News & Reports

Significant travel disruptions are anticipated at Portuguese airports over the New Year due to a planned ground handlers’ strike on December 31 and January 1. The industrial action stems from concerns about workers’ job security after a recent tender for ground handling licenses. Although Portugal’s arbitration court has ordered minimum services to be maintained, covering state, military, emergency, humanitarian, and rescue flights, passengers should still expect delays and operational interruptions, especially during peak holiday travel periods. Advice: - Reconfirm flight bookings and monitor airline notifications closely for schedule changes. - Expect delays in check-in, baggage handling, and turnaround times at airports nationwide. - Allow extra time at airports and consider flexible travel arrangements. - Monitor local media and official airport communications for updates on strike impacts and minimum service coverage.  

A series of air traffic controller strikes is expected to cause widespread flight disruptions across Argentina over the coming week. Controllers are protesting the government's inaction on operational measures and the lack of dialogue on wages. The strikes are scheduled for December 27 (14:00-17:00) and December 29 (08:00-11:00). Due to holiday travel volumes, significant knock-on delays and cancellations are likely to continue even after strike windows end. Advice: - Reconfirm flight bookings and check flight status frequently, especially on December 27 and 29. - Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for check-in and security. - Be prepared for delays or last-minute cancellations; consider flexible travel plans. - Monitor airline notifications and local media for real-time updates and operational changes.  

Large-scale protests are likely over the coming week following the government’s decision to end fuel subsidies, a move that has doubled gasoline prices and sharply increased the cost of basic consumer goods. Transportation workers have already halted operations in La Paz, citing unsustainable operating costs. Public anger over rising living expenses is expected to escalate into mass demonstrations while the subsidy cuts remain in effect, potentially causing road blockades, service disruptions, and heightened security presence across urban centers. Advice: - Avoid protest areas, strikes, and large gatherings, especially in central La Paz and along major transport routes. - Expect disruptions to public transport, fuel availability, and road access nationwide. - Allow extra travel time and keep contingency plans for movement within cities. - Monitor local media and official announcements for updates on protest locations and security measures.  

A protest is scheduled for December 27 at Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia. Demonstrators are expected to gather to demand accountability from the former regional leadership following the deadly floods that struck the Valencia region in 2024. The protest may draw large crowds and result in heightened police presence, traffic disruptions, and temporary access restrictions in the city center. Advice: - Avoid Plaza del Ayuntamiento and nearby streets during protest hours. - Expect traffic disruptions, road closures, and possible public transport delays in central Valencia. - If in the vicinity, remain alert, avoid confrontations, and follow instructions from local authorities. - Monitor local news and official announcements for updates on timing, crowd size, and security measures.  

U.S. health authorities are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to the consumption of raw oysters, with at least 64 confirmed illnesses across 22 states: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Texas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Maryland. The situation is ongoing; additional cases are possible.   Advice:

• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked oysters in all affected states until authorities lift the alert.
• High-risk individuals, including older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons, should strictly avoid raw shellfish.
• Choose fully cooked shellfish only and confirm preparation methods when dining out.
• If you recently consumed raw oysters, pay attention to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps over the next 1-3 days and seek medical care.

 

A pro-Palestine rally is scheduled for Friday, December 26, at 14:30 on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, organized by the Harrisburg Palestine Coalition (HPC). The event calls for an arms embargo, policy changes related to Gaza, and expresses solidarity with international activists. Based on prior HPC events, hundreds of participants are expected, with speeches, chanting, and signage. The gathering is planned to last 1-2 hours, though spontaneous marches or extended activity cannot be ruled out.   Advice:

• If in Harrisburg on December 26, avoid the Capitol complex during the afternoon.
• Adjust your travel plans and allow extra time for travel downtown, expect congestion, limited parking, and possible temporary road closures in the area.
• Avoid large crowds and do not engage with the demonstrators; remain alert to changing conditions and follow police instructions.
• Monitor local police, media, and city advisories for real-time updates.

 

Widespread power outages have been reported across Kampala and surrounding urban areas. The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has acknowledged the disruptions and stated that repair works are ongoing, though restoration timelines remain uncertain. Further outages are possible in the coming days until full repairs are completed.   Advice:

• Be prepared and carry enough water, food, medication, power banks, documents, batteries, and cash (ATMs may be offline).
• If staying in Kampala, plan for intermittent electricity by charging devices in advance and carrying power banks or backup lighting.
• Adjust your travel plans and check public transport and flight status to avoid delays due to reduced services.
• Monitor official updates from UEDCL and local authorities for restoration progress and area-specific advisories.

 

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.