News & Reports

The National Union of Portuguese Railway Machinists has announced a strike from December 31 to January 1 due to unpaid bonuses. On Dec. 30, Porto Metro will run its last service between 22:00 and 23:00. This strike may lead to increased demand for alternative transportation and could result in protests and a heightened security presence. There is also a possibility of minor clashes between police and commuters. Disruptions from the strike may extend through early Jan. 2.   Advice: If operating in Porto during the strike period, reconfirm all forms of public transport and prepare for potential delays. Avoid large crowds and gatherings near potential protest sites such as central train stations.  

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 flight from Bangkok crashed at Muan International Airport around 09:07 (local time) Dec. 29. The aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a perimeter fence, reportedly due to a landing gear malfunction. Authorities confirm 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers and crew aboard. Emergency operations are ongoing at MWX, with localized security measures and ground transport disruptions in place. All flights to and from MWX have been suspended or diverted.   Advice: Check flight schedules with your airline if traveling through MWX or nearby airports. Consider making alternative arrangements for time-sensitive travel if necessary.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to hold a substantial protest at Grunberger Str. in Berlin from noon on December 29. Several hundred participants are expected to attend. Local transport disruptions and bolstered security measures are likely nearby, and small-scale counterdemonstrations are plausible.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Pro-Palestine activists plan to hold a substantial protest at Piccadilly Circus in London from 17:00 on December 28. Several thousand participants are expected to attend. Local transport disruptions and bolstered security measures are likely nearby, and small-scale counterdemonstrations cannot be ruled out.   Advice: As a preventive measure, avoid the demonstration site. Plan and prepare routes to bypass the area, and allocate extra time if traveling nearby. Adhere to all official guidelines. Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions about the topic at hand. Immediately leave at the first sign of escalation.  

Severe weather is forecast across central Brazil provinces through January 2, with heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms expected to affect the entire region. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas, while landslides are possible in hilly regions. Urban flooding could disrupt transport, utilities, and business operations. Travel disruptions are likely on roads, railways, and airports.   Advice: Verify all travel reservations and check road conditions before leaving. Allow for possible travel delays and supply chain disruptions in flood-affected areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads, and ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. Follow local media outlets for further updates.  

Schiphol International Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam is experiencing severe flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, as of 1:00 local time on December 28. The disruptions are due to heavy fog and may persist until the end of the day.   Advice: Reconfirm all flight reservations at AMS. Plan and prepare for severe flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations.  

Severe weather is forecast in South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces through January 3, with heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms expected to affect the entire region. Flooding may occur in low-lying areas, while landslides are possible in hilly regions. Urban flooding could disrupt transport, utilities, and business operations. Travel disruptions are likely on roads, railways, and airports.   Advice: Verify all travel reservations and check road conditions before leaving. Allow for possible travel delays and supply chain disruptions in flood-affected areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads, and ensure battery-powered devices are charged in case of extended power outages. See the attached link for further updates. https://www.weathersa.co.za/  

Local media reports indicate that an explosion at a factory in Kadoma, near the city of Osaka, has injured at least three individuals. Emergency responders are on site and have set up roadblocks nearby.   Advice: Avoid the area until local authorities declare it safe. If operating nearby, plan and prepare for roadblocks and transport disruptions. Closely follow all instructions by local officials.  

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck central Ethiopia at approximately 10:30 on December 28, with its epicenter located approximately 111 km north-northeast of Nazret. The quake likely caused light tremors across central areas, including Addis Ababa. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, and significant damage is considered unlikely. However, comprehensive damage assessments may take several hours, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible in the coming days.   Advice: Plan and prepare for possible aftershocks. Closely follow reliable local news outlets. Consider vacating unstable buildings.  

Activists are organizing a demonstration at Bab el Had Square in Rabat on December 29, starting at 10:30. Several hundred participants are expected. Heightened security measures and localized transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity.   Advice: Avoid the protest site as a precautionary. Adhere to all guidelines issued by local authorities and allow for additional time if traveling in the area.