Leaders of air traffic controller (ATC) unions in Europe are calling on their members to participate in region-wide days of action Jan. 29-30. Individual unions will likely call on members to walk off the job for only a few hours per day, as most are legally obligated to provide minimum services. Prepare for severe flight disruptions in Europe Jan. 29-30. Delays may begin late Jan. 28 to ground aircraft at home airports and extend into Jan. 31 as airport workers clear a potential backlog in canceled flights. Countries may be affected by industrial actions even if their national unions do not participate due to delayed or canceled connecting flights. Travelers should reconfirm flights and allow extra travel time if travelling between January 29 and 30 in these countries: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France (Jan 27-31), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Announced actions so far include:

• Austria: 0900-1100 Jan. 30
• France: 5-day strike Jan. 27-31; exact time periods may vary by geographic sector; expect the greatest disruptions Jan. 29-30
• Germany: 1-hour action on Jan. 29; time not yet known
• Hungary: 2-hour strike between 0900-1700 Jan. 30; exact time not yet known
• Italy: 1300-1700 Jan. 29 and 1500-1515 Jan. 30
• Portugal: 0800-1000 and 1500-1700 Jan. 29
• Slovakia: 0900-1100 Jan. 30

Authorities are boosting security in Delhi ahead of Republic Day on Jan. 26. India’s largest and most heavily guarded Republic Day event is a large parade from the presidential residence to the Red Fort. Expect very tight security around venues hosting official functions in central Delhi. Terrorism warnings are possible.

Multilayered security arrangements will be in place around the parade route; spectators will be subject to rigorous security checks. Do not carry bags or briefcases, cellular phones, cameras, or other electronic items anywhere near the parade route; carry identification. Authorities will seal off roads leading to the parade route. Restrictions and detours will likely result in serious congestion. Traffic jams are also likely in other parts of the city, especially at major entry points where authorities may establish security checkpoints. Similar restrictions will be in place during the “”Beating Retreat”" function on Jan. 29. Expect tightened security at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Metro trains will not operate around the parade area and increased surveillance of passengers and potential security scares could disrupt long-distance train services to and from Delhi.

The Thai Government has declared a 60-day State of Emergency in and around Bangkok from Jan 22. This enables the government to impose curfews, ban political gatherings of more than five people, detain suspects without charge and restrict political demonstrations. Anti-government protesters have vowed to continue, and escalate, daily demonstrations in Bangkok, but have promised not to shut down the airport or public transportation. Police have vowed that they will not engage in a crackdown, but will attempt to negotiate with protesters to get them to dismantle their camps. Despite the daily events, most businesses in Bangkok continue to operate. The protests are significantly increasing already severe traffic congestion in Bangkok, but police are on hand to detour traffic onto available routes, so travel remains possible. While the BTS skytrain and MRT underground services are limited, many commuters are also using them to avoid traffic delays. Dozens of countries – including Australia, France, Germany, the UK, and the US – have issued travel advisories due to the protests, but most have not yet warned against travel to the country.

The Ansar Al-Sunna terrorist group took responsibility for the December 2013 attacks on Volgograd and threatened further attacks if the Olympic games were to take place. Russian authorities have announced that special security arrangements will be in place at Olympic venues, airports, border crossings and other sensitive areas. In addition, security services are looking for as many as 4 black widows who have been dispatched to disrupt the Winter Olympics, after reports of a possible female suicide bomber who may have already made it past the ring of security for the Sochi Olympic Games. Should a major terrorist attack occur, ships and aircraft will be ready to evacuate Americans if necessary.

Air France ground staff intend to hold a series of rolling 2-hour strikes on January 24 at specific airports – Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport; Bastia-Poretta Airport; Bordeaux Airport; Marseille Airport; Montpellier Méditerranée Airport; Mulhouse Airport; Nantes Airport; Nice Airport; Orly Airport; Strasbourg International Airport; Toulouse Airport. Travelers should reconfirm flight status with Air France.

Demonstrations and marches are taking place in the center of Kiev (Kyiv) and other Ukrainian cities, against new laws which drastically limit the right to organize, assemble, or protest. Clashes have resulted in dozens of injuries and arrests. Expect increased police presence and security measures.

Temporary lane restrictions on Center Way in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) of Los Angeles International Airport will be in effect as part of a larger effort to permanently widen the eastbound-only roadway so vehicles can exit the CTA more easily in the future. Beginning at midnight, January 22, 2014, Phase 1 of the Center Way Widening Project will close one of the two lanes between East Way and Parking Structure 2A through April. Read more

A strengthening low pressure system in the North Atlantic Ocean is slated to track northwest of the British Isles Jan. 26. Associated bands of high winds and heavy rainfall will likely affect Ireland, the Isle of Man, much of the UK, the Channel Islands, and possibly coastal areas of northwestern France. The system could also hit southern Norway as the low moves northeastward toward the Shetland Islands. Winds of 50-60 mph are likely with gusts to 70 mph. Strong crosswinds could cause extensive delays at airports throughout the region.

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