Global Event Observer

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

Coming Weeks

India	1-Nov-28-Mar	Main runway to close for repairs: On October 7, media sources indicate that the main runway at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai will be closed from November 1 until March 28, 2020. The runway will be closed from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm local time every day except for Sundays. Expect flight disruptions during this period due to limited flight capacity.
Italy	28-Dec- 10-Feb	Postal services normalize: Poste Italiane reported on February 10 that it resolved an unspecified problem with its PREDES messages, which had impacted letter mail services addressed to Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Portugal since December 28, 2019.
Australia	9-23-Jan	Postal services normalize amid bushfires: On January 23, the Australia Post indicates that it regained access to all areas of New South Wales and plans to reinstate collection and delivery services as soon as possible with postal services expected to normalize throughout January 23.
Italy	15-27-Jan	Operations resume at Bari International Airport: On January 27, Poste Italiane announced that the situation in Bari International Airport is back to normal after a temporary closure due to unplanned maintenance. The closure reportedly led to disruptions to postal flows to and from the regions of Molise, Puglia (Apulia) and Basilicata.
Italy	15-22-Jan	Airport maintenance disrupts postal operations: Poste Italiane indicated on January 22 that postal flows to and from the regions of Molise, Puglia (Apulia) and Basilicata were likely to be disrupted due to the temporary closure of the Bari International Airport from January 15 to 22 for unplanned maintenance work at the airport.
Martinique	Mid-Jan	Strike affects postal deliveries: La Poste indicated on February 4 that a strike in the overseas department of Martinique in the past three weeks has caused delays in the collection and delivery of postal products. No timeline as to when operations would normalize has been provided.
Canada	17-Jan- 7-Feb	Postal operations normalize: According to Canada Post, the state of emergency in the city of St. John's, Newfoundland, has been lifted and all postal services have been back to normal since February 7.
Great Britain	20-Jan	Workers with Royal Mail threaten to strike: Media sources report that unionized workers with Royal Mail threaten to stage a postal strike across the United Kingdom after talks with management broke down over changes to working conditions. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) will reportedly begin preparations for another national ballot for industrial action. No potential strike date has been announced yet.
India	20-26-Jan	Temporary airspace closure to affect flights: On January 20, media sources report that flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, are expected to be impacted between January 20 - 26 due to temporary city’s airspace closure. Landings and take offs scheduled between 10:35 am and 12:15 pm local time will be particularly affected.
Mauritius	21-Jan	Heavy rainfall affects postal services: Sources reported on January 22 that postal services in parts of Mauritius may be disrupted due to heavy rain on the island since January 21. Many roads are reportedly inaccessible, causing heavy traffic in many areas and delays in the pick-up and delivery of postal items. Further disruptions should be expected until the weather situation normalizes.
China	21-Jan	Coronavirus impacts postal operations: On January 22, the Chinese State Post Office has announced that an emergency response and control plan has been deployed as of January 21 for parcels that are sent from Hubei Province as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. The measures are to ensure the prevention of the spread of the virus during the Lunar New Year celebration period.
Israel	22-24-Jan	Anniversary celebrations may impact deliveries: On January 23, the Israel Postal Company reported that events associated with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Jerusalem from January 22-24, 2020 may cause delays in the transport and delivery of all mail types as well as to flights and mail handling at the airport.
France	22-24-Jan	Further strikes may disrupt traffic: Media sources indicate that the unions CFE-CGC, CGT, FO, FSU, Solidaires, MNL, Unef, UNL and FIDL - have called for further nationwide walkouts on January 22-23 while a major rally is planned for January 24 against the planned pension reform. Disruptions to traffic across France should be expected throughout the duration of the protests.
China	23-Jan	Coronavirus affects transport activities: Media sources reported on January 23 that thirteen cities have issued full or partial transport lockdowns in response to the coronavirus outbreak, including Wuhan, Ezhou, Xiantao, Zhijiang, Qianjiang, Huanggang, Chibi, Jingmen, Xianning, Huangshi, Dangyang, Enshi, and Xiaogan. Restrictions have been placed on commercial vehicle and vessel transport as well as postal, civil aviation and railway services.
Iceland	23-Jan	Storm disrupts mail transport: According to the Iceland Post, a snow across Iceland has caused flight cancellations to and from Iceland on January 23. Domestic mail transport to the northern and north-western part of the country was also cancelled, but was expected to resume on January 24.
France	24-Jan	Strike to disrupt air traffic: On January 22, the USAC-CGT union responsible for air traffic controllers and other technical personnel has called for a strike on January 24. The union previously called for strikes between January 13 and 17, which resulted in the cancelation of 20 to 25 percent of flights. Disruptions are to be expected for inbound and outbound flights.
Brazil	26-Jan	Flooding disrupts road traffic in several states: Media sources report that heavy rainfall over the past few days has caused flooding and landslides in the states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo as well as the northwestern region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which has severely disrupted road traffic in the affected areas. Further disruptions in those areas should be expected until the weather situation improves.
Southern France	27-30-Jan	Storm disrupts postal operations: Sources indicate on January 27 that Storm Gloria has disrupted postal operations in the South of France in recent days. Collection and delivery of all mail and parcels in the region are likely to be impacted.
China	28-Jan	Prevention measures disrupt operations: China Post announced on February 7 that owing to the adoption of coronavirus-related safety measures, delays are to be expected for the processing and delivery of inbound mail. Due to the closure of some borders with neighboring countries and the suspension of international flights to China, affected transit mail will be temporarily stored until transport options are available.
Japan	28-Jan	Delays and congestion in airmail reported: Japan Post reported on February 4 that an increase in volumes sent to China and the cancellations of flights between Japan and China have led to serious delays in the handling of outbound mail items since January 28. No timeline as to when operations would normalize has been provided.
Cayman Islands	28-31-Jan	Postal services resume following earthquake: On January 31, the Cayman Islands Postal Services indicated that all postal services resumed following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean basin on January 28.
Jamaica	28-29-Jan	Postal operations normalize: Jamaica Post on January 31 reports that postal services in the areas affected by the recent earthquake returned to normal on January 29. No further disruption should be expected.
Hong Kong	28-Jan	Mail processing disrupted: Hongkong Post indicated on January 30 that all inbound and outbound mail processing has been disrupted since January 28 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The impact is expected to last for a few days.
Jamaica	28-Jan	Earthquake disrupts postal operations: Jamaica Post indicated on January 29 that postal operations have been disrupted due to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake which occurred in the Caribbean basin on January 28. Its international mail processing centre in Kingston was evacuated, affecting all inbound and outbound mail operations.
Cayman Islands	28-Jan	Postal services suspended due to earthquake: On January 29, the Cayman Islands Postal Services reported that all postal services have been temporarily interrupted due to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean basin on January 28. Related disruptions include the issuance of a tsunami warning and damages to road infrastructure, while water supply and various buildings are currently being assessed for damages.
China	28-Jan	China Post takes prevention measures: On January 28, China Post indicated that it has implemented measures to prevent the risk of transmission of the coronavirus by disinfecting all mail destined to or transiting via Wuhan at its processing center. International mail may be either temporarily stored, picked-up or delivered by other non-face-to-face methods. These measures will result in delays to international inbound mail processing and delivery.
Macao	30-Jan- 16-Feb	Postal services suspended in Macao: On February 10, Macau Post indicated that all civil servants will remain exempted from working from February 8 to 16 due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a consequence, Macau Post will continue to provide only limited basic postal services to the public during this period. Delays are to be expected in the delivery of all inbound mail.
Australia	30-Jan	Bushfires continue to impact Australia: Media sources indicated that the authorities have declared a bushfire fire-related state of emergency for Canberra region due to continuous bushfires until at least February 3. Furthermore, strong wind warnings have been issued on February 3 for the coastal areas of New South Wales.
Indonesia	30-Jan	Customs clearance delays affect postal service: On January 28, Pos Indonesia reported that customs clearance processes are likely to be delayed due to changes to the de minimis exemption on shipments imported into Indonesia, which will apply from January 30. As a consequence, delays to the processing and delivery of all postal items are also expected.
Macao	30-31-Jan	Postal services suspended in Macau: On January 28, Macau Post indicated that all civil servants will be exempted from working on January 30 and 31 in order to minimize the spreading of the coronavirus. Consequently, Macau Post is suspending all postal services on the aforementioned dates and delays are likely to occur.
Brazil	30-Jan	Fentect meets to plan strikes for January 30: On January 15, the Federacao Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Empresas de Correios (Fentect) union has announced meetings from January 15-16 to plan the previously announced strikes for January 30. No further details about the extent of the strike were disclosed yet.
Brazil	30-Jan	Fentect threatens to strike on January 30: Local media sources indicated on January 13 that the Federacao Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Empresas de Correios (Fentect) union is threatening to strike at postal company Correios on January 30. It remains unknown how many postal employees plan to participate in the strike.
Mongolia	31-Jan	Coronavirus causes delays: Mongol Post JSC indicates on January 31 that due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the country has raised the risk level to high, likely disrupting inbound and outbound mail until further notice.
Hong Kong	1-Feb	Postal delivery is delayed at Hong Kong Airport: Media sources indicated on February 1 that around 8,000 packages in the Air Mail Centre at the Hong Kong International Airport are currently waiting for express delivery to locations in Hong Kong, according to the Union of Hong Kong Post Office Employees. It remains unknown when the backlog will be cleared.
South Africa	3-Feb	Postal services experience disruptions: On February 3, media sources reported that the South African Post Office announced that the delivery of all parcels to and from China will be delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, in part due to flight operators cancelling routes to China.
Slovenia	4-8-Feb	Postal services experience disruptions: Media sources on February 4 indicated that the Post of Slovenia reported that it stopped accepting postal items destined for China, due to flight operators cancelling routes. The suspension of flights to China is planned until Saturday, February 8.
Spain	4-Feb	No more mail accepted to China: Correos y Telégrafos has declared a force majeure and will stop accepting postal products destined for China until further notice due to a significant amount of flight cancellations by international airlines.
Romania	5-Feb	Postal service to China suspended: On February 5, Compania Nationala Posta Romana indicated that it stopped accepting letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China, due to flight operators cancelling routes to China. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity is available again.
United States	5-Feb	Winter storm disrupts ground transportation: Media sources on February 5 reported that winter storm Kade has affrected ground transportation across the Midwest and Northeast of the United States. The westbound lanes of I-70 and the Missouri River Bridge in Rocheport remained temporarily closed. Weather forecasts indicate that the storm will bring more snow and ice in the coming days.
Croatia	6-Feb	Force majeure declared for China-bound post: On February 6, Croatian Post declared a situation of force majeure and immediately suspended the acceptance of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China, due to the suspension of flights from partner airlines. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity is available again.
Zimbabwe	7-Feb	Zimpost suspends dispatches to China: Zimbabwe Posts (Pvt) Ltd. (Zimpost) indicated on February 13 that it has been unable to send letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to China since February 7, due to the suspension of partner airlines’ flights owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country. It remains unknown when postal services will normalize.
Georgia	7-Feb	Force majeure declared for China-bound post: On February 7, Georgian Post declared force majeure, and immediately ceased to accept letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China after its partner airlines suspended all flight services to China. Postal services are expected to resume once sufficient transport capacity becomes available again.
Serbia	7-Feb	Acceptance suspended for China-bound mail: Post of Serbia reported on February 7 that it is declaring a force majeure situation and suspending the acceptance of letter-post, parcel-post, and EMS items destined for China as well as to countries whose mail transits through China. Affected countries include the Dem. People’s Republic of Korea, Fiji, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Dem. Rep., Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity is available again.
United Arab Emirates	9-Feb	Mail operations resume to Qatar via Oman: Emirates Post indicated on February 7 that it will resume sending mails to the State of Qatar through open and closed transit options via Oman. The resumption was effective from February 9.
United States	10-Feb	USPS declares force majeure: On February 10, the United States Postal Services declared a force majeure situation and suspended the acceptance of transit letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China and, as of February 11, also for Hong Kong and Macao, due to the suspension of flights from partner airlines. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity becomes available again.
Austria	11-Feb	Austria Post halts dispatches to China: Media sources indicated on February 11 that Austria Post is no longer able to send letter-post or parcel-post to China, Hong Kong and Macao, as there are currently limited flight connections available. However, the delivery of items from China remains possible.
Singapore	11-Feb	Operator declares force majeure on mail to China: On February 11, Singapore Post declared a force majeure situation and suspended the acceptance of transit letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China due to the suspension of flights from partner airlines. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity becomes available again.
Denmark	12-Feb	Acceptance suspended for China-bound mail: On February 12, Post Danmark has declared a force majeure situation and suspended the acceptance of letter-post and parcel-post destined for China due to the suspension of flights by partner airlines. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity is available again.
Slovakia	13-14-Feb	Bomb discovery causes postal delays: On February 17, Slovenska Posta indicated that due to an alleged bomb discovery in a postal item in Bratislava on February 13, almost all postal dispatches were delayed on that day. Operations across the city normalized on February 14 but minor delays in the area are still possible.
United Arab Emirates	13-Feb	Acceptance suspended for China-bound mail: Emirates Post Group Company indicated on February 13 that it is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to China due to the suspension of partner airlines’ flights to China. Thus, the company declared a situation of force majeure and ceased the acceptance of mail destined to China with immediate effect.
Costa Rica	13-Feb	Postal operator declares force majeure: Correos de Costa Rica S.A. reported on February 13 that due to the suspension until further notice of partner airlines’ flights to China, it is currently unable to send mail to that country. It is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items destined for China, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Panama	13-Feb	Postal operator declares force majeure: On February 13, La Dirección General de Correos y Telégrafos de Panamá (COTEL) has declared a force majeure situation, suspending the acceptance of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to China due to the suspension of flights by partner airlines. Postal services are expected to resume once transport capacity is available again.
Poland	14-Feb	Operator suspends acceptance of mail: On February 14, Poczta Polska S.A. indicated that owing to the suspension of partner airlines’ flights to China, it is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to that country. Poczta Polska is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items destined for China until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Belgium	14-Feb	bpost declares force majeure: On February 14, bpost reported that it is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items to China, due to the suspension of partner airlines’ flights owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus.Bpost is declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items destined for China, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Iceland	14-Feb	Storm disrupts postal services: Iceland Post indicated on February 14 that all outbound postal dispatches and most flights to and from Iceland had been cancelled or delayed until after 4 pm local time due to a storm. Furthermore, all roads to and from Reykjavik had to be closed and domestic distribution suspended until further notice.
Mongolia	14-Feb	Postal services suspended due to coronavirus: On February 14, the Mongol Post incidated that owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus, all inbound and outbound mail processing services (letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items) to China, Hong Kong and Macao have been suspended. Mongol Post continues to receive and dispatch mail from and to other countries and processes it following sanitary treatment.
Germany	14-Feb	Coronavirus impacts postal services: On February 14, Deutsche Post AG reports that its postal services to China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Parcel-post destined for China, Hong Kong and Macao will not be accepted anymore until further notice, while services to Taiwan will continue uninterrupted. Letter-post to all four countries will still be accepted and processed but delays in delivery should be expected due to transport difficulties. Express Mail Services to China remain largely unaffected but delays should be expected in regions particularly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
France	17-Feb	Covid-19 disrupts postal services: On February 18, La Poste reported that its partner airlines have been obliged to significantly reduce their transport capacity to China and to use the remaining capacity for medical-related purposes, due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Consequently, since February 17, the International Mail Processing Center of Roissy FRCDGA has temporarily suspended its outbound operations for letter-post items destined for China, as has Chilly Mazarin FRCYMA for parcel-post and EMS items.
Ireland	17-Feb	Force majeure declared for China-bound post: On February 17, Irish postal operator An Post indicated that, owing to the suspension of partner airlines’ flights to China, it is currently unable to send letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items to that country. An Post is, therefore, declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post, parcel-post or EMS items destined for China, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Malta	17-Feb	MaltaPost suspends dispatches to China: On February 17, MaltaPost indicated that, owing to the suspension of partner airline flights to China, it is currently unable to send mail (letter-post items, parcel-post, and EMS items) to that country. MaltaPost is, therefore, declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post items, parcel-post or EMS items destined for China, until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
New Zealand	17-Feb	Coronavirus outbreak impacts postal services: The New Zealand Post reported on February 17 that following the suspension of its partner airlines’ flights to China, it is declaring force majeure and stopping, with immediate effect, to accept all types of postal items until sufficient transport capacity becomes available again.
Thailand	17-Feb	IT issues may affect EDI transmission: On February 17, Thailand Post reported that it is currently moving from the Customs Declaration System CDS.post to the CDS platform, which is taking longer than expected due to technical problems. The transmission of EDI messages to and from mailbox TH501 is likely to be impacted by the delay. No timeline as to when the problems will be resolved was immediately provided.
Poland	17-Feb-10-Mar	Airmail unit relocation to disrupt operations: Poczta Polska S.A., announced on February 6 that the airmail unit in Warsaw, Poland, will be moving into a new location at Warsaw Airport between February 17 and February 29. The relocation is scheduled to be completed by March 1; however, disruptions to international outgoing and incoming mail are likely to be experienced until March 10.
Curacao	18-Feb	Postal operator suspends services to China: On February 18, Cpost International N.V. indicated that owing to the suspension of partner airline flights to China it is currently unable to send letter-post items or parcel-post to that country. Cpost International N.V. is therefore declaring a situation of force majeure and ceasing, with immediate effect, to accept letter-post or parcel-post items destined for China until sufficient transport capacity becomes available.
Brazil	3-Mar	Union organizes postal strike for March 3: Sources indicated on February 10 that the Central Sindical e Popular (CSP) is organizing a strike at Correios for March 3. The primary grievance is around healthcare costs. Those conducting business with Correios across Brazil should anticipate the possibility of a strike and plan accordingly.

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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

Indonesia	1-13-Jan	Postal services resume after flooding: On January 14, Pos Indonesia indicated that collection and delivery operations in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta and West Java Province have resumed as of January 13 following heavy rain and flooding in the region. Operations include those for inbound and outbound letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items.
Indonesia	1-Jan	Flooding affects postal services: Pos Indonesia indicated on January 3 that heavy rain in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta and West Java Province on January 1 led to floods which rendered all major roads in those areas inaccessible. Delays are therefore to be expected in the processing and delivery of letter-post, parcel-post and EMS items. As of January 2, the following postcode areas have been affected: Central Jakarta: 10xxx; West Jakarta: 11xxx; South Jakarta: 12xxx; East Jakarta: 13xxx; North Jakarta: 14xxx; Tangerang: 15xxx; Bogor: 160xx; Depok: 164xx; Bekasi: 170xx and West Bandung: 405xx.
Australia	2-Jan	Bushfires affect more areas: Australia Post indicates on January 9 that severe bushfires across Australia are affecting the collection and delivery of all mail, in particular in areas with the postal codes: 4570; 4650; 4674; 4670; 4676; 5232-5253; 5115-5117; 5271-5275; 2250-2263; 2323-2430; 2440; 2443; 2446; 2469; 2471; 2775; 2848; 3865; 3909; 3700-3741; 2500-2653; 2721-2730; 2753-2795; 2900-2914; 5220-5223; 6030; 6037; 6041; 6335-6338; 6442; 6725-6770.
Australia	2-Jan	Fire-related smog halts postal service: Media sources indicated on January 2 that fire-related smog has forced Australia Post to suspend services throughout the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) due to air quality remaining 10 times above the hazardous level as of January 2. The conditions were anticipated to persist over several days.
Australia	3-Jan	Wildfires disrupt road traffic: On January 3, sources indicate that road traffic across Victoria and New South Wales has been heavily disrupted due to the ongoing wildfires, with roads such as the Princes Highway, Monaro Highway, Kings Highway, and Snowy Mountains Highway being disrupted.
Slovakia	4-6-Jan	ICT relocation disrupts message transmission: On December 6, Slovenska posta indicated that it is planning to relocate its ICT infrastructure from January 4 to January 6, 2020. No messages (PREDES/RESDES, EMSEVT, ITMATT) will be sent or received during this period.
Libya	6-12-Jan	LN Airlines to resume flights to Amman: Sources indicated on January 10 that Libyan Airlines (LN) would resume its flight operations to Amman Airport (AMM) from January 12. Previously, operations were suspended due to unstable conditions in Libya.
Libya	6-Jan	LN airlines suspend flights to Amman: Sources indicated on January 6 that Libyan Airlines (LN) has suspended its flight operations to Amman Airport (AMM) until further note due to unstable conditions in Libya. Mail shipments with final destination Tripoli (TIP) are also expected to be disrupted.
Australia	6-9-Jan	Tropical Cyclone Blake causes disruptions: Sources indicate that Tropical Cyclone Blake is likely to intensify into a Category two cyclone on January 7 and is expected to make landfall at 10 am local time near Wallal Downs along the Eighty Mile Beach in Western Australia. Heavy rainfall and strong winds should be expected.
France	6-9-Jan	Aviation workers to strike from January 6-9: Sources indicate on January 3 that the French pilot union SPAF and the French flight attendant union SNGAF have called for a strike at Air France beginning on January 6 until January 9 as part of the ongoing protests against a planned pension reform. The unions stated that further strikes may be announced in the future.
Portugal	6-Jan	Construction work to disrupt air traffic: On November 23, media sources reported that Lisbon Airport in Portugal will experience nightly closures starting January 6, 2020, due to the construction of two new rapid-exit taxiways. The airport will reportedly be closed between 11 pm to 6 am local time until the works are completed. Some airlines will reportedly have to alter routes, or have already had to cancel service, due to the closures. Additional flight disruptions should also be expected during the construction period.
Iceland	7-Jan	Winter storm disrupts postal services: On January 7, Iceland Post indicated that due to a winter storm all international flights have been cancelled to and from Iceland from approximately 2 pm local time on January 7 until the morning of January 8. Consequently, no airmail has been received on January 7 and none will be sent to Europe on January 8. Domestic transport and distribution activities were also expected to be disrupted due to the weather conditions.
India	8-Jan	General strike disrupts parts of India: Updated media sources indicate on January 8 that tens of thousands of workers affiliated with trade unions have begun a planned general strike that is disrupting parts of India on January 8. The Federation of National Postal Organisation and the National Federation of Postal Employees have also called on postal workers to join the strike and postal disruptions should be expected throughout the duration of the strike.
India	8-Jan	Postal workers to join nationwide strike: Sources indicate on January 7 that the Federation of National Postal Organisation and the National Federation of Postal Employees have called on postal workers to join a nationwide general strike in India on January 8. Impacts on postal services should be expected.
Serbia	9-Jan	Customs face delays due to backlog: Industry sources reported on January 9 that inbound customs clearance is currently taking up to several working days due to significant backlogs from December 2019 that still need to be processed. No information on when the clearance process will normalize was available.
France	9-Jan	Air traffic controllers strike affects flights: On January 9, media sources indicate that air traffic controllers are on strike as part of the ongoing protests against a planned pension reform. Precedents indicate that strikes by the aviation workers resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
Slovakia	10-Jan	General elections impact postal operations: On January 14, Slovenska Post issued a notice to postal operators to take special care of processing electoral mail sent to Slovakian citizens abroad, as part of the country’s parliamentary elections taking place on February 29. The items will be sent between January 10 and 25 and a peak in inbound volume is expected for the middle of February.
Philippines	12-Jan	Volcano eruption disrupts postal services: On January 20, the Philippine Postal Corporation indicated that it has experienced some delays in the processing of international mail since January 12 after several international incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled due to severe ash fall in the areas of Batangas, Laguna and Tagaytay following a volcano eruption. As of January 14, flight schedules normalized but delays in the processing and delivery of outgoing and incoming international mail should still be expected until all volcano activity ceases.
Philippines	12-Jan	Volcano eruption affects hundreds of flights: Sources indicate on January 13 that hundreds of flights to and from Nino Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, Philippines have been suspended due to the eruption of the Taal Volcano on January 12. Operations are gradually resuming, but delays persist.
Philippines	13-Jan	Truck drivers go on strike: On January 15, media sources reported that the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP) began an indefinite nationwide cargo transportation strike against several local government bans and other grievances on January 13. Disruptions should be expected across the Philippines throughout the duration of the strike.
France	13-17-Jan	Strike disrupts air traffic across France: Media sources report on January 14 that air traffic controllers have continued to stage nationwide strikes against pension reforms starting from 6 pm local time on January 13, with the strikes scheduled to last until 5:30 am on January 17. Air France announced disruptions to short and medium-haul flights on January 14, 15 and 16, while Alitalia cancelled around 140 flights as a result of the strike so far.
Guadeloupe	14-Jan	Postal unions start indefinite strike: Sources indicated on January 16 that postal service unions in Guadeloupe have started an indefinite strike on the morning of January 14. The trade unions CFTC Poste, FOCOM, CGTG PTT and SUD PTT GWA called for the strike after a general assembly held on December 14 to demand better working conditions.
Italy	14-Jan	Aviation workers plan to strike on January 14: Media sources report that employees with several airlines, including Alitalia, Bulgarian Air, Tajaran Jet, Bluair, EasyJet Ernst Airlines, AlbaStar and Volotea plan to stage strikes of varying lengths throughout January 14. Reports suggested that airport ground staff are also planning a 24-hour industrial action in several major airports, though details on which ones will be affected remain unclear.
Belgium	15-Jan	Bpost drivers suspend strike in Limburg: Sources indicate on January 16 that approximately 30 Bpost postal service drivers have suspended a strike on January 15 in Limburg while they await a management proposal on the evening of January 16. Postal disruptions were still reported on January 15 due to the strike but are not expected on January 16.
Canada	17-Jan	Snowfall shuts down postal services: Canada Post indicated on January 23 that the city of St. John's, Newfoundland has declared a state of emergency, with all businesses to remain closed and all residents to stay at home due to snowfall. The St. John's mail processing plant has been closed since January 17 and mail services have been suspended in the area.

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