Global Event Observer
The Observer informs you about current international events that might affect your international letter or packet shipments.
Coming Weeks
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Taiwan | 20-Jun-2018- 20-Jun-2019 |
Taipei Airport to close at night for a year: The Taipei Songshan Airport will close at night from 20 June for one year due to repairs and an expansion of the runway, according to media sources. The closure is expected to affect international flights, which will be diverted to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The Taipei Songshan Airport is the second largest airport in Taipei. |
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Canada | 22-Oct-2018- Jan-2019 |
Mail embargo lifted following end of strike: Canada Post informs on December 13 that the embargo on mail items arriving from designated operators was lifted on November 27 following the end of a strike. Canada Post expects the situation regarding international post items to normalize in January 2019. |
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Canada | 22-Oct- 25-Dec |
Delivery delays continue due to backlogs: On November 29, Canada Post informed that despite the end of the rotation strike, the mail network has been experiencing severe backlogs. Canada Post requests members to prioritize the deliveries, including ESM, air parcels and express products. It is expected that the backlog the situation will return to normal by December 25. |
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Canada | 22-Oct- 27-Nov |
Senate passes legislation to end strike: Media sources indicate that the Canadian Senate passed legislation which would end the ongoing postal strike in Canada on November 27 at 12 pm local time. On November 26, rotating strikes were continuing at multiple locations across the country. |
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France |
17-Nov | Nationwide protests may disrupt road traffic: French media sources report on December 11 that road traffic disruptions are possible due to various nationwide demonstrations including the "Yellow Vests" protest and student and climate change movements. The protests are expected to continue in Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse as well as in refineries and ports throughout the country. |
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France | 17-Nov- 7-Dec |
Postal operations return to normal: La Poste indicated on December 7 that incoming and outgoing mail operations across La Reunion have returned to normal. No further disruption is expected. |
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Italy | 20-28-Nov | Severe weather conditions improve: Poste Italiane (IT) informed on December 7 that postal operations have normalized on November 28 following severe weather conditions in the Feltre area. However, connections to Lampedusa, Linosa, Pantelleria and Eolian islands are still not serviced. |
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Australia | 23-Nov- 6-Dec |
Postal services return to normal: On December 7, Australia Post (AU) reported that adverse weather conditions have improved as fires have been brought under control. Postal services in the affected areas have returned to normal on December 6. |
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United States | 25-Nov | Winter weather still affecting road traffic: On December 5, media sources reported that winter storms continue to affect road traffic across Midwest in United States. Heavy snowfall is forecast for the following weekend, potentially causing transit disruptions. Winter storm warnings are in effect for southeast South Dakota, Nebraska, northern Kansas, southern Minnesota, western Iowa, central Wisconsin and northern Michigan. |
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United States | 25-Nov | Snow storms cause air and traffic disruption: Media sources report that winter storms have been causing traffic and air disruption across Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin since November 25. Multiple flights at large airports were delayed and Interstate 70 has been closed at several locations. |
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Australia |
28-30-Nov | Postal operations normalize following flooding: Australia Post reported on November 30 that postal operations have normalized following heavy rain and flooding in the Sydney area and parts of New South Wales. No further delays are to be expected. |
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Australia | 28-Nov | Adverse weather disrupts postal services: On November 28, Australia Post (AU) informed that adverse weather conditions have been impacting the collection and delivery of all mail products in Sydney and neighboring parts of New South Wales. Mail flows in and out of Australia have also been disrupted due to large delays at Sydney airport. |
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Colombia | 28-Nov | Nationwide strike impacts cargo transportation: Media sources indicated on November 28 that 10,000 cargo transporters with Confederacion Nacional Alianza Transportadora embarked on a nationwide strike across Colombia. Affected locations include Medellin, San Cristobal de Medellin, Caldas, Copacabana and other locations across Boyaca region. |
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Ukraine | 28-Nov- 28-Dec |
Postal operations continue despite martial law: Ukrposhta reported on November 28 that the Ukrainian Parliament voted to impose martial law for 30 days in 10 oblasts of Ukraine. Nevertheless, Ukrposhta will continue handling incoming and outgoing postal items throughout the territory of Ukraine controlled by the Ukrainian Government. |
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Greece | 28-29-Nov | 24-hour strike affects postal services: On November 27, Hellenic Post informed that the General Confederation of Greek Workers plans to embark on a 24-hour strike on November 28. International and domestic mail collection and delivery are likely to be affected. |
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United States | 30-Nov | Earthquake continues to disrupt transportation: On December 3, media sources indicated that road and infrastructure damage caused by the earthquake in Anchorage continues to affect ground transportation in the area. Several bridges and highways remained closed for repair works, causing traffic jams and likely impacting postal services. |
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United States | 30-Nov | Earthquake causes disruption in Alaska: Widespread damage to multiple structures and roads were reported throughout the Anchorage area following a 7.0 earthquake on November 30. A tsunami warning was initially issued for Cook Inlet but this has since been lifted. The Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) was also evacuated as a precaution and flights were temporarily suspended while the airport was examined for damage but flight operations have resumed. |
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Spain | 30-Nov | Correos to strike on November 30: Correos (ES) informed on November 29 that trade unions have called on Correos employees to strike in Spain on November 30. All operational services including collection, sorting centers, post offices and delivery units will likely be affected by strike. Inbound and outbound processes are expected to be severely impacted on the day of the strike and in the following week. |
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Spain | 30-Nov- 26-Dec |
Postal workers to strike on November 30: Media sources indicated on November 15 that postal workers with Correos plan to start a series of strikes across Spain from November 30. Strikes are also planned for December 21 and December 26. |
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Spain | 30-Nov | Postal workers plan series of strikes: On October 4, sources reported that Correos postal employees have announced a series of strikes. Three strikes are scheduled for November 30, December 21 and 26 and a wave of rallies are scheduled between November 5 and 16. Workers are protesting against the reduction of personnel in Correos. |
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Spain, France | 3-Dec | Protesters cause border congestion: Local media sources reported on December 3 that protesters associated with the "Yellow Vests" movement disrupted cross-border traffic at several crossings between Spain and France. Long queues of vehicles of up to 20 km were reported on the AP-8 motorway near Irun and on the AP-7 motorway near La Jonquera. |
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China | 4-Dec | Truck drivers embark on strike: Media sources reported on December 4 that trucker drivers embarked on a strike across several provinces across China. The strike is reportedly being held to protest against the new emission policy introduced in November 2018 to combat air pollution in winter months. |
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Great Britain | 4-Dec | Workers vote for industrial action: Local media sources reported on December 4 that Isle of Man Post Office workers voted in favor of a strike action with 93%. A date for when the strike will begin has not been announced yet. |
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United States | 5-Dec | Regular postal operations suspended: On December 4, the United States Postal Service (USPS) informed that it will suspend regular mail deliveries on December 5, as it was proclaimed as a National Day of Mourning in remembrance of President George H.W. Bush. USPS will provide limited package delivery service on that day. |
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Spain | 5-Dec | Demonstration to disrupt road traffic: Media sources indicate on November 20 that the transport association FEAT (Auto Business Federation of Transport) has called for a truck demonstration to protest against a truck ban on December 5. Road traffic in Tarragona, Terres de L'ebre and Bellvei may be particularly affected. |
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United States |
6-Dec | Interstate 5 closed due to heavy snow: On December 6, media sources indicated that heavy snow has prompted the closure of Interstate 5, particularly between the Grapevine and Castaic areas in California. Multiple vehicle collisions have been reported as adverse weather prevented rescue crews from reopening the route. It remains unclear when traffic will resume. |
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France | 8-12-Dec | Postal services resume: On December 12, La Poste informed that the transmission of EDI messages has resumed. Transmission problems were in effect from December 8 until December 12. |
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United States | 9-Dec | Winter conditions affect road traffic: Local media sources indicate on December 11 that winter weather has been disrupting road traffic across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina since December 9. Heavy snowfall and power blackouts have affected major roads, which consequently require renovation. |
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France | 9-Dec | Truck drivers to embark on indefinite strike: Media sources report on December 5 that truck drivers with the CGT-FO union are planning to embark on an indefinite strike across France starting December 9. The strike action was called to protest against lower purchasing power due to high fuel prices. |
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Brazil | 11-Dec | Truckers demonstrate in Brazil: Media sources report on December 12 that demonstrations by truck drivers have disrupted transportation on the BR-116 highway in Brazil. The sections of the highway with the greatest impact included the greater Fortaleza area, Santos and Zona da Mata. |
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Israel |
12-16-Dec | Postal services normalize following disruption: The Israel Postal Company reported on December 18 that normal transmissions of EDI messages resumed on December 16 for all postal services. No more disruption is to be expected. |
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Israel | 12-Dec | Disruption affects postal services: The Israel Postal Company informed on December 14 that it has been experiencing disruption in the transmission of EDI messages since December 12. Once the situation returns to normal, postal operators will be informed. |
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Uruguay | 13-Dec | Postal workers begin strike: On December 13, Correo Uruguayo indicated that postal workers with Asociación de Funcionarios Postales del Uruguay started a strike. Only letters containing documents have been processed and delivered. The operator advises not to dispatch mail items to the post office at the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo (MVD). |
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Australia | 14-Dec | Flooding disrupts road, rail and air traffic: Media sources report on December 17 that flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Owen has been causing road, rail and air traffic disruption across Queensland since December 14. The tropical cyclone landed near Karumba and reached Cairns on December 16. Additional flooding is likely to persist. |
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Australia | 14-Dec | Tropical cyclone intensifies prior to landfall: Media sources report on December 14 that Tropical Cyclone Owen intensified into a Category 4 storm prior to its expected landfall between Gilbert River Mouth and Pormpuraaw today evening. The storm is expected to cause severe infrastructure damage and disrupt road, rail and air traffic. |
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Australia | 14-Dec | Tropical Cyclone to make landfall: Media sources report that Tropical Cyclone Owen is about to make landfall on December 14. A red alert has been issued for the coast of Queensland in Australia as the storm has intensified to a Category 1 storm. |
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Belgium | 14-Dec | Several unions plan to strike on December 14: Local media sources indicate on December 12 that several unions have called for a 24-hour strike across Belgium on December 14. Workers with the FGTB, CSC and SLFP unions plan to participate in the strike. The strike is expected to impact the rail, aviation and public sectors. |
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Russia | 17-27-Dec | Truckers begin ten-day strike: Media sources reported on December 17 that truck drivers have begun a ten-day strike in several regions of Russia. Protests have been reported in Saint Petersburg, Transbaikalia, Novosibirsk and Sverdlovsk. |
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Italy | 17-18-Dec | Strike affects postal services: Poste Italiane (IT) indicated on December 14 that a strike involving all logistics operators has been called for December 17 throughout Italy. Delivery delays for parcels and EMS should be expected. |
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Great Britain | 23-24-Dec | Strike may disrupt flight operations: The Transport and General Workers’ Union is planning to strike for 24 hours at several airports across the United Kingdom on December 23. Work stoppages are planned at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), Southampton Airport (SOU), Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ), Glasgow Airport (GLA), and Edinburgh Airport (EDI). |
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Brazil | 22-Jan-2019 | Truck drivers plan strike action: Media sources report on December 4 that trucker drivers with Comando Naiconal do Transporte (CNT) plan to conduct a strike action on January 22. The new strike follows previous truck drivers’ strikes against a new law about minimum freight prices. |
Service Disruption is provided by DHL as a courtesy to its customers. DHL is not responsible and assumes no liability for any inaccuracies, which may be contained within.
This information and its composition is based on selected high quality sources. The professional research, analysis and consolidation process is carried out by DHL Control Tower / Qensio.
Past Events
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Philippines | 15-Sep- 8-Nov |
Postal operations resume after Mangkhut: The Philippines Postal Corporation informed on November 7 that postal operations resumed in all areas that were affected by super typhoon Mangkhut. |
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Canada | 22-Oct | Canada Post workers remain on strike: Media sources report on November 21 that workers with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue to strike across Canada. Rotating strikes are continuing in Calgary (AB), Kamloops (BC), Prince George (BC), Scarborough (ON) and Sudbury (ON). Delays in the processing of mail products should be expected. |
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Canada | 22-Oct | Postal workers continue to strike: On November 19, media sources reported that workers with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue to participate in an ongoing strike action throughout Canada. The union has rejected Canada Post's latest offer and rotating strikes are continuing in Saint John (NB), Edmonton (AB) and Kelowna (BC). Disruptions and delays to mail services should be expected. |
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Canada | 22-Oct | Strike action continues despite negotiations: On November 14, Canada Post informed that, despite ongoing negotiations with Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), workers continue to hold rotating strikes across Canada. Canada Post is urging all designated operators to suspend all postal activities (letters, parcels and EMS) to Toronto and Vancouver until further notice. Member countries can expect continued delays in the delivery of parcels and mail. |
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Canada | 22-Oct | Postal strike continues at new locations: Local media sources indicate on November 13 that workers with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) continue to participate in an ongoing strike action throughout Canada. The action currently takes place in parts of Nova Scotia including Halifax, Dartmouth, Lakeside, and Tantallon. The strike also continues in Vancouver and the Gaspe area of Quebec. |
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Italy | 29-Oct | Weather continues to disrupt services: Poste Italiane (IT) indicated on November 14 that severe weather conditions have improved and the situation had returned to normal in most of the affected areas. The situation remains, however, critical in northeastern parts of the country, where many roads are still closed. |
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China | 1-11-Nov | Traffic control measures announced: Local sources reported that the Shanghai municipal government has announced temporary traffic control measures that may impact traffic and delivery movements during the China International Import Expo from November 5-10. Temporary traffic control measures will be in place between November 1 and 11. |
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Romania | 3-9-Nov | Postal operations resume following disruption: Posta Romana indicated on November 13 that postal operations resumed following IT issues that affected the transmission of RESDES messages since November 3. |
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Romania | 3-Nov | IT problems cause postal disruption: Posta Romana informed on November 6 that it has been experiencing difficulties in sending RESDES messages due to IT problems that started on November 3. Posta Romana will indicate when the situation has normalized. |
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Estonia | 5-Nov | New address for logistics center: The Estonian post Omniva indicated on November 2 that due the opening of a new Logistics Center, the new address for inbound surface mail will be the following starting November 5: OMNIVA LOGISTICS CENTER, Rukki tee 7 Lehmja village, Rae vald, Harjumaa 75306 Estonia. The previous address will still remain open for the time being. |
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Belgium | 7-23-Nov | Bpost workers end their strike: Sources reported on November 23 that Bpost workers have ended their strike across Belgium. Residual delays may persist as workers clear the backlog which piled up during the strike. |
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Belgium | 7-Nov | Delivery delays continue due to strike: On November 21, media sources indicated that Bpost workers remained on strike at multiple locations across Belgium, including in Charleroi, Mons, Soignies, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Boussu, Dour, Tournai, Andenne, Jumet, Anderlecht, Awans, Waremme, Villers-le-Bouillet, and Vis. Delays to mail services should be expected. |
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Belgium | 7-Nov | Postal workers remain on strike: On November 19, media sources reported that Bpost workers remain on strike at multiple locations across Belgium, although the CSC union has suspended the strike. Negotiations between Bpost workers and management are expected to resume on November 19. |
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Belgium | 7-Nov | Postal workers continue to strike: On November 15, media sources reported that Bpost workers have continued to strike in Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp despite a preliminary agreement on November 12. The action was called due to a dispute over a pre-agreement with management. |
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Belgium | 7-Nov | Postal strike continues on November 12: Unionized workers for Bpost are continuing a five-day rotating strike across Belgium that started on Wednesday, November 7. A new meeting between the unions and management will be held on Monday, November 12; however, the strike is continuing that day, with administration and call center employees participating in the latest round of the strike. |
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Belgium | 7-13-Nov | Postal workers suspend strike action: Unionized workers for Bpost are suspending a rotating strike across Belgium that started on November 7. Postal workers and Bpost management reportedly reached a preliminary agreement during their meeting held on November 12. The situation is expected to normalize gradually. |
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Belgium | 7-13-Nov | Postal carriers join Bpost strike: Media sources are indicating on November 8 that postal carriers joined unionized workers for Bpost strike across Belgium that started on November 7. On November 12, administration and call center employees will strike. On November 13, package processing workers will carry out the last day of the strike. |
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Belgium | 7-13-Nov | Postal services heavily disrupted due to strike: On November 6, Bpost informed that postal services across Belgium are expected to be heavily disrupted for inbound and outbound operations as well as domestic deliveries due to a rotation strike by employees between November 7-13. |
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Belgium | 7-11-Nov | Bpost workers to start strike on November 7: Media sources indicate on October 31 that unionized workers with Bpost (Belgian Post Group) are planning to embark on a five-day rotating strike across Belgium starting on November 7. |
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United States | 8-Nov | Wildfires continue to disrupt road traffic: Media sources report on November 27 that wildfires continue to disrupt road traffic across California, United States. The Camp Fire has been fully contained since November 25, whereas the Woolsey Fire was contained on November 21. However, efforts to restore damaged roads might take a notable amount of time. |
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United States | 8-Nov | Highway remains closed due to wildfires: Media sources continue to report on November 15 that severe wildfires are still affecting road transportation across California. The Highway 70 remains closed, while US-101 reopened. |
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United States | 8-Nov | Roads closed due to severe wildfires: Several media sources reported on November 12 that serious wildfires have spread across California since last week. Hill, Woolsey and Camp Creek wildfires have destroyed thousands of buildings and roads. Highway 99 and Highway 70 remain closed due to firefighting efforts in the area. Red alerts have been extended until at least Wednesday, November 14. |
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Brazil | 8-Nov | Flooding affects road transportation: Media sources are indicating on November 8 that rail and road transportation has been affected due to heavy rain that caused flooding in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Multiple locations have reportedly been flooded. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through November 8. |
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Canada | 8-13-Nov | Multiple roads closed in Montreal: Local media sources indicated on November 7 that multiple roads will be closed between November 8 and November 13 in Montreal, Canada. The major Turcot Interchange will be closed in three directions, Highway 20 will be closed in both directions, and Highway 15 northbound will be closed. The closures are part of an infrastructure project conducted in the area. |
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Malta | 9-Nov | Postal operations resume: MaltaPost informed on November 15 that the transmission of EDI messages resumed on November 9. Some transmission disruptions could still occur due to the temporary setup currently in use. |
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Malta | 9-Nov | IT problems cause postal disruption: On November 13, MaltaPost reported that it has been experiencing severe technical issues in the transmission of EDI events across all services since November 9. Currently, all outbound messages are not being exchanged. No initial information on when operations will resume has been disclosed. |
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Italy | 10-13-Nov | Post offices closed due to conference: Poste Italiane (IT) indicated on November 13 that seven post offices were closed from November 10 to November 13 due to the International Conference for Libya in Palermo, Italy. Delivery operations were likely to be affected in the area. |
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Panama | 14-Nov | Transit services temporarily suspended: The Dirección Nacional de Correos y Telégrafos indicated on November 14 that it has temporarily suspended open and closed transit mail to Colombia. It will inform once the situation has returned to normal. |
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Spain | 14-Nov | Correos Postal workers announce strike: Media sources reported on October 16 that postal workers with Correos in Spain announced a series of rallies and strike actions which will start on November 14. Three strikes have been scheduled for November 30, December 21 and 26. Workers are protesting against the reduction of personnel in Correos. |
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India | 15-Nov | Tropical Cyclone disrupts road traffic: Media sources reported on November 20 that flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Gaja has caused considerable infrastructure damage and road disruption in Tamil Nadu, India. The storm led to the evacuation of more than 250,000 people, and widespread power outages and blocked roads have been reported. Additional flooding is likely to persist. |
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India | 15-Nov | Tropical Cyclone to make landfall: Local media sources are reporting on November 13 that Tropical Cyclone Gaja is likely to make landfall on November 15. A red alert has been issued for coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Associated road traffic disruptions are very likely. |
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France | 17-Nov | Transportation impacted on La Reunion: La Poste has indicated on November 27 that the nationwide "Yellow Vests" movement has also affected transportation across La Reunion island, with inbound and outbound mail operations likely to be delayed. Areas with the following postal codes are said to be affected: 97400 to 97499. |
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France | 17-Nov | Nationwide protests disrupt postal services: La Poste reported on November 21 that protests dubbed "Yellow Vests" have been taking place across France since November 17, affecting the transport, delivery and handling of letters and parcels. A national protest is also planned for November 24. Delays in the pick-up and delivery of mail are likely to occur. |
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France | 17-Nov | Nationwide protests disrupt road traffic: Media sources reported on November 19 that the nationwide "Yellow Vests" protests are continuing for the third consecutive day in several locations across France. The protests were called for to protest against high fuel prices. Disruptions are occcuring at locations and routes including highways, bridges, tunnels, ports, airports and some industrial sites. |
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France | 17-Nov | Nationwide protests may affect road traffic: Media sources reported on November 15 that nationwide protest planned for November 17 may lead to blocked roads and motorways. The protest is against fuel price rises. |
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Mexico | 19-Nov | Border closed due to migrant caravan: Media sources indicated on November 26 that the border crossing at San Ysidro Port of Entry in Mexico has been temporarily closed on November 25 as migrants attempted to get over the border fence and police forces used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Delays should be expected due to the temporary closure. |
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Mexico | 19-Nov | Security measures cause border delays: Media sources indicated on November 22 that significant traffic delays have been reported this week at the San Diego-Tijuana border crossing in Mexico. This was likely due to heightened security measures and lane restrictions in anticipation of the arrival of the migrant caravan in Tijuana. |
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Israel | 19-Nov | IT system upgrade causes postal disruption: Israel Postal Company informed on November 19 that it has been experiencing delays in the transmission of EDI messages due to an upgrade of its IT system. Operations were expected to resume on the same day. |
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Italy | 20-Nov | Severe weather disrupts postal deliveries: Poste Italiane informed on November 22 that postal deliveries have been disrupted due to severe weather conditions since November 20. In particular, Palazzolo sull’Oglio and Feltre areas have been affected. |
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Australia | 23-Nov | Severe bush fires impact postal deliveries: Australia Post indicates on November 23 that severe bush fires in some parts of New South Wales are impacting the collection and delivery of all mail products, in particular in the following postcodes: 2318; 2319; 1695; 2689; 3129. |
Service Disruption is provided by DHL as a courtesy to its customers. DHL is not responsible and assumes no liability for any inaccuracies, which may be contained within.
This information and its composition is based on selected high quality sources. The professional research, analysis and consolidation process is carried out by DHL Control Tower / Qensio.
Exempted countries
Country or region |
| Crimea (region) |
| Cuba |
| Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
| Iran |
| Sudan |
| Syria |
Countries with service disruption
Due to local circumstances, we currently cannot provide delivery services of mail and packets to the following countries or regions
Country |
Region or city |
| Bougainville Island (Papua New Guinea) |
Arawa Buin Kieta Panguna |
| Georgia | Abkhazia |
| South Sudan | Jonglei Unity Equatoria |
| Chad | Tibesti |
| Ukraine | Region Donetsk, Luhansk Oblasts and Crimea Zip Code 83000-87000 & 91000-99000 |
| Yemen |