News & Reports

The Flight disruptions between China and Japan are expected to persist, as carriers cancel a large share of scheduled services through late December amid heightened diplomatic tensions. Over 1,900 flights are affected, and 46 routes will not operate until January 5th. The duration of the disruption is uncertain, with further adjustments possible depending on geopolitical developments.   Advice:

• Verify flight status directly with airlines shortly before departure and adjust travel plans accordingly.
• Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security checks, check-in, due to possible long rebooking lines, and flight changes.
• If already at the airport, prepare for extended holds and make sure you have snacks, water, medications, and charged devices.
• Monitor official airline and aviation authority channels for real-time advisories and schedule changes.

 

A strong Mediterranean low-pressure system is expected to affect large parts of Greece from December 24 to 26, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snow in mountainous regions. Adverse weather conditions may cause flight delays and cancellations, as well as disruptions to ferry services due to rough seas.   Advice: * Reconfirm flight status with airlines before departure and expect potential delays. * Monitor local weather updates from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. * Prepare for possible ferry cancellations and limited mobility due to heavy rain and strong winds. * Allow extra time for transfers and transportation across the mainland and islands.  

More than 350 drivers, engineers, and support staff from London Transit (First Bus London) have launched a strike from December 22 to 24, disrupting several of the company’s routes across the city. The strike, organized by the Unite union, follows a dispute over pay and working conditions. Buses operated by London Transit are running at reduced frequency or not operating at all, affecting multiple lines in Central and West London during the busy holiday period. Talks between the company and the union remain ongoing, with no resolution reached yet.   Advice: * Reconfirm route availability before traveling within London. * Allow extra time for local transport, especially near major stations and shopping areas. * Use the Underground, Overground, or taxis as alternatives. * Follow Transport for London (TfL) updates for live route information.  

Firefighting teams are battling three active wildfires across the Cape Winelands region, affecting areas near Wemmershoek (Drakenstein), the Paardeberg mountains north of Paarl, and the Kwaggaskloof Dam outside Worcester. Strong winds are fueling fire lines on mountainous terrain, prompting the deployment of multiple fire vehicles, ground teams, and helicopters from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and CapeNature. No civilian injuries have been reported, but several properties near the Kwaggaskloof Dam and Paardeberg are under protection measures, and authorities remain on high alert due to shifting winds and dry vegetation.   Advice: * Avoid hiking or traveling through affected areas around Wemmershoek, Paardeberg, and Kwaggaskloof. * Expect visible smoke, temporary road closures, and low air quality in the vicinity of Paarl and Worcester. * Follow local fire department advisories and evacuation instructions if conditions deteriorate. * Travelers heading to the Cape Winelands should monitor local updates before visiting outdoor attractions or nature reserves.  

Dense smog and fog are reducing visibility across Delhi, with the city’s AQI at 414 in the severe range and some areas higher, while visibility dropped as low as 150 metres at Palam. Transport disruption is ongoing, with more than 500 flights delayed and 14 cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility, and multiple trains delayed with some cancellations; Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan has been invoked as conditions remain very poor.   Advice: - If you are flying via Delhi, check your flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for slow road conditions and possible low visibility delays. - If you are taking trains, confirm your train’s running status close to departure and plan for delays or last minute changes. - Limit outdoor activities if you feel irritation or breathing discomfort, and consider using a well fitting mask outdoors. - If you are driving, use low beam headlights in fog, keep distance, and avoid unnecessary trips during the worst visibility periods. - If you plan to rent or use an older vehicle, be aware enforcement actions are being directed at higher polluting vehicles as anti pollution measures tighten.  

Hérault is on the highest red-level flood alert after a rapid rise in the Hérault river following around 300mm of rain over the past three days, with additional rainfall expected. Travelers should expect local disruption across the department, including road closures around Montpellier and elsewhere, flooded streets in parts of the city, and limited access to some public areas. In Montpellier, public parks and the Christmas market have been closed due to flooding, and there have also been overnight power cuts affecting parts of the department.   Advice: - Avoid non essential travel within Hérault, especially near rivers and low lying areas that can flood quickly. - Do not drive through flooded roads or use underpasses, bridges, or routes where water can surge suddenly. - Check for road closures before setting out and be ready to reroute, including around Montpellier. - Avoid closed public areas and keep away from floodwater edges, riverbanks, and fast moving runoff. - If you are staying locally, confirm access to your accommodation and keep phones and power banks charged in case outages continue.