Travel Alert – Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Spain & USA

ITALY
A general transport strike is expected across Italy on Friday, 17 May. Trains, maritime and local transportation will be affected. The strike is planned for 8 hours from 09:00 local time while ferries will be affected for the whole day.
Air passengers may be affected by a 24-hour strike on Tuesday, 21 May. Alitalia, Air Italy as well as some other airline and airport personnel will take part in this strike.
Travellers are advised to make alternate ground transport arrangements on 17 May and anticipate flight disruptions on 21 May.

JAPAN
Kyushu Railways is reporting that some train service has been disrupted after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Japan on Friday, 10 May.
Service has been delayed or suspended on several lines, including on the Nippo Line, Kagoshima Line and Kyushu Shinkansen Line.
No tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage due to the quake.

NETHERLANDS
A planned 24-hour strike by public transportation workers will affect national rail services as well as public transit in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Den Haag on 28 May. This may extend to workers in other sectors on 29 May.

NEW ZEALAND
Auckland Metro will experience industrial strike action beginning on 14 May.
Travellers are advised to monitor local news for updates on rail schedules on the day.

NIGERIA
The Nigeria Embassy in Pretoria is still not issuing visas. All applications are being processed via the Consulate in Johannesburg and applicants must appear in person for fingerprinting.
Travellers are encouraged to submit their applications in good time to accommodate this situation.

SPAIN
Barcelona Metro workers are planning a series of partial strikes on 10, 20 and 24 May. Passengers are being advised to pursue alternative means of transport on these days.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Strong storms have moved into the Houston area, bringing with it the threat of flooding rain.
Southwest Airlines has cancelled some flights from Thursday night into Friday. A ground stop is currently in effect at Bush Airport, while Hobby Airport has reported several flight cancellations or delays.
Air travellers commuting through Houston should check with their airline for detailed flight information. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for all counties in southeast Texas until Saturday evening.