The 2015 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix will be held at the Marina Centre in downtown Singapore Sept 18-20. Authorities will close roads in the area except during morning and evening rush hours. Trains serving the area will be increased, but taxis may be in short supply. Expect increased security and possible security checks in the area.

Spanish air traffic controllers intend to strike for 12-hours from 4 am to 4 pm GMT on September 26 and October 3. This action is expected to affect flights. Travelers should reconfirm status before heading to the airport.

At least 20 unions, including the Transport Workers’ Union, are expected to participate is a multisector strike on September 18th, likely leading to widespread disruptions throughout Finland. Aviation-related unions will strike 1100-1300 causing nationwide flight cancellations, as well as ground handling and security check delays. Metro, tram, and public bus operations will be halted in the greater Helsinki area, Turku, Tampere, and Oulu. The exact hours are unclear. Long-distance, commuter, and freight train drivers will strike 0600-1800. An anti-austerity demonstration at Railway Square in central Helsinki from 1100-1300 Sept. 18th has the potential to draw thousands of people.

South Africa’s electricity utility announced intentional power outages due to a renewed energy supply deficit. Rotating scheduled blackouts may occur up to three times daily across metropolitan areas. While many newer office buildings have independent or back-up power supplies, electricity outages will still significantly affect many commercial establishments and residential areas. Prepare for communications outages, which may affect business operations even at offices that still have electricity. Ground travel disruptions are possible if outages affect traffic signals. Trains may also be delayed. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences. Criminal activity has historically increased during power outages.

Travelers and residents of New York City, Washington DC, and Philadelphia are urged to familiarize themselves with the schedule for the Pope’s visit September 22-27 and plan for closures and congestion accordingly. The complete schedule is here.

Large crowds, possibly numbering in the thousands, will likely gather for election rallies nationwide ahead of snap polls scheduled for Sept. 20. Road closures and transport disruptions are possible.

A magnitude-8.3 earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile’s Coquimbo Region at 1954 CLT Sept 16. Strong aftershocks can be expected for days and possibly weeks or months.

Immigration and Border Force workers are slated to continue staging four-hour work stoppages at international points of entry across Australia and some domestic airports on a rotational basis through Sept. 23. Primarily occurring in the morning and evening hours, these strikes are likely to cause significant delays.

• The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was originally to be called the 7E7 (the “E” stood for efficiency), but Boeing decided to change the name to the 787 in order to stay with tradition
• The Dreamliner was the first airplane to be constructed of mainly composite materials
• At approximately 19 inches high, the Dreamliner’s windows are the largest of any current aircraft
• The Dreamliner weighs the equivalent of 29 elephants and has a wingspan of 197 feet
• To better accommodate people with mobility challenges, 2 of the bathrooms on the Dreamliner can be converted into 1 by repositioning a moveable internal wall
• The first Dreamliner tickets were sold at an auction with the highest bidder paying $34,000
• Crew members can customize the lighting in the Dreamliner cabin to simulate a bright daylight or a calm night sky full of stars