20th August 2008 - Plane Accident - Madrid, Spain

This alert affects Madrid

Incident: Spanair Flight JK 5022 to Las Palmas catches fire during takeoff Location: Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD)

Time/Date: 1430 20th Aug

Injuries: Unknown

Comments
Spanair (JK) Flight 5022 en route to Las Palmas from Madrid Barajas International Airport caught fire due to a brake problem and skidded off the runway. Witnesses report a large column of smoke coming from the plane. No casualties have been reported at this time.

Advice
It is unclear whether the accident is affecting flight operations at MAD, but travelers should anticipate flight delays and possible missed connecting flights.

20th August 2008 - Airport Crew Strike - Revised Dates

This alert affects London.

Incident: Airport ground crew strike

Dates: 25th Aug. (not 27th Aug, as previously reported) and 29th

Location: London Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) Airports

Impact: Flight delays, crowding at airports, baggage disruptions; see list of affected airlines below

Summary
Employees of Swissport, the ground handling company that manages baggage handling, ticket services and other support services at Gatwick and Stansted Airports, called the two days of strikes to demand higher salaries and better sick pay benefits. Aug. 25th is a bank holiday in the U.K., when airports are generally very busy. Swissport serves 16 airlines at LGW and 11 at STN; all airport operations may be disrupted by the strike, but these carriers are the most likely to suffer major problems.

London Gatwick
Adria Airways (JP)
Afriqiyah Airways (8U)
Air Malta (KM)
Air Comet (A7)
Air Transat (TS)
Balkan Holidays (1B)
First Choice Airways (DP)
KD Avia (KD)
Malev Hungarian Airlines (MA)
Monarch Airways (ZB)
Northwest Airlines (NW) Oman Air (WY)
TAP Portugal (TP)
Thomsonfly (BY)
Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS)
Virgin Nigeria Airways (VK)

London Stansted
Ryanair (FR)
easyJet (U2)
Air Malta (KM)
Blue Air (0B)
Cyprus Airways (CY)
First Choice Airlines (DP)
Germanwings (4U)
Monarch Airlines (ZB)
Norwegian (DY)
Thomsonfly (BY)
Turkish Airlines (TK)

Advice
The lack of baggage handlers and other ground crew may cause flight delays, as airlines scramble to provide necessary support services. Affected airlines are likely to suffer an increase in lost, delayed or misdirected luggage; consider carrying only hand luggage when possible. Swissport also manages ticket desks for the affected airlines; arrive early at the airport to avoid crowds and delays before reaching security. Contact your airline for specific information on how the strike will impact its flights.

20th August 2008 - Trade Unions Strike

Security: Seven left-wing trade unions in India call for nationwide strike Aug. 20. Air traffic disruptions likely; protests and demonstrations possible.

This alert affects India.

This alert began 19th Aug 2008 08:12 GMT and is scheduled to expire 21st Aug 2008 23:59 GMT.

* Event: Trade unions' strike
* Date: Aug. 20th
* Location: India (Countrywide)
* Impact: Air traffic disruptions likely; possible protests near government offices

Current Situation
Seven left-wing trade unions have called for a 24-hour strike throughout India on Aug. 20th to protest against privatization and rising inflation. Airport employees have decided to participate in the strike, as have members of unions representing telecom, railway, defense, insurance and various public-sector and state and central government employees. A separate strike is set to hit the banking sector. Demonstrations are possible outside offices related to all of these sectors. The strike is likely to affect several Indian states, including West Bengal, Kerala, New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra.

Advice
Flight delays and cancellations are possible. Confirm flight plans with your travel agent.

18th August 2008 - Gatwick and Stansted Bank Holiday Strike Action And Possible Strike Action by London Underground

A series of ballots are taking place at UK airports over the coming days, with London's second and third busiest airports the first to announce strikes.

Baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick are to stage two 24-hour walkouts, on August 25th and again on August 29th, after rejecting a 3-per cent pay offer. Travellers could experience cancellations and lengthy delays as operations at a number of airlines are halted.

Virgin Atlantic, Monarch, Thomson Fly, First Choice, North West, Air Malta, Air Transat, Oman Air will be among those affected, along with some smaller airlines.

At Stansted, 300 workers, who are employed as baggage handlers and check-in staff for easyJet and Ryanair will strike over the same two 24-hour periods, on August 25th-26th and August 29th-30th, starting at 3am on both days. A spokesman for the GMB union, which represents the workers advised 90 per cent voted in favour of the action.

The Unite union said the 318 Gatwick workers, employed by Swissport, had rejected the "paltry" pay offer as it was well below the rate of inflation.

It warned that the dispute was likely to spread to other airports in the next few days and weeks because of similar rows over pay. A ballot will be held for Manchester staff on Monday. Unite members at Swissport will also shortly be balloted at Birmingham and Newcastle airports. The union said it expected workers to vote in favour of striking.

Travellers departing from Stansted are already facing disruptions as workers who screen luggage prepare to strike after rejecting a 1.5 per cent pay offer. The strike involves more than 30 staff who screen baggage after they leave check-in desks on the way to the hold of aircraft.

Travellers in the south-east could be dealt a double blow if a strike by workers on the London Underground goes ahead next week.

Around 1,000 members of London Underground’s biggest union, RMT, have planned two 72-hour strikes between noon on Wednesday August 20th and noon on Saturday August 23th, and then from noon on Wednesday September 3rd to noon on Saturday September 6th.

The striking workers maintain track and trains on the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, but a spokesman for the RMT advised that there will be "a fairly substantial knock-on effect across the whole network."

This means travellers planning to use the tube to get to London's airports should leave extra time for their journey, or consider alternative routes.

12th August 2008 - Strike continues at Brussels Airport

Following on from yesterday's Hiflyers, we have received the following information:

Baggage handlers continue strike at Brussels International Airport, dozens of flights are delayed, diverted or cancelled. Confirm all flights.

This alert affects Brussels.

This alert began 11th Aug 2008 20:30 GMT and is scheduled to expire 15th Aug 2008 23:59 GMT.

Incident: Baggage handlers' strike

Time Frame: 11th Aug. and beyond

Location: Brussels International Airport (BRU)

Impact: Flight disruptions; previously checked baggage may be unavailable for duration of strike

Situation
Baggage handlers employed by Aviapartner and Flightcare at BRU continue their strike over salary demands, creating major disruptions at Belgium's leading airport. Airport authorities have enlisted shuttle buses to ferry passengers between BRU and Liege Airport (LGG), Charleroi (CRL - Brussels South) and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS).

Previously checked luggage may be unavailable for the duration of the strike.

Advice
It is unclear how long the strike will last, but effects will likely linger even if there is a settlement in the near term. Allow additional time to reach other airports within Belgium and in neighboring Netherlands. Consider taking only carry-on luggage, as baggage processing may be limited or unavailable at BRU. Passengers diverted to LGG, CRL or AMS can expect normal luggage service, but space on the shuttle bus may be limited. Expect heavy bookings and crowded conditions on international train routes.

11th August 2008 - Luggage Handlers Strike at Brussels Airport

Strike halts all traffic at Brussels airport

Striking luggage handling companies stopped all traffic at Brussels' international airport today, a union spokesman said, adding that there was no end in sight for the industrial action.

"All flights have been cancelled," said Rik Vermeersch from the BBTK union.

A spokesman for the airport was not available to comment immediately but told Belgian media earlier on today that planes were no longer taking off.

Workers at the airport services company started a 24-hour strike on Sunday evening, protesting about pay and working conditions, a spokeswoman for airport services company Aviapartner said. (Reporting by Antnonia van de Velde; Writing by Julien Ponthus; Editing by Louise Ireland)

ATP are currently in the process of contacting any of their passengers who may be affected by this strike.

8th August 2008 - Ryanair Bookings

Due to the decision by Ryanair to start cancelling bookings made using automated booking engine technologies, such as those employed by ATP in Corporate Traveller and E-travel, we have been forced to remove Ryanair from these products with immediate effect.

At this time, this will not affect the ability for ATP travel consultants to make Ryanair bookings from our service centres offline.

We suggest that customers previously using online tools to book Ryanair should contact us for reservations in future.

7th August 2008 - Lufthansa CityLine Pilots Strike

Lufthansa CityLine (CL) pilots strike throughout Germany 7th-8th August. Confirm flights; consider alternate travel arrangements.

This alert affects Germany.

Event: Lufthansa CityLine (CL) pilot strike
Location: Nationwide
Time Frame: 0001 7th August - 1200 8th August
Impact: Moderate flight disruptions, delays and cancellations

Summary:
Pilots at Lufthansa's regional subsidiary CityLine (CL) plan to strike for 36 hours due to an ongoing wage dispute with airline management. While Lufthansa (LH) pilots have also made strike threats in recent days, the current work stoppage does not include them. Wildcat strikes are possible at LH and at affiliated airline Eurowings (EW). Additional strikes at all three airlines are possible with little notice in the coming days.

Advice:
Expect moderate flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations. Consider alternate transportation, including rail connections between German cities. Allow additional time for check-in. During previous Lufthansa strikes, airline officials offered stranded passengers train tickets for domestic travel as well as ticket cancellations and re-bookings at no cost. Contact Lufthansa CityLine for further information and to determine flight status.

ATP are currently in the process of contacting any of their passengers who may be affected.

1st August 2008 - US Visa Waiver Programme Update

Please note the following changes to the US Visa Waiver Programme.

All nationals or citizens of VWP countries* (which include France, Germany and the United Kingdom) who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a US-bound airplane or cruise ship. It does not affect US citizens travelling overseas.

ESTA will go into full effect next year, from 12 January 2009.

Online registration will be accessible from 1 August 2008.

ESTA applications should be submitted as soon as plans for business travel to the US are underway and at least 72 hours prior to departure.

Registration will allow multiple entries and be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

As future trips are planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries change after their authorisation has been approved, they may easily update that information through the ESTA website.

Should travel authorisation be denied, travellers will be required to obtain a non-immigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Voluntary applications may be made online from 1 August 2008 by visiting the ESTA website on https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

Additional information and a preview of the ESTA registration tool are available now from http://www.CBP.gov/esta/.

ATP Comment:
While this is not mandatory until the New Year, it is possible to start using the system from now. ATP is working on a system to integrate the information we already complete on your behalf and thereby do this process for you. This is not ready at present and therefore you or your travellers may wish to complete this manually now.

Please note that this is a testing phase for the site and current information indicates that you will still be required to complete the form on the plane.

1st August 2008 - Beijing Airport Closure

China's Beijing Capital International and Nanyuan airports to close 8th August during Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

This alert affects Beijing.

Event:
Airport closures

Location:
Beijing

Time/Date:
From 1959-2359 hrs,8th August.

Summary
Due to security concerns, authorities have announced plans to completely shut down Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Nanyuan Airport (NAY) during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on 8th August. The opening ceremony will begin at precisely 2000 hrs local time. Neither airport will handle any inbound or outbound traffic between 1959hrs and midnight. Flights scheduled to depart or land during the four-hour period will be delayed, cancelled or rescheduled. The shutdown will affect dozens of international and domestic flights.

NAY, primarily a military and freight airport about 15 km (9 miles) south of Beijing, is also a major hub of China United Airlines (KN).

Advice
Contact your ATP consultant for updated flight information if you are scheduled to fly into or out of PEK or NAY on the night of 8th August. Similar disruptions are possible during the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony on the night of 24th August.

1st August 2008 - Air Traffic Controllers Strike , Africa

Air traffic controller strike causes flight cancellations across western and central Africa 30th-31st July. Confirm flight plans in advance.

The locations affected by this alert are:

Cameroon
Madagascar
Senegal
Congo
Cote d'Ivoire
Benin
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Chad
Gabon
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Equatorial Guinea

Event:
Air traffic controller strike Time Frame: Through 31st July Summary Air traffic controllers belonging to the Agency for the Safety of Aerial Navigation in Africa (ASCENA) - a continental aviation watchdog - went on strike for better pay and working conditions on 29th July. The strike has caused a number of flight cancellations at airports throughout francophone West and Central Africa.

Affected Airports:
Benin - Cotonou International Airport (COO)
Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA)
Cameroon - Douala International Airport (DLA)
Central African Republic - Bangui Mpoko International Airport (BGF)
Chad - N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Cote d'Ivoire - Felix Houphet Bouigny International Airport (ABJ)
Equatorial Guinea - Malabo Airport (SSG)
Gabon - Leon Mba International Airport (LBV)
Madagascar - Ivato International Airport (TNR)
Mali - Bamako Senou International Airport (BKO)
Mauritania - Nouackchott International Airport (NKC)
Niger - Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM)
Republic of Congo - Brazzaville Maya Maya International Airport (BZV)
Senegal - Leopold Senghor International Airport (DKR)

Advice:
Expect delays; contact your ATP consultant for updated flight information.

29th July 2008 - Airport Workers Strike Brazil

This alert began 28 Jul 2008 16:23 GMT and is scheduled to expire 03 Aug 2008 23:59 GMT.

Summary
Workers at Infraero, Brazil's main airport administration authority, will launch an indefinite strike July 30. Negotiations with authorities have failed so far. The workers are demanding higher salaries and the replacement of the Infraero board.

The following main airports will be affected if Infraero moves forward with the strike:

Sao Paulo's Guarulhos-Cumbica International Airport (GRU)

Sao Paulo's Congonhas Airport (CGH)

Sao Paulo's Campinas Airport (CPQ) Rio de Janeiro's Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport (GIG)

Advice
Expect significant flight disruptions. It is not clear how long the strike will last.

25th July 2008 - Continuation of Lufthansa Strike Germany

This alert affects Germany.

This alert began 25 Jul 2008 09:55 GMT and is scheduled to expire 29 Jul 2008 23:59 GMT.

Incident: Lufthansa (LH) personnel strike
Location: Nationwide
Time Frame: Starting 0001 July 28
Impact: Severe flight disruptions, delays and cancellations

Forecast
Lufthansa personnel in Germany will start a strike July 28 which will affect an unspecified number of airports on an alternating basis. The strike will likely last at least several days. Labor union ver.di is demanding a wage increase for the 52,000 LH employees that it represents; LH has so far declined to accept the demand.

Although LH has put in place an emergency plan to ensure at least a reduced level of service, significant disruptions to flight operations will occur. Inner-German flights will be most affected and long-haul flights the least, although massive delays at any strike-affected airport are almost certain.

In addition, LH faces wildcat strikes by hundreds of pilots and other employees of LH affiliates Cityline (CL) and Eurowings (EW). They, too, demand higher wages, which LH has not been willing to agree to. A July 22-23 strike by CL and EW pilots led to severe flight disruptions throughout Germany with almost 1,000 canceled flights. Additional strikes with little notice are possible in the coming days.

23rd July 2008 - Lufthansa Strike Continues

Pilots with Lufthansa affiliates Cityline and Eurowings extend strike in Germany until 2400 on 23rd July. Severe flight disruptions likely, confirm flights.

This alert affects Germany.

Incident: Lufthansa (LH) affiliates pilot strike (Cityline and Eurowings)
Time Frame: From 1200, 22nd July until 2400, 23rd July
Impact: Flight delays, hundreds of cancellations

Forecast
Hundreds of pilots and other employees of LH affiliates Cityline (CL) and Eurowings (EW) decided to prolong their ongoing wildcat strike until 2400 on 23rd July to support their demand for higher wages. The strike has so far led to 400 cancellations on 22nd July and will likely cause additional severe flight disruptions throughout Germany. Long-haul flights are not affected. Additional strikes in the coming weeks are likely.

Specific Impact
Eurowings strike affects these airports: Berlin-Tegel, (TXL), Bremen (BRE), Dresden (DRE), Dusseldorf (DUS), Hannover (HAJ), Hamburg (HAM), Frankfurt (FRA), Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), Munster/Osnabruck (FMO), Nurnberg (NUE), Stuttgart (STR)

Cityline strike affects these airports: all of the above plus Cologne (CGN), Friedrichshafen (FDH), Paderborn (PAD)

23rd July 2008 - Air Traffic Controllers Strike in Gabon

ATP were advised of an Air traffic controllers' strike paralyses Leon Mba International Airport (LBV) in Libreville, Gabon, on 22nd July. But, there is every possibility that this may continue throughout the week which is why we have sent out this notification. Be prepared to make alternative travel plans.

This alert affects Gabon.

Event: Air traffic controllers' strike
Date: From 22nd July
Affected Airport: Leon Mba International Airport (LBV) in Libreville

Summary
On 22nd July, a renewable 24-hour air traffic controllers' strike grounded all flights to and from Leon Mba International Airport (LBV) stranding passengers and delaying about 20 flights for a second day.

No aircraft have arrived at or departed from LBV since 0700 on the 21st July, when air traffic controllers belonging to the Agency for the Safety of Aerial Navigation in Africa (ASCENA ) - a continental aviation watchdog - went on strike over a long-running wage dispute related to monthly bonus payments and overdue premiums.

The government resolved a similar strike action in late May after promising to address worker grievances. Negotiations to end the strike are reportedly underway in Port Gentil.

Advice
People travelling through LBV should contact their ATP consultant for updated flight information. As of 22nd July, no flights have been rescheduled to other airports.

22nd July 2008 - Lufthansa Strike - Germany

Pilots with Lufthansa (LH) affiliates Cityline and Eurowings launch 24-hour strike in Germany 1200 July 22. Severe flight disruptions likely, confirm flights.

This alert affects Germany.

Incident: Lufthansa (LH) affiliates pilot strike (Cityline and Eurowings

Time Frame: 1200 July 22-1200 July 23

Impact: Flight delays, hundreds of cancellations

Forecast
Hundreds of pilots and other employees of LH affiliates Cityline (CL) and Eurowings (EW) are going to launch a 24-hour wildcat strike 1200 July 22 to support their demand for higher wages. The strike will likely lead to severe flight disruptions throughout Germany. Additional strikes in the coming weeks are likely.

Specific Impact
Eurowings strike affects these airports: Berlin-Tegel, (TXL), Bremen (BRE), Dresden (DRE), Dusseldorf (DUS), Hannover (HAJ), Hamburg (HAM), Frankfurt (FRA), Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), Munster/Osnabruck (FMO), Nurnberg (NUE), Stuttgart (STR)

Cityline strike affects these airports: all of the above plus Cologne (CGN), Friedrichshafen (FDH), Paderborn (PAD)

9th July 2008 - At least three policemen dead in attack near U.S. Consulate in Istanbul on 9th July. Avoid the scene.

This alert affects Istanbul.

Incident: Shooting
Start Time/Date: 9th July
Affected Location: Istanbul
Impact: 3+

Current Situation
At least three police officers were killed when armed assailants opened fire in an attack outside the U.S. Consulate. Local media report that an unidentified number of people were also wounded in the attack, including bystanders who had been waiting in line for U.S. visas. Turkey has seen armed attacks from a variety of groups over the years, including Kurdish separatists and Islamist militants.

Advice
Avoid the attack site until authorities deem the area safe. Expect heightened security in the area until further notice.

8th July 2008 - With effect from Tuesday 8th July, Chinese Visa application changes.

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre has advised they will only accept applications on an express basis if the form and itinerary show travel within four days of submission.

All applications with travel dates beyond the four day limit will be treated as normal processing, regardless of the service level requested.

4th July 2008 - Railway Workers strike in Italy

Italian railway workers to hold 24-hour strike from 2100 6th July. Expect train cancellations and delays, consider alternate transportation.

This alert affects Italy.

Incident: Railway worker strike
Start Time/Date: 2100, 6th July to 2100, 7th July
Affected Location: Nationwide
Impact: Train cancellations and delays

Summary
Employees for Italy's state-run rail operator Trenitalia will go on a 24-hour strike 6th July. Italian law requires unions to announce work stoppages in advance, but other labour groups may opt to join strikes without warning. It is not unusual that Italian unions abort strikes at the last minute. Under any circumstances, Trenitalia will provide limited guaranteed service that will be available in and around all larger cities.


Advice
Assume work stoppages will occur as planned and allow additional time for travel in the event of service delays or cancellations. Consider using guaranteed trains. Allow additional time to reach destinations.

1st July 2008 - Lufthansa Strike from Today

Transportation: Lufthansa airline employees begin an indefinite strike at several German airports 1st July . Confirm flights and expect delays.

This alert affects Germany.

Event: Lufthansa (LH) strike
Start Time/Date: 0400 1st July
Affected Airports: Frankfurt (FRA), Stuttgart (STR), Cologne (CGN), Munich (MUC)
Impact: Flight delays, some flight cancellations

Current Situation
Hundreds of LH employees initiated an indefinite strike at 0400 1st July, demanding higher wages. The airline warned of delays to long-haul flights, these could possibly affect the following airports: Frankfurt (FRA), Stuttgart (STR), Cologne (CGN) and Munich (MUC).

Background
On the 30th June, the labour union Verdi said its members would strike at Frankfurt and other airports. The union wants a pay increase of 9.8 percent, while LH is offering 3.4 percent. The union said talks will resume on 3rd July.

27th June 2008 - Update on Qantas Strike

• Event: Qantas Airways (QF) engineers' strike
• Time Frame: Through June 28
• Location: Countrywide
• Impact: Flight delays and cancellations

Current Situation
An ongoing Qantas Airways engineers' strike has caused domestic flight delays and more than 120 cancellations at airports across Australia since June 23. Flight disruptions are occuring at several airports, including Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Adelaide (ADL) and Perth (PER).

The engineers are protesting against a company offer to raise wages by 3 percent, demanding instead a 5 percent increase. The strike was originally forecast to end June 24, but deadlocked negotiations have prompted cancellations through June 28. Negotiations probably will not resume before June 30, making additional disruptions possible. Most passengers affected by cancellations are being transferred to other flights but could face delays of a day or more.

Advice
Confirm all flights. Allow more time for check-in.

27th June 2008 - Spanish Ground Transportation Disruption

• Incident: Airport ground personnel strike
• Time Frame: 0001-2359 June 27
• Locations: Airports in Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Ibiza (IBZ) and Menorca (MAH)
• Impact: Flight delays, ground transportation disruptions

Forecast
Approximately 1,000 employees of airport service provider Acciona Airport Services will strike June 27; the main strike period will take place 1330-1530. The workers are demanding wage increases. Union representatives announced 24-hour strikes for July 1 and 5 if they do not settle a deal with the government.

Advice
Expect widespread flight delays and some cancellations at PMI, IBZ and MAH. Expect moderate delays at baggage and ground transportation services. Contact airlines to verify flight status.

20th June 2008 - New Indian Visa Process

All Indian visa issuance across the UK has been handed by the Indian High Commission to VF Services to process on behalf of applicants. VF Services operate an online facility, and agents (including ATP) previously registered with the High Commission are now registered as official agents with VFS.

ATP has maintained our previous appointment time, applications are accepted every Thursday but processing turnaround time is now a minimum of two working days for British passports, and seven days for other nationalities. Once submitted, unless refused there is no facility to withdraw passports.

In order for applications to be accepted the following process needs to be followed;

Applicants must complete the online form at

https://www.visaservices.co.in/IHC-UK/  taking care to answer all questions.

Applications are sent through the Goswell Road office, submitted and collected in person; other options may result in increased fees.

Do not pay or book an appointment online, once you have completed the online application, print the form and exit.

Sign the form, attach two photographs, and send with the passport to ATP Passport & Visa Department by secure carrier.

Business applications will also require an original UK employers letter and an invitation letter from the hosts in India.

Work visa applications will need a signed employment contract in addition to the invitation letter.

Non UK passport holders must show evidence of one years residence in the UK. The accepted forms of evidence are;

Domestic gas, electricity, or landline telephone bill.
Council tax bill.
Personal bank statement.
All are required to be dated at least one year previous to the application.

Any non resident applicants, or applicants who cannot provide the above, are required to apply at VF Services in person.

To qualify for submission each Thursday, the completed applications are required with ATP Passport & Visas by Wednesday.

20th June 2008 - Qantas Airways

The locations affected by this action are:

Sydney
Brisbane
Melbourne
Perth
Adelaide
Alice Springs
Canberra
Cairns
Port Hedland

This began 19 Jun 2008 15:48 GMT and is scheduled to expire 26 Jun 2008 23:59 GMT.

Event: Qantas Airways (QF) engineer strikes
Time Frame: June 23-25
Location: Countrywide
Impact: Flight delays and cancellations

Summary
Qantas engineers plan a series of rolling strikes. Delays and cancellations are likely for all QF flights to, from and through Australian airports, as planes cannot takeoff without an engineer inspection. Lingering delays are possible immediately after the strike.

The engineers are conducting the action to demand higher pay. More strikes will probably take place if QF does not meet the pay demand.

Advice
Confirm all QF flights and allow extra time for travel.

16th June 2008 - Paris Transport Disruptions

Event: Nationwide transport strike
Date: June 17
Impact: Potential disruptions to air, rail, port, and mass transit (especially in Paris)

Summary
France's largest union - the General Confederation of Workers (CGT) - and several other smaller unions have called a general strike June 17 to protest government efforts to extend the country's 35-hour workweek. Union members