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.
France	4-Mar- 1-Apr	Strike to affect airport operations: Media sources indicate on March 11 that the French airport customs workers have called for a work-to-rule strike until April 1. The strike action is expected to intensify on March 11, particularly at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Associated disruptions and road congestion are also expected at airports in Orly, Chambery, Grenoble and Nice.
Serbia	22-Mar- 1-Apr	Postal workers suspend strike: Media sources indicate on April 1 that employees of Post of Serbia have suspended their strike after reaching an agreement with the management. Postal services are now back to normal.
Scotland	1-Apr	Air traffic controllers call off strike on Apr 26: On April 10, updated media sources indicated that air traffic controllers with the Prospect union have suspended a strike action planned for April 26. However, a work-to-rule action will continue to affect Benbecula, Dundee, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Wick John O'Groats airports.
Scotland	1-Apr	Labor action continues at seven airports: On April 2, updated media sources indicate that air traffic controllers in Scotland are continuing labor action at Benbecula, Dundee, Inverness, Wick, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, and Stornoway airports with expected flight delays. A full strike from April 27 is expected to cause cancellations of Loganair flights.
Scotland	1-Apr	Air traffic controllers on strike: Media sources are reporting that air traffic controllers with the Prospect union began an industrial action at Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Stornoway airports on April 1. The action is likely to affect airport operations. In addition, a 24-hour strike will be held on 26 April.
Mexico	2-Apr	Border crossing delays increase: On April 4, media sources indicated that persistent delays were reported at border crossings between the United States and Mexico, including Points of Entry in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico, Nogales, Paso del Norte (El Paso), Bridge of America (El Paso), Zaragoza/Ysleta (El Paso), Eagle Pass, Laredo World Trade, Hidalgo/Pharr, Veterans International Bridge (Brownsville), and the B&M Express International Bridge (Brownsville). Delays of 10-12 hours were reported for commercial trucks at El Paso area international bridges.
Mexico	2-Apr	Border crossing delays reported: On April 4, media sources reported ongoing delays along the Brown & Matamoros Express International Bridge due to limited customs and border protection personnel. Waiting times of more than two hours to enter the United States have been reported since April 2.
Australia	3-Apr	IT issues and weather disrupt flights: On April 3, media sources indicate that IT issues of Jetstar Airways and dense fog disrupted flights at Sydney Airport, Australia. At least 367 flights have been delayed and 71 cancelled. Jetstar has resumed operations.
Australia	5-Apr	Dust storms affect road traffic: Media sources reported on April 5 that dust storms caused power outages and road closures throughout South Australia, with the Eyre Peninsula area being severely affected. The Augusta Highway and multiple other roads to Adelaide and Port Lincoln have been temporarily closed since April 5.
Belgium	6-Apr	Airport workers to enter a nationwide strike: Media sources reported on April 2 that airport workers together with FGTB labor union are to take part in a nationwide strike action on April 6 at airports throughout Belgium. Further details will be disclosed after the union and airport management meeting on April 4.
Jamaica	8-Apr	Aircraft grounding affects postal services: On April 15, the Jamaica Post indicated that it has been experiencing airlift challenges since April 8 due to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Several mail dispatches to and from Jamaica have been diverted to alternative air carriers and some cases have not been airlifted at all.
Brazil	8-Apr	Flooding further disrupts road traffic: Media sources reported on April 16 that flooding following heavy rainfall continues to affect road traffic in the wider city area of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi, Brazil. Several roads have been closed in the area. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue through April 17.
Brazil	8-Apr	Severe flooding affects road traffic: Media sources are reporting that extensive flooding following heavy rainfall since April 8 has affected road traffic in the wider city area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Landslides and floods have resulted in road closures and infrastructural damages. Rescue operations are underway.
Canada	8-Apr	Adverse weather affects road traffic: Media sources are reporting that adverse weather and icy road conditions have affected road traffic in the province of Quebec, Canada, particularly in the Laval, Laurentians and Lanaudière regions. Freezing rain has caused power outages since 9:00 p.m. local time on April 8.
United States	9-Apr	Flooding affects ground transportation: On April 9, media sources indicate that widespread flooding following heavy rainfall has affected road traffic in Oregon, the United States. Road closures have occurred throughout the affected area and the landslide has caused the closure of OR-58 near Oakridge.
United States	10-Apr	Bomb cyclone affects air and road traffic: On April 12, media sources indicate that the 'bomb cyclone' affecting the Great Plains and Midwest regions has caused significant delays and disruptions to road traffic. Heavy snow and strong winds have led to the closure of multiple major highways in South Dakota, Nebraska, east Colorado, and east Wyoming. In addition, major airports in the region are experiencing significant delays and cancellation of flights, with Denver International Airport recording more than 750 cancelled flights.
United States	10-Apr	Blizzard warnings issued for Midwest: On April 9, media sources indicated that a spring winter storm has prompted blizzard warnings across the Midwest region of the United States. Most areas in northeastern Colorado, including Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley and Castle Rock are on blizzard warnings as the storm is expected to hit upper Midwest by the evening of April 10.
China	11-Apr	Flooding to continue throughout week: On April 14, media sources reported that heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are forecast for the southern part of China and are expected to affect road and air traffic throughout the week. In recent days, flooding and associated disruptions have occurred in the Guizhou, Guangdong and Guangxi regions and in Shenzhen.
China	11-Apr	Flash flooding causes road disruptions: On April 12, media sources report that flash flooding following heavy rainfall in Shenzhen, China, have caused road traffic disruption, particularly in Futian and Luohu districts. Multiple roads have been closed in the affected areas.
India	14-Apr	Jet Airways cancels all international flights: Media sources indicated on April 14 that the second-largest Indian airline Jet Airways has cancelled all international flights throughout April 15, with further cancellations expected to occur by May 5 due to financial difficulties. More than 16,000 Jet Airways employees have staged several demonstrations and two more planned in New Delhi.
Portugal	15-Apr	Strike affects postal services: CTT Correios de Portugal reported on April 16 that outbound mail from Portugal may be affected by a carrier embargo to mail transport. A national strike by the National Union of Dangerous Materials Drivers (ANTRAM) has disrupted fuel supply for airports, ports, fire stations, and gas stations across Portugal since April 15. Lisbon Airport (LIS) has reportedly run out of fuel and Faro Airport (FAO) is running low. Several air carriers can reportedly not guarantee mail transport.
Colombia	16-Apr	Flooding disrupts road traffic in Bogota: Media sources are indicating that disruptive flooding due to heavy rain is affecting multiple neighborhoods in southern Bogota. According to reports, the following areas are experiencing particularly high levels of water: Usaquén, Chapinero, San Cristóbal and Ciudad Bolívar. This is likely to affect ground transportation and cause delivery delays in the affected areas.
Spain	17-Apr	Ground operations crew to strike: Media sources reported on April 3 that Dimaim Systems’ ground operations team announced an indefinite strike for April 17 at Bilbao Airport in Spain. The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to airport operations.
India	18-Apr	Landslides disrupt road traffic: Local media sources indicate on April 18 that road traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway in North India has been blocked due to several landslides. More than 3,000 vehicles have been stranded along the road. Heavy congestion is expected in the area throughout the day.
Taiwan	18-Apr	Major earthquake hits Taiwan: On April 18, media sources report that a major 6.1 earthquake occurred in the city of Hualien in Taiwan and caused associated road traffic disruption, including in Taipei. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Spain	20-Apr	Airport ground personnel to strike: Media sources are reporting that airport ground personnel with USE and UGT unions have called for a nationwide indefinite strike action on April 20 across Spain. Flight delays and cancellations are expected.
Argentina	1-May	Transport unions announce strike action: The Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT) has planned a strike action on May 1, to coincide with International Workers' Day. The strike action is expected to impact rail, bus, boat and air traffic throughout the day.
Luxembourg	9-10-May	Office of Exchange to be closed on May 9: On April 4, Post Luxembourg reported that the Office of Exchange in Luxembourg will be closed on May 9 due to a Europe Day national holiday.
Netherlands	29-30-May	Multiple unions call for nationwide strike: Media sources indicated on March 28 that the CNV, FNV and VCP trade unions have called for a nationwide strike across the Netherlands on May 29. Transportation, police and aviation services are expected to be disrupted, but the scale of the impact is still unknown.
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 Resilience360, a cloud-based supply chain risk management solution.

Past Events

France	4-Mar	Strike continues to affect road traffic: Media sources are reporting that the French customs work-to-rule strike will intensify on April 3 and continue to disrupt road traffic through the Eurotunnel and the Calais area. Long truck lines and delays are expected on the A16, A25, A26 and A216 highways in the affected area.
France	15-19-Mar	Postal operations resume following IT issues: On March 19, La Poste indicated that postal operations have resumed following IT issues. Transmission of EMSEVT-ITMATT messages has been back to normal.
France	18-20-Mar	Flight delays reported due to strike: On March 20, media sources indicate that multiple airports across France have been affected by the air traffic controller involvement in general strike. In particular, Paris Orly, Lyon Saint Exupéry, Nantes Atlantique, Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne and Lille airports have experienced significant delays.
France	18-20-Mar	Air traffic controllers plan to strike: Media sources indicate on March 18 that airport operations are likely to be disrupted by an air traffic controllers’ strike as a part of a nationwide multi-union strike throughout France. A work stoppage is planned from 8 p.m. on March 18 until 8 a.m. on March 20.
Australia	19-Mar	Flooding affects ground transportation: Updated media sources reported on March 19 that flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Trevor has affected ground transportation across Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. Strong winds have resulted in power outages and fallen trees in the affected area. Cyclone Trevor has strengthened to a Category 3 and is currently moving west/southwest.
Australia	19-Mar	Tropical Cyclone makes landfall: Media sources report on March 19 that Tropical Cyclone Trevor has made a landfall in Northern Queensland, Australia. The storm is forecast to ease to category one before crossing the Cape York Peninsula and intensify as it crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria on March 20.
Belgium	20-21-Mar	Strike disrupts airport operations: Media sources reported on March 20 that the 24-hour strike of Skeyes air traffic controllers has disrupted flight operations at major Belgian airports, including Brussels-Zaventem, Brussels South Charleroi, Antwerp, Ostend-Bruges and Liège airports. Air traffic is expected to be affected until the afternoon of March 21.
Germany	22-Mar	IT issues continue to affect flights: On March 28, media sources indicate that the significant disruptions at Frankfurt Airport (IATA: FRA) continue due to IT problems. Flight cancellations and delays have been reported and are expected to continue.
Serbia	22-Mar	Strike affects postal services: On March 27, media sources reported that employees of Post of Serbia have been on strike since March 22 at the main postal centers in Beograd, Novi Sad and Nis, among other locations. The strike has reportedly caused shipment delays.
Belgium	22-Mar	Disruption continues due to strike: On March 27, media sources indicate that air traffic disruptions continue due to an ongoing strike by Skeyes air traffic controllers. The Belgian airspace was closed from 01:30 a.m. – 03:30 a.m. local time on March 26. Further information on the negotiations held on March 26 was not immediately disclosed.
Germany	22-Mar	IT issues continue to affect airports: Media sources on March 26 indicate that airport operations at Frankfurt, Cologne-Bonn, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf airports continue to be affected by IT issues. No timeline on when the operations would resume was immediately provided.
Belgium	22-Mar	Air traffic controllers continue to strike: Media sources report that Skeyes air traffic controllers represented by the ACV union will resume their strike until 2:00 p.m. local time on Mach 25. Flight disruptions should be expected at Brussels Airport. Further negotiations are planned on Tuesday, March 26.
Germany	22-Mar	IT issues cause delays at Frankfurt Airport: Media sources are reporting that at least nine flights have been canceled and an additional 44 flights have been delayed at Frankfurt Airport (IATA: FRA) due to persistent problems with air traffic control equipment. Through March 23, more than 50 flights were cancelled and 780 delayed due to IT problems and a drone sighting.
France	22-Mar	Strike likely to impact airport operations: Local media sources report on March 5 that air traffic control (ATC) workers together with multiple labor unions plan to embark on a strike on March 22 across France. The strike is likely to have an impact on airport operations across the country.
Australia	23-Mar	Flooding reported following storms: On March 25, media sources reported that former Tropical Cyclone Trevor has dissipated after causing evacuations in the Northern Territory of Australia. In Western Australia, Tropical Storm Veronica has weakened after damaging buildings and flooding roads between Karratha and Port Hedland.
Brazil	25-Mar	Customs strike causes backlogs: On March 25, media sources indicated that an indefinite strike of customs officers has affected air cargo handling at Sao Paulo Airport in Brazil. Import shipments are delayed by up to 3 days while export shipments experience delays of 1-3 days.
China	27-29-Mar	Heavy rain affects road and air traffic: On March 27, media sources indicate that heavy rainfall has affected ground transportation in parts of northern Jiangxi and western Zhejiang provinces in China. Further rainfall has been forecast until March 29, causing flash floods and landslides in the affected areas.
Brazil	30-Mar	Truckers may demonstrate on March 30: Local media sources are reporting that the Cargo Transporters Union of Piaui (Sindicapi) is planning to stage a demonstration in Piaui, Brazil, on March 30. Disruptions to ground transportation are likely to occur.

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