News & Reports

On May 17, 2025, Eurocontrol reported significant delays at Athens International Airport due to ongoing air traffic control capacity limitations. Arriving flights are currently being regulated, resulting in high delays. The knock-on effect is also expected to impact departing flights, potentially disrupting broader travel schedules throughout the day.   Advice: - Expect flight delays for both arrivals and departures at Athens International. Check with airlines for real-time flight status and allow additional time for airport procedures. - Travelers transiting through Athens should review connection times and consider alternative routing if possible. - If delays persist, consider using nearby airports such as Thessaloniki (SKG) for domestic connections or international flights. - Monitor updates via Eurocontrol, airlines, or live flight tracking platforms such as FlightRadar24. - For local assistance, contact the airport information desk at +30 210 3530000.  

At 5:22 local time on May 17, a magnitude 6.0–6.1 earthquake struck central Peru, 6 km west of San Pedro near Chilhua, Ayacucho. The quake occurred at a depth of 10–92 km, according to Peru’s Seismological Center. Tremors were felt across central and southern Peru, but no damage or injuries have been reported.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel to Ayacucho until safety is confirmed. - Be alert for aftershocks; secure heavy objects and avoid windows indoors. - Follow official updates from the IGP and local authorities. - Know evacuation routes and keep emergency supplies ready. - For emergencies in Peru, dial 105. - Monitor local media for real-time updates and confirm the status of transportation routes if planning travel.  

A powerful storm system hit the central and eastern U.S. on May 16, causing confirmed tornadoes, widespread damage, and at least seven fatalities in Missouri, where a state of emergency and curfew have been declared. Emergency teams are conducting search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, a dust wall is affecting visibility in northern Indiana. In Texas, an extreme heatwave is impacting San Antonio and Austin, with heat indices surpassing 40.5°C, prompting warnings about heat exhaustion this weekend. Advice: - Avoid areas that are damaged, and adhere to curfews and local emergency orders. - If more severe weather is expected, shelter in place. - Be prepared for additional storms, which may include tornadoes, baseball-sized hail, and hurricane-force winds. - Stay indoors during storms and do not attempt to drive through flooded or debris-filled roads. - Prepare for potential power outages. - Limit outdoor activities during peak heat, stay hydrated, and seek shade or air conditioning whenever possible. - Stay informed through official sources such as https://www.weather.gov/ and PowerOutage.us.  

On May 18, 2025, coordinated anti-tourism demonstrations will occur across Spain, including the Canary Islands and major mainland cities. These protests are being organized by groups that oppose the current economic model of mass tourism. Demonstrators are demanding a moratorium on new tourist developments, protection of natural resources, and improved access to housing and healthcare for residents. The protests will begin at 11:00 in the Canary Islands and at 12:00 (local time) on the mainland in the following locations: - Barcelona – Sagrada Família - Bilbao – Plaza Teatro Arriaga - Granada – Plaza Santa Ana - Madrid – Puerta del Sol - Pamplona – Plaza del Ayuntamiento - Santiago de Compostela – Alameda - Valencia – Plaza del Ayuntamiento Advice: - Avoid protest areas during the specified times, especially near major tourist landmarks and city centers. - Expect road closures, public transport disruptions, and increased police presence. - Use public transportation and avoid traveling through central plazas on the day of the protests. - Monitor local media and official tourism channels for updates on closures and traffic. - If traveling to the Canary Islands, confirm accommodations and itineraries to avoid disruptions. - Keep a low profile near demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.    

On May 17, 2025, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel received a bomb threat via email, prompting a high alert. Security agencies are conducting searches and investigations, with increased police presence causing temporary disruptions to airport operations and hotel access. No suspicious items have been found, but delays and heightened security measures are expected.   Advice: - The bomb threat increases hazards in Mumbai. Refrain from traveling to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel until the alert is lifted. - If in Mumbai, avoid the airport and Colaba area, using alternate routes like Western Express Highway. Arrange accommodations in safer districts like Bandra with reliable access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Pune, accessible via trains from Mumbai’s CSMT with Indian Railways, pending station operations. - Travelers should check flight statuses, comply with security checks, and monitor safety updates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Mumbai Police (www.mumbaipolice.gov.in) or Airports Authority of India (www.aai.aero) for security and travel updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 100 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 16, 2025, lightning strikes during severe thunderstorms killed at least 10 people, including minors, across Odisha’s Koraput, Jajpur, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts, with several others injured. An orange alert warns of continued thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until May 19, prompting school closures and heightened safety measures. Power outages and road hazards are reported in affected areas.   Advice: - Lightning and thunderstorms increase hazards in Odisha. Refrain from traveling to rural Koraput, Jajpur, Ganjam, and Gajapati until the orange alert lifts. - If in Odisha, stay indoors away from open fields and trees, and avoid flooded roads. Use urban routes like NH16 and arrange accommodations in Bhubaneswar with reliable power. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Kolkata, accessible via flights from Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik Airport with IndiGo, pending airport operations. - Travelers should avoid outdoor activities, monitor weather alerts, and carry emergency supplies. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the India Meteorological Department (www.imd.gov.in) or Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (www.osdma.org) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 108 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 16, 2025, a gas leak at a refinery in Chikkōhamaderachō, Sakai, injured three people, one fatally. Emergency responders are managing the scene, with investigations underway, causing road closures around the refinery and temporary disruptions to local transit. Air quality concerns persist in the immediate area, posing risks to nearby residents and travelers.   Advice: - The gas leak increases hazards in Chikkōhamaderachō. Refrain from traveling near the Sakai refinery until investigations conclude. - If in Sakai, avoid Chikkōhamaderachō and use alternate routes like Route 26 to Osaka city. Arrange accommodations in central Osaka with reliable air quality. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Kyoto, accessible via trains from Sakai’s Nankai Station with Nankai Electric Railway, pending station operations. - Travelers should stay indoors, monitor air quality alerts, and avoid areas with unusual odors. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Osaka Prefectural Government (www.pref.osaka.lg.jp) or Japan Meteorological Agency (www.jma.go.jp) for safety and environmental updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 119 for immediate assistance if experiencing respiratory issues or in danger.  

On May 16, 2025, authorities in Monseñor Nouel province closed rivers, spas, and tourist areas, including mountain excursions, due to a red alert for a trough bringing heavy rain and flood risks. Led by Governor Adela Tejada, Civil Defense, National Police, and Politur enforced closures in high-risk areas like Bonao, prohibiting recreational activities. Schools are suspended, and violators face legal penalties, with ongoing monitoring to ensure public safety.   Advice: - Flood risks increase hazards in Monseñor Nouel. Refrain from traveling to Bonao and rural tourist areas until the red alert lifts. - If in Monseñor Nouel, avoid rivers, spas, and mountainous zones. Use urban routes like Autopista Duarte and arrange accommodations in Santo Domingo with robust infrastructure. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Punta Cana, accessible via buses from Bonao with Expreso Báez, pending road operations. - Travelers should carry waterproof gear, monitor weather updates, and avoid flood-prone areas. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (www.coe.gob.do) or National Meteorology Office (www.onamet.gob.do) for weather and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 911 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 16, 2025, a special transport vehicle overturned in the La Manga neighborhood of Barranquilla while descending a hill, injuring more than 20 people, some struck by the vehicle. The crash caused significant disruption, with emergency responders managing the scene and closing nearby roads like Calle 21 and Carrera 21. Residents reported hearing a loud impact, finding the vehicle flipped and several people injured.   Advice: - The vehicle crash increases hazards in La Manga. Refrain from traveling near Calle 21 and Carrera 21 until emergency operations conclude. - If in Barranquilla, avoid La Manga’s hilly areas and use alternate routes like Avenida Circunvalar. Arrange accommodations in central Barranquilla with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Cartagena, accessible via buses from Barranquilla’s Terminal de Transportes with Expreso Brasilia, pending road operations. - Travelers should stay vigilant, avoid cordoned areas, and monitor traffic updates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office (www.barranquilla.gov.co) or Colombian National Police (www.policia.gov.co) for safety and traffic updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 123 for immediate assistance if in danger.  

On May 16, 2025, a taxi bus on the Villa Futuro line crashed at the Chau Level Crossing in Chiguayante, falling 10 meters after losing control and overturning on a track below. The incident killed at least two people and seriously injured ten others among approximately 20 passengers. Firefighters, SAMU personnel, and Carabineros are managing the scene, with road closures disrupting traffic on 8 Oriente and Avenida O’Higgins.   Advice: - The bus crash increases hazards in Chiguayante. Refrain from traveling near the Chau Level Crossing until emergency operations conclude. - If in Chiguayante, avoid 8 Oriente and Avenida O’Higgins, using alternate routes like Costanera Concepción. Arrange accommodations in central Concepción with reliable transit access. - Suggested alternatives include redirecting travel to Temuco, accessible via flights from Concepción’s Carriel Sur Airport with LATAM Chile, pending airport operations. - Travelers should stay vigilant, avoid cordoned areas, and monitor traffic updates. Adhere to essential travel plans only. - Stay informed through government-affiliated sources such as the Chilean Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (www.mtt.gob.cl) or Carabineros de Chile (www.carabineros.cl) for traffic and safety updates. Conditions may escalate rapidly. - Contact 133 for immediate assistance if in danger.