Global Event Observer

The Observer informs you about current international events that might affect your international letter or packet shipments.

Coming Weeks

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.
Sweden	18-Dec-2018- 11-Feb-2019	Postal services resume following disruption: The PostNord Group AB reported on February 20 that postal services due to technical issues resumed on February 11. The transmission of EDI messages from the international mail processing center Oslo O Meddelande in Norway to Sweden has normalized.
Australia	31-Jan	Flooding further impacts road traffic: Updated media sources report on February 19 that flooding across Queensland continues to affect road traffic, with more than 120 roads still being disrupted. Postal services are likely to continue to be affected.
United States	30-Jan-5-Feb	Postal operations normalize: On February 5, United States Postal Service indicated that postal operations have returned to normal following the suspension of deliveries due to extreme cold conditions.
Italy	2-Feb	Closure of Brenner highway causes delays: Media sources reported that the Brenner highway A22 was closed in both directions on February 2 due to heavy snowfall. Hundreds of cars were stranded during the closure, with authorities rescuing 200 people from their cars before the road was reopened. Considerable delays should be expected due to the closure.
Germany	4-5-Feb	Strike disrupts airport operations: On February 4, local media sources indicate that the Verdi union has called for a strike of ground staff at Hamburg Airport (HAM) on February 4. The strike over demands for a pay increase began at 3:00 am local time and is expected to last throughout the day. Flight cancellations and delays are to be expected.
Japan	5-Feb	Heavy snowfall disrupt road traffic: Local media sources reported on February 5 that heavy snowfall has caused disruption across Hokkaido Island, Japan. Several roads were closed due to blizzards and low visibility.
India	5-12-Feb	Strike disrupts transportation services: On February 5, local media sources indicated that strike of two million government employees across Uttar Pradesh State, India, has been affecting road traffic and airports operations. The action was called due to a new pension scheme and is expected to last for a week.
Chile	7-Feb	Severe weather disrupts postal service: On February 7, Correos de Chile indicates that severe weather with rain and flooding has been affecting postal services in Arica and Parinacota, Chile. Delays in the collection and delivery of all mail items are likely to occur.
Germany	7-Feb	Strike disrupts airport operations: On February 6, local media sources indicated that the Verdi union has called for a strike of ground staff at Hannover (HAJ) and Dusseldorf (DUS) airports on February 7. The strike over demands for a pay increase began at 3:00 am local time and is expected to last until 11:00 am local time. Flight delays and cancellations are likely to occur.
Australia	8-10-Feb	Severe weather affecting postal deliveries: On February 11, Australia Post indicated that a power outage following severe weather affected postal services in Sydney, Australia. The collection and processing of all mail items for the postcodes 2000 – 2999 were impacted from February 8 to February 10.
Japan	9-Feb	Airport operations disrupted due to snow: Local media sources reported on February 9 that at least 130 flights at Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo have been cancelled or delayed due to snowfall. No timeline as to when the operations would resume was provided.
United States	11-Feb	Heavy snowfall disrupts road and air traffic: Local media sources report on February 12 that heavy snowfall has led to significant disruption in the wider city area of Seattle. Several roads have been closed as a precaution and more than 300 flights have been cancelled at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
France	12-Feb	Data display issues reported: On February 12, La Poste indicated that it has been experiencing data display issues due to the implementation of a new IT system. No further disruption has been reported.
Belgium	12-13-Feb	Belgian airspace closes due to 24-hour strike: Local media sources report on February 13 that the Belgian airspace has been closed due to a national strike. The closure is expected to last from 10:00 pm local time on February 12 until 10:00 pm local time on February 13, likely impacting all commercial flights.
Belgium	12-13-Feb	National strike to impact airport operations: Sources reported on February 6 that a national strike planned for February 13 is anticipated to impact airport operations in Belgium. Service providers recommend avoiding shipments via Brussels Airport and Antwerp Airport on February 12 and 13.
Unites States	13-Feb	Flooding and winds affect road traffic: Media sources reported on February 13 that flooding has caused road traffic disruption and road closures across California, United States. Flood warnings have been issued for Sacramento, Stockton, and Chico and a wind warning for the wider city area of San Francisco. No timeline as to when the situation would normalize was provided.
Belgium	13-Feb	National strike to affect postal services: On February 8, Bpost indicated that a national strike planned for February 13 is expected to affect postal services as a result of road traffic disruptions. Air traffic controllers and ground handlers at Brussels Airport are also expected to join the strike, likely impacting inbound and outbound postal operations.
Belgium	13-Feb	Multiple unions call for nationwide strike: On January 22, local media sources indicated that the CSC, FGTB and CGSLB trade unions have called for a multi-sector nationwide strike across Belgium on February 13. Transportation, public and government services are likely to be disrupted, but the scale of the impact is still unknown.
Jamaica	14-18-Feb	Postal services back to normal: On February 20, Jamaica Post indicated that postal services resumed following internet issues that began on February 14. All postal services have been back to normal since February 18.
Jamaica	14-Feb	Technical issues disrupt postal services: On February 15, Jamaica Post indicated that it has been experiencing internet issues since 6 a.m. local time on February 14, which has disrupted postal services. No timeline as to when the situation would normalize has immediately been provided.
Finland	14-Feb	Strike impacts postal deliveries: On February 14, Posti reported that outgoing mail will be delayed by 1-2 days at the Helsinki sorting office due to a strike by postal workers held on February 13 and 14.
United States	17-19-Feb	Postal services resume following IT issues: On February 19, the United States Postal Service indicated that postal services resumed following IT issues that affected the transmission of EDI messages since February 17.
United States	17-Feb	IT issues cause postal disruption: On February 17, the United States Postal Service reported that IT issues have caused disruptions to the transmission of EDI messages. The issue is expected to be resolved this week.
Slovenia	19-Feb	Postal workers threaten to strike: Media sources reported on February 15 that employees of Post of Slovenia threaten to embark on strike on February 19 to demand better working conditions. A strike would significantly affect national and international postal deliveries.
India	20-Feb	Airport strikes likely to proceed: Media sources report that strikes at major airports in India were likely to proceed on February 20. The Airports Authority of India has called for the indefinite suspension to denounce the planned privatization.
India	20-Feb	Strike likely to impact airport operations: On February 14, local media sources report that 10,000 workers of the Airports Authority of India will begin an indefinite strike against the privatization of airports on February 20. The strike is expected to have an impact on airport operations in multiple states.
United States	21-Feb	Winter storm impacts road traffic: Media sources reported that Winter Storm Quiana has been causing notable transportation network disruptions across several southwestern states since February 21. Winter storm warnings have been in effect for areas in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Great Britain	22-Feb	Flight operations disrupted due to dense fog: On February 22, local media sources indicate that low visibility due to dense fog has affected airport operations in the wider London area. Many flights at London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Heathrow and London City airports have been delayed or cancelled.
Finland	23-Feb-11-Mar	Lockout affects airport operations: On February 18, media sources reported that a group representing air traffic controllers plans to impose a one-week lockout at eight Finnish airports on February 23. Further lockouts are also planned for March 4 and March 11. Flight disruptions are likely to occur.
Italy	27-Jul-27-Oct	Airport to close due to maintenance: Poste Italiane indicated on February 8 that the Milan Linate Airport will be closed for maintenance from July 27 to October 27, 2019. Poste Italiane requests that all shipments be sent to Milan Malpensa Airport during this period.

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

Tonga	20-Jan	Internet connection partially restored: Tonga Post indicated on January 29 that the country’s internet connection has been restored, albeit with limited capacity. Postal services are likely to remain partially disrupted.
Canada	20-Jan	Winter weather continues to impact traffic: Media sources report on January 28 that winter weather continues to affect road traffic across Ontario and Quebec provinces in Canada. Slippery roads, strong winds and extreme cold caused Highway 40 near Montreal to close, and the Toronto metropolitan area was heavily congested due to slow traffic.
Tonga	20-Jan	Internet issues cause postal disruption: Tonga Post indicated on January 22 that it has been experiencing internet issues since January 20, which disrupted postal services. No timeline as to when the situation would normalize has immediately been provided.
United States	20-Jan	Winter storm affects road and air traffic: Media sources report that a winter storm has caused disruption in New York, Pennsylvania and New England, United States, since January 20. The storm has impeded traffic on major roads and thousands of flights have been cancelled or delayed due to limited visibility.
Canada	20-Jan	Winter storm impacts road traffic: Media sources report on January 21 that a winter storm has been impacting road traffic across Ontario and Quebec provinces in Canada. Heavy snow, high winds and extreme cold have caused road disruptions and congestion.
United States	20-Jan	Heavy snow affects ground transportation: Media sources report on January 21 that heavy snowfall has affected ground transportation across Midwest and Northeast of the United States. According to forecasts, further heavy snowfall and icy conditions along roadways are expected throughout the week.
Luxembourg	21-23-Jan	Postal operations resume: Post Luxembourg indicated on January 23 that postal operations have resumed following disruption caused by IT issues.
Luxembourg	21-Jan	IT issues cause postal disruption: Post Luxembourg indicated on January 21 that IT issues have caused disruptions to the transmission of EDI messages. No timeline as to when the situation would normalize has immediately been provided.
Spain	22-Jan	Flooding affects road traffic: On January 24, local media sources indicated that road traffic in Northern Spain has been affected by flooding due to snow melt and heavy rainfall. Amber warnings were issued earlier this week for areas west of Navarre, including Bilbao, Leon, Oviedo, Gijon and Santander.
France	22-Jan	Winter weather affects truck traffic: Local media sources indicate on January 24 that winter weather conditions have affected truck traffic in the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France regions of northern France since January 22. Traffic on some highways and routes was restricted for heavyweight vehicles.
Brazil	22-Jan	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.
Greece	23-24-Jan	Postal workers to stage strike: On January 22, Hellenic Post ELTA indicates that the Panhellenic Federation of Postal Associations of Hellenic Post will embark on a 24-hour strike on January 23. International and domestic mail collection and delivery are likely to be affected.
United States	24-Jan	Adverse weather affects airport operations: On January 25, media sources report that airport operations at major airports in Greater York City have been affected by adverse weather conditions. Flight cancellations and delays of up to four hours were reported. No timeline as to when the operations would normalize has immediately been provided.
United States	28-Jan	Disruptions reported due to winter weather: Media sources report on January 29 that heavy snowfall has affected road and air traffic across the Midwest. Major roadways in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin were reportedly congested and more than 400 flights have been cancelled at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Australia	28-Jan	Highway closed due to wildfire: On January 28, local media sources indicate that severe wildfires have led to roadway closures in Queensland, Australia. The Brisbane Valley Highway has been closed in both directions in Yimbun. Delays to postal services are likely to occur.
France	29-30-Jan	Snowfall causes driving ban for trucks: Media sources indicate that driving restrictions for trucks have been implemented on major roads across France on January 29 and 30 due to heavy snowfall. Many highways and national routes in and around Paris have been affected. Disruption to postal deliveries should be expected until January 30.
Jamaica	30-Jan	Technical issue causes postal disruption: On February 8, Jamaica Post reports that it has been unable to forward outgoing and transit mail items since January 30 due to technical issues with scanners at the airport.
Jamaica	30-31-Jan	Postal services resume following disruption: On February 4, Jamaica Post reported that postal services resumed following disruptions due to customs issues. All outbound dispatches have been forwarded since January 31.
Jamaica	30-Jan	Customs issues cause postal disruptions: Jamaica Post reported on January 31 that it has been experiencing customs issues since January 30, which have disrupted postal services.
Canada	30-Jan	Embargo implemented due to winter weather: On January 31, local media sources reported that embargo measures have been implemented on all export cargo at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) due to heavy snowfall. All air freight operations have reportedly been delayed.
United States	30-Jan	Adverse weather affects postal services: On January 30, United States Postal Service indicated that deliveries have been suspended due to extreme cold conditions, particularly in Michigan, Indiana, Chicago, Lakeland, Detroit, Central Illinois, Northern Ohio (Cleveland and Lima areas), Ohio Valley (Cincinnati and Columbus areas), Northland, Hawkeye, Dakotas and Eastern Nebraska. Many flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) have also been canceled. No timeline as to when the situation would normalize has immediately been provided.
Australia	31-Jan	Flooding further impacts postal services: On February 8, updated media sources indicate that flooding across northern Queensland continues to affect road traffic. Flood warnings remain in place as water levels are forecast to continue rising. Delays in the collection and delivery of mail are expected to continue.
Australia	31-Jan	Flooding affects postal services: On January 31, Australia Post indicated that following heavy rain, flooding has affected the collection and delivery of all mail for the post codes 4804-4899 in North Queensland, Australia.

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