AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1100 local time (1500 UTC) on 16 April 2019, a Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander aircraft crashed into a residence in the southern port city of Puerto Montt — located approximately 1,000 km (620 mi) from the capital Santiago — shortly after departing nearby Marcel Marchant Airport (SCPF). All six people aboard the aircraft were killed; however, there were no casualties on the ground, as the house was vacant at the time of the crash. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Nicaragua (Security threat level – 4): The opposition National Unity coalition has called on its supporters to take to the streets of the capital Managua later on 17 April 2019 to mark the one-year anniversary of the start of anti-government protests in Nicaragua. Police officials have denied the permit request for the march, but organizers have stated that the march will take place as planned, raising the potential for violent clashes. The opposition is also planning to hold several other events on 18 and 19 April, which could potentially serve as flashpoints for intensification of the ongoing conflict between the government and the opposition. Anti-government protests in the country initially broke out on 18 April 2018 after the government attempted to cut welfare benefits, resulting in several months of protests and a crackdown that left 325 people dead and more than 2,000 others injured.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): According to reports on 17 April 2019, severe thunderstorms that affected the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh the previous day killed at least 35 people. Most of the fatalities were attributed to lightning, falling trees or electrocution by power lines. While there were no reports of flight cancellations or delays at airports in the region, the storms forced the cancellation of several planned election rallies.

EUROPE

Portugal (Security threat level – 2): On 17 April 2019, Prime Minister António Costa announced that fuel supplies to airports and security services were assured and that 40% of the total fuel needs in the cities of Lisbon and Porto were being reached. The announcement follows the declaration of a national energy crisis the previous day due to the ongoing strike by Portugal’s National Union of Drivers of Hazardous Material (SNMMP). Truck drivers have been ordered to resume deliveries to essential establishments such as airports and hospitals. The Portuguese National Republican Guard has been mobilized to ensure that critical services remain operational, allowing them to conduct fuel transportation operations. The ANA Aeroportos de Portugal airport authority had announced that Lisbon Airport (LPPT/LIS) and Faro International Airport (LPFR/FAO) were out of fuel due to the labor action. In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) released on 16 April, authorities warned that aircraft should land at Lisbon Airport with enough fuel to depart to their next destination. Disruptions to airport operations remain a concern while fuel services are being reestablished. Fuel shortages are expected to continue countrywide, as over 2,000 gas stations are continuing to experience shortages.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 17 April 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) updated its travel advice for the Philippines regarding the Easter holiday to include the following:

Spain (Security threat level – 3): On 17 April 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Spain, which reads in part as follows:

Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.