News & Reports

Air Transat has begun gradually suspending flights due to a 72-hour strike notice issued by the pilots’ union. If no agreement is reached, pilots are set to strike on Wednesday, December 10, which could halt the airline’s operations entirely. The carrier will cancel all flights on Tuesday, December 9, to prevent aircraft, crew, and passengers from being stranded abroad if the strike begins.   Advice:

• Adjust your travel plans, check flight status frequently, and confirm directly with Air Transat before traveling to the airport.
• Prepare backup travel options or alternative airlines if your flight falls within the affected period.
• Monitor updates from Air Transat official website - https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/strike?ici=homepage&icn=linksrow_news_greve-piotes

 

Ferry services between Shanghai and the cities of Osaka and Kobe have been suspended indefinitely due to rising diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. According to Japan-China International Ferry, the operator of the Jian Zhen Hao route, the halt was made at the request of the Chinese over concerns that passenger safety could not be guaranteed. This marks the latest development in deteriorating relations between the two countries, following months of political and security friction. Advice:

• Adjust your travel plans and avoid planning travel by the Jian Zhen Hao ferry to Shanghai-Osaka-Kobe until further notice.
• Expect further transport disruptions between China and Japan if tensions escalate.
• Monitor updates from official transport authorities and international media for changes to the suspension.

 

The DRC is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, with over 64,000 infections and nearly 1,900 deaths since January. The outbreak is active in 17 of the country’s 26 provinces except: Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Tshopo, Mongala, Tshuapa, Mai-Ndombe, Kwilu, and Kwango. The UN International Children's Emergency Fund warns that cases are expected to continue rising into the coming weeks due to poor sanitation, contaminated water sources, and population displacement.   Advice:

•  If in the affected areas, leave immediately.
• Avoid non-essential travel to outbreak-affected provinces.
• Drink only bottled, boiled, or chlorinated water and eat only fully cooked food; avoid raw produce and street food.
• Practice strict hygiene: wash hands with soap frequently and use disinfectants.
• Seek medical care immediately if experiencing severe diarrhea or dehydration.

 

An attempted coup took place on December 7 when armed soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have overthrown the government and suspended the constitution. By noon, loyalist forces regained control of key institutions, and authorities announced the coup had been foiled. However, the security situation the the capital, Cotonou, and other regions remains highly unstable, with significant military presence, roadblocks, and active investigations into the mutiny. Conditions may remain unstable for several days as authorities continue arrests and restore order.   Advice:

• Exercise extreme caution and limit movement to essential needs only due to increased security forces, checkpoints, and possible curfews.
• Adjust your travel plans to prevent delays due to road closures, blocked crossings, and ongoing military presence, and contact your airline company to confirm flight status.
• Avoid all government buildings, military facilities, and political gathering points.
• Monitor local and international updates, as the situation may change quickly.

 

Thai and Cambodian forces have engaged in major armed clashes, including Thai Air Force airstrikes on Cambodian positions early this morning. Fighting is concentrated in disputed sectors of the border, including the Phu Makhuea and Phnom Trap hill area, both long-standing flashpoints in Thai-Cambodian territorial disputes. Civilian evacuations are underway on both sides, and casualties have been reported among both soldiers and civilians.   Advice:

• Avoid all travel to the Thailand-Cambodia border, especially near Phu Makhuea and Phnom Trap.
• Adjust your travel plans to prevent delays due to road closures, blocked crossings, and ongoing military presence.
• If already in the area, follow evacuation orders immediately and stay clear of military installations, patrols, and checkpoints.
• Monitor announcements on the official local media for rapid changes in the security situation.

 

A pro-Palestinian demonstration is set for December 9 in Chania. Demonstrators plan to gather at 09:00 near Souda Square and aim protest aims to prevent Israeli passengers from the Crown Iris cruise ship from arriving at the Port of Souda. The protest was organised by the Coordination of Solidarity Actions in Support of Palestine, and there is evidence for high engagement. Authorities are preparing accordingly, as previous protests in Greece have escalated into clashes.   Advice:

• Avoid the Port of Souda area and surrounding streets on December 9.
• Do not engage with demonstrators or approach dense protest areas.
• Instructions from the ship's crew and local police must be followed, as crowdings, shouting, and possible aggressive behaviour toward Israeli passengers is expected.
• If already in the area, adjust your travel plans and monitor local transport agency updates for traffic, pedestrian congestion, and delays.

 

• Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and strong winds.
• Monitor flight and ground transportation status closely, as delays and cancellations are possible.
• If travel is unavoidable, be prepared for winter driving conditions and carry appropriate safety equipment.
• Dress appropriately for severe cold and limit outdoor exposure.
• Follow guidance from local authorities and official weather agencies for ongoing updates.

Authorities in Jamaica have imposed a police-enforced curfew in sections of the March Pen area in Spanish Town, following a deadly shooting that left two people dead. The curfew came into effect at 18:00 on Saturday, December 6, and will remain in place until 18:00 on Monday, December 8. The affected area is clearly demarcated by police, and residents within the curfew boundaries are legally required to remain indoors unless authorized by law enforcement. Security operations are ongoing. During the curfew period, movement is strictly restricted, and police enforcement is active across the affected neighborhoods.   Advice: * Avoid all travel to Spanish Town, particularly the March Pen area, while the curfew is in effect. * If you are in nearby areas, strictly follow instructions from local authorities and security forces. * Do not attempt to enter or transit through curfew zones, even during daylight hours. * Expect heightened police presence, roadblocks, and possible security checks. * Monitor local media and official police announcements for updates or curfew extensions.  

Canada’s leisure airline Air Transat announced a gradual suspension of flight operations after receiving a 72-hour strike notice from the pilots’ union (ALPA). Flight disruptions are expected to begin on December 8-9, with a potential full halt of operations by December 9, ahead of a possible strike starting as early as December 10 at 03:00 ET, if no agreement is reached. Air Transat operates flights to Europe, the Caribbean, the United States, South America, and North Africa, and widespread cancellations and delays are expected across its network. The airline has stated it will begin repatriating passengers to avoid travelers being stranded abroad.   Advice: * If you are scheduled to fly with Air Transat between December 8–10, closely monitor your flight status and expect possible cancellations or schedule changes. * Follow airline communications regarding rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel options. * Travelers currently abroad should be prepared for disruptions and possible early return arrangements. * Stay updated via official airline channels and local media, as the situation may evolve depending on negotiations.  

A nationwide general strike is scheduled in Portugal on December 11 for 24 hours. Significant disruption is expected to buses, trains, metro, and flights. During the strike, most flights are expected to be cancelled or significantly delayed. The public transport system is expected to operate at a minimal capacity, resulting in heavy congestion and significant delays. Advice: - If you are planning to fly during the strike, be prepared for the possibility of your flight being cancelled. Check your flight status in advance. - Pay attention to any announcements from the airline regarding the delay or cancellation of your flight during the strike. - Extensive disruptions to public transport are expected. Consider alternative travel options such as taxis or private cars, and be prepared for delays and traffic jams. Consider postponing intercity travel after the strike. - Stay up to date with local news regarding the strike's development and any further changes.