issues. They plan to block roads and railway tracks daily from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time as part of the strike. Travelers should reconfirm the status of routes before setting out and avoid all demonstrations.

Philippines

Today, travelers should expect heightened security nationwide during Midterm Elections. In addition to the 297-seat House of Representatives and half of the 24-seat Senate, Gubernatorial and Mayoral seats will also be contested. Around 200,000 security personnel will be deployed, including 20,000 officers in Metro Manila. Targeted attacks involving political clans are possible during the elections; these often involve unlicensed firearms and can turn fatal. Rival political supporters may also clash during rallies, though such unrest is typically local and does not directly target foreigners. All election-related venues and gatherings should be avoided.

Sri Lanka

Travelers in Chilaw should follow all official directives following the imposition of a curfew through 4:00 AM local time today. The curfew was imposed after a mob threw stones at mosques and Muslim-owned stores in response to reports that a local Muslim man had posted an incendiary statement on social media that residents perceived as a threat against Christians. A similar apparently religiously-motivated attack in Negombo on May 5 also resulted in a curfew. Security remains extremely tight nationwide following the series of bombings on April 21.

EUROPE

Albania

Travelers in urban centers should avoid the vicinity of protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over corruption allegations. The next related protest organized by the opposition Democratic party of Albania (DP) is scheduled for 6:30 PM local time today on Boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit in Tirana. At least 13 police officers were injured, and more than 100 protesters, including DP Secretary Sahit Dollapi, were arrested during DP demonstrations in Tirana on May 11, underlining the risk of local disturbances at such gatherings.

Czech Republic

Today, travelers in Prague, Brno, and Ostrava should avoid anti-government protests as a precaution. In Prague, participants plan to gather at 6:30 PM local time at Staromestske Namesti. The gatherings in Brno and Ostrava are due to be held at Dominikanske Namesti and Masarykovo Namesti respectively. The demonstrations are likely to be well attended, causing local disruption.

Germany

Today, passengers transiting the Frankfort am Main Airport train station should expect residual delays after the facility was temporarily closed due to police activity.

Hungary

Today through May 26, travelers using the Keleti Railway Station in Budapest should reconfirm the status of trains prior to setting out. The station will be closed during this period for maintenance work, affecting both international and domestic services. Trains operating via Keleti will be shifted to Budapest’s other two terminals, Deli and Nyugati, as well as other nearby stations.

Serbia

Travelers in Belgrade and other urban centers should expect and avoid further anti-government demonstrations. Protests, typically held on Saturdays, have so far been well-attended and passed off peacefully. The next rally will be held on Saturday, May 18; details on the time and location have not yet been released. Recent protests have occurred at Terazijska Fountain and outside the National Assembly in Belgrade.

NOTEWORTHY EVENTS

May 13
Hong Kong: Day following
Buddha’s Birthday
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 1)
Tuvalu: Gospel Day
Samoa: Mother’s Day


May 14
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 2)
Liberia: National Unification Day
Malawi: Kamuzu Day
Paraguay: National Holiday


May 15
Colombia: Teacher´s Day
Spain: Feast Day of St Isidore
Cambodia: King’s Birthday (Day 3)
South Korea: Teacher’s Day
Moldova: Family Day
Mongolia: Family Day
Paraguay: Independence Day


May 16
Greenland: General Prayer Day
South Sudan: SPLA Day


May 17
Congo (DRC): Liberation Day
Denmark: Great Prayer Day
Spain: Galicia Literature Day
Faroe Islands: Prayer Day
Norway: 17 May Constitution Day (1814)
Nauru: Constitution Day


May 18
Bangladesh: Buddha Purnima/
Vesak
Haiti: Flag Day/University Day
India: Buddha Purnima/Vesak
Cambodia: Visak Bochea Day
Laos: Visakhabousa Day
Sri Lanka: Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Moldova: Special Working Day
Myanmar: Full Moon Day of Kasong
Pakistan: Buddha Purnima
Somalia: Restoration of
Somaliland Sovereignty
Thailand: Visakha Bucha
Turkmenistan: Constitution Day
Ukraine: Europe Day
Uruguay: Battle of Las Piedras
Thailand: Visakha Bucha
Turkmenistan: Constitution Day
Ukraine: Europe Day
Uruguay: Battle of Las Piedras
May 19
Indonesia: Waisak Day (Buddha’s
Anniversary)
Sri Lanka: Day after Vesak Full
Moon Poya Day
Malaysia: Wesak Day
Singapore: Vesak Day
Somalia: Restoration of
Somaliland Sovereignty Holiday
Turkey: Commemoration of
Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day


May 20
Canada: Victoria Day
Canada: National Patriots’ Day
Cameroon: National Day
Cuba: Independence Day
Cambodia: Day of Remembrance
Cayman Islands: Discovery Day
Laos: Visakhabousa Day
(Observed)
Malaysia: Wesak Day (Observed)
Singapore: Vesak Day (Observed)
Thailand: Day off for Visakha
Bucha
East Timor: Restoration of
Independence Day


May 21
Chile: Navy Day
Montenegro: Independence Day
Saint Helena: Saint Helena’s Day


May 22
Brunei: Nuzul Al-Qur’an
Cambodia: Royal Plowing
Ceremony
Moldova: Bălți Day
Montenegro: Independence Day
Holiday
Malaysia: Nuzul Al-Quran
Yemen: Unity Day


May 23
Australia, Canada, Israel, United
Kingdom, United States: Lag
B’Omer
Jamaica: Labor Day / May Day
North Macedonia: Vlach’s
National Day (for Vlach
community)

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