Global Event Observer

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

Coming Weeks

Spain	1-Jul- 1-Sep	Airport workers plan multiple strikes: On June 30, local media sources indicate that the Aena airport workers plan multiple strikes at Bilbao Airport between July 1 and September 1. For July, planned dates for the industrial actions are 1, 7, 14, 15, 21, 24, 25, 28 and 31. Flight cancellations have already been announced for flights to Barcelona, Munich, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Further disruptions to airport operations are expected through September 1.
Italy	27-Jul- 27-Oct	Milano Linate Airport to close for maintenance: On June 21, Poste Italiane reported that Milano Linate (LIN) airport will be closed to all air traffic from July 27 until October 27 due to maintenance work. The closure will not affect exchange; however, Poste Italiane requests that flights used to transport mail destined for Italy divert to Milan's Malpensa Airport (MXP).
Malaysia	22-27-Aug	Postal operations resume following IT issues: Post Malaysia reported on September 4 that it has resumed the transmission of EDI messages on August 27 following technical difficulties with its IT system since August 22.
Hong Kong	24-Aug- 17-Sep	Postal operations normalize: The Hongkong Post reports on September 17 that postal operations are now back to normal following severe disruptions to the processing of all inbound, outbound and local mail across Hong Kong since August 24 due to ongoing protests.
Barbados	26-29-Aug	Postal operations back to normal: The Barbados Postal Service indicates on August 29 that postal operations have resumed following a national shutdown due to Hurricane Dorian on August 26. All postal services across Barbados are now back to normal.
United States	27-Aug	Adverse weather affects road traffic: On August 27, media sources indicate that adverse weather has affected road traffic across central Oklahoma, United States, with many streets and intersections already flooded. In addition, the National Weather Service has also issued flash flood and tornado warnings for Oklahoma City. No timeline as to when the situation will normalize has been immediately disclosed.
Japan	28-Aug	Adverse weather impacts road traffic: On August 28, media sources report that flooding due to heavy rain has disrupted several parts of Kyushu, with the Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki Prefectures impacted the most. Several roadways are reportedly inundated with water and the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its highest level warning for flooding and landslides for the region.
Uruguay	28-Aug	General strike may disrupt postal services: Media sources report that the PIT-CNT trade union has called for a nationwide general strike from 9 am to 1 pm local time on August 28. The level of participation has not been reported yet but unions associated with PIT-CNT also represent the postal sector, which may be disrupted if the strike goes ahead.
Indonesia	29-Aug	Unrest disrupts postal services: On September 10, Pos Indonesia indicated that the processing and delivery of all inbound and outbound local mail has been disrupted due to unrest in major areas of the Papua and West Papua provinces since August 29, with Jayapura, Nabire, Sorong, Merauke, Timika and Manokwari being particularly affected. No timeline as to when operations will normalize was provided.
United States	29-Aug	Hurricane Dorian to hit Florida: On August 29, media sources report that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 25 counties due to the approaching Hurricane Dorian. The storm is anticipated to strengthen further and make landfall on the east coast of Florida over the weekend. Expect strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding as well as associated disruptions in the coming days.
Russia	29-Aug	Adverse weather impacts road traffic: On August 29, media sources indicated that flooding due to heavy rain has disrupted road traffic in at least 15 municipalities of the Primorsky Region, with several roads being inundated. A state of emergency has been declared for the region and it remains unknown when the situation will normalize.
Finland	30-Aug- 3-Sep	Postal operations resume following strike: On September 4, Posti Ltd indicated that postal operations have resumed as the postal workers strike in Finland ended on September 3. The workers strike caused parcel delivery delays of up to 24 hours in the regions of Tampere, Vantaa and Jyvaskyla as well as various other parts of Finland.
Finland	30-Aug- 4-Sep	Postal strike to cause delivery delays: On August 30, the Posti Ltd indicated that a postal workers strike would likely lead to delays of up to 24 hours for parcel deliveries from August 30 onwards in the regions of Tampere, Vantaa and Jyväskylä. The strike organised by Finnish Post and Logistics Union PAU is expected to last until September 4 and affect deliveries in different parts of Finland.
Finland	1-5-Sep	Postal workers announce strike action: Media sources reported on August 29 that the Finnish Post and Logistics Union PAU confirmed that its workers will stage a strike next week. Around 700 parcel workers will go on strike from 10 pm local time on September 1 until the morning of September 5. It remains unknown to what extent the strike will impact postal operations across the country.
United States	1-Sep	Hurricane Dorian affects air traffic: On September 2, media sources indicate that Hurricane Dorian has strengthened into a Category-5 storm and is affecting airport operations in the Bahamas and Florida since September 1. A number of international airports in the area have ceased operations due to the storm, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Palm Beach County, Daytona Beach and Orlando Melbourne airports. The duration of the closures remains unknown.
Brazil	2-Sep	Truck drivers strike disrupts road traffic: On September 3, media sources indicated that a nationwide strike by truck drivers has been disrupting road transportation across Brazil. The strike action was officially due to begin on September 4 at 6 am local time, however, disruptions associated with the strike have been ongoing since September 2, particularly in Curitiba and Barra Mansa. Roadblocks by truckers are expected to continue to affect ground transportation.
Philippines	2-Sep	Postal services face processing delays: On September 2, the Philippine Postal Corporation reported that it is experiencing problems with international postal dispatches conveyed by air, which is causing delays in the processing of out- and inbound mail. No information as to when the situation will normalize was given.
Brazil	3-Sep	Postal workers threaten to go on strike: Local media sources reported on August 31 that the Alagoas Postal Workers Union is threatening an indefinite strike against the privatization of the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company (Correios). The union reportedly scheduled a meeting to vote on the possible strike for September 3.
Sudan	4-Sep	IT issues disrupt EDI transmission: On September 4, Sudan Post indicated that IT system issues have disrupted the transmission of EDI messages in Sudan. The issue will likely lead to EDI messages backlogs, which will be cleared as soon as operations resume. No timeline as to when the issues will be resolved was immediately available.
Belgium	5-6-Sep	Change of handling agent reversed: The Belgian Post Group indicated on September 6 that due to ongoing issues with the new ground handler at Brussels airport, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines moved mail handling operations back to the previous handler. Normal service for imports, transit and exports was expected to resume over the past weekend.
Belgium	5-Sep	Change of handling agent causes delays: The Belgian Post Group indicated on September 5 that it has been experiencing delays of up to 24 hours at the Brussels Airport for import, transit and export mail shipped by Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines. This is due to the change of mail handling agent on September 1.
Thailand	5-Sep	Tropical storms affect postal services: On September 5, Thailand Post Co. reported that Tropical Storms Podul and Kajiki have affected postal operations and transportation across northern and north-eastern parts of Thailand. The delivery of letter and parcel post and EMS items is particularly affected.
Slovenia	7-Sep	Union suspends pilot strike: Local media sources indicated on September 7 that a strike by national air carrier Adria Airways, planned for September 8 to 10, has been suspended following successful negotiations. If the collective agreement is signed by both parties, strike actions at other dates in September will also be called off.
South Korea	7-Sep	Typhoon Lingling to disrupt mail operations: Korea Post reports on September 6 that Typhoon Lingling is forecast to hit the Korean peninsula by September 7, likely affecting inbound and outbound mail operations. Heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts are expected to affect transportation and delivery throughout the affected area.
China	8-Sep	Heavy rainfall may disrupt road traffic: Media sources indicate that parts of western and northwestern China have been hit by heavy rainfall since September 8, including Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangxi and Yunnan. More rainfall is forecast until September 12 for areas such as Shaanxi, Sichuan and Gansu, and residual disruptions to road traffic should be expected in the affected regions until the weather situation improves.
Slovenia	8-Sep- 2-Oct	Pilot strike to affect postal services: On Septmber 3, Posta Slovenije indicated that a planned pilot strike at Slovenia’s national air carrier Adria Airways is expected to affect postal services and lead to delays in deliveries across the country. The strike is planned for the following periods: September 8 to 10, September 18 to 20 and September 30 to October 2.
Great Britain	9-Sep	British Airways cancels further flights: Media reports indicate that British Airways (BA) has begun canceling hundreds of flights ahead of another pilot strike on September 27. The 24-hour walkout follows a two-day strike on September 9 and September 10 when 1,700 flights were canceled.
Japan	9-Sep	Typhoon Faxai disrupts road, air traffic: On September 9, media sources reported that Typhoon Faxai, which hit Tokyo overnight from September 8 to 9, disrupted road and air traffic in the area. At Tokyo Narita Airport, some 160 flights were reportedly cancelled.
Great Britain	9-10-Sep	Pilot strike disrupts air traffic: Media sources indicate on September 9 that the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) strike is now underway with British Airways citing that it was forced to cancel nearly 100 percent of its flights. London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are likely to be heavily impacted by the strike, which is scheduled to last until September 10.
Brazil	10-Sep	Correios accepts union demands: Local media sources indicated on September 13 that Correios has accepted to union demands regarding the extension of health benefits and salary improvements through the year. This comes after about 70 percent of Correios employees participated in the nationwide postal strike action that began on September 10. The decision to accept a deal will be brought before union assemblies on September 17.
Brazil	10-Sep	Postal strike causes delivery delays: Local media sources indicate on September 13 that about 70 percent of Correios employees participate in the nationwide strike action that began on September 10 over unaddressed grievances during the course of negotiations related to salary adjustments and preserving rights. The government ordered the company to maintain at least 70 percent of services or face severe fines. According to reports, postal services such as Sedex 10, Sedex 12, and Sedex Today were suspended on September 12, causing delivery delays.
Brazil	10-Sep	Postal workers strike is underway: Brazilian media sources indicated on September 11 that postal workers have begun a nationwide indefinite strike action at 10 pm local time on September 11 in response to various grievances, including issues with health plans, layoffs, wages, and privatization. Associated demonstrations and disruptions are expected; however, no detailed information on the strike’s impact on postal operations was disclosed yet.
Brazil	10-Sep	Postal workers consider nationwide strike: Media sources indicated that postal workers represented by labour union Fentect met on September 10 to decide on whether they wanted to begin a nationwide strike action at 10 pm local time on the same day after negotiations with Correios’ management broke down. No information regarding their decision has been disclosed yet, but disruptions to postal services should be expected if the strike goes ahead.
Spain	12-Sep	Weather continues to disrupt postal services: On September 16, Correos y Telegrafos reported that adverse weather continues to disrupt postal services across several parts of Spain, in particular Alicante, Almeria and Murcia. No delivery or collection services were provided between September 12 and September 16 due to rain, storms and flooding in the affected areas. No information as to when services will normalize was immediately available.
Spain	12-Sep	Storm and flooding impact postal services: According to Correos y Telégrafos (ES) on September 13, severe weather conditions including storms and flooding have caused delays in the collection and delivery of mail and parcels. The following provinces are particularly affected: Alicante (03000-03999), Almería (04000-04999) and Murcia (30000-30999).
United States	13-Sep	Flooding disrupts road traffic: Multiple sources report that heavy rain has caused flooding throughout southeastern South Dakota, with flood warnings in place in several counties. Numerous roads in the area are impacted by high water and have been deemed impassable, while drivers have been advised to drive with reduced speed on other roads. More disruptions should be expected until water levels recede.
France	17-Sep	La Poste changes codes: La Poste reported on September 17 that it will change the International Mail Processing Centre (IMPC) codes for its extraterritorial offices of change (ETOE) in the UK and Germany. In Germany, the IMPC code DEDIEF will be changed to DEDIEY. In the UK, the IMPC code GBHOUD will be changed to GBHOUY.
Bermuda	18-Sep	Postal services suspended due to hurricane: On September 18, the Bermuda Post Office reported that mail collection and delivery services will be suspended from September 18 in anticipation of Hurricane Humberto’s arrival. No information as to when services will normalize was immediately available.
Indonesia	18-Sep	Changed business processes affect service: On September 18, Pos Indonesia indicated that the restructuring of its operational processes at the office of exchange in Jakarta has led to delays in the processing and delivery of inbound items, the acknowledgement of the arrival at the destination office of exchange and the electronic data interchange with customs. The delays are expected to last until the end of September 2019.
United Kingdom	8-Oct	Postal workers threaten to go on strike: Media sources indicate on August 23 that Royal Mail post workers threaten to go on strike throughout the United Kingdom in the coming months. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is set to launch a ballot for over 100,000 workers to vote on industrial action on September 24 with the results due on October 8. The strike would cause serious disruption in the run-up period to the high season ahead of Christmas.

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

Bhutan	25-Jun- 13-Aug	Postal services in Bhutan normalize: The Bhutan Post reported on August 13 that delivery services across Bhutan have returned to normal after encountering disruptions since June 25 due to the monsoon onset. The heavy monsoon rain reportedly triggered landslides, which temporarily blocked roads in most parts of the country, thus affecting the on-time delivery of all inbound mail.
Hong Kong	3-20-Aug	Postal operations resume: The HongKong Post reported on August 20 that postal services across Hong Kong are back to normal following disruptions since August 3 due to ongoing protests across Hong Kong.
Nepal	9-15-Aug	Postal operations resume: On August 14, the Nepal Post indicated that postal operations have normalized after the relocation of its General Office in Kathmandu disrupted services since August 9.
Japan	15-Aug	Tropical Storm Krosa disrupts Japan: On August 16, media sources report that Tropical Storm Krosa continues to disrupt parts of Japan. The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned of record rainfall in Pacific coastal areas as well as landslides and floods. The storm also brought strong winds which uprooted trees, caused high waves and inundated roads across the affected regions.
Japan	15-Aug	Tropical Storm Krosa makes landfall: On August 15, media sources indicate that Tropical Storm Krosa made a landfall near Kure city in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, on the afternoon of August 15. Nearly 700 flights have been cancelled at Haneda, Kansai, Chubu and Itami airports. Road disruptions are likely to occur in the region, due to heavy rain and strong winds.
United States	18-Aug	Adverse weather causes flight delays: On August 19, the Federal Aviation Administration indicates that several northeastern airports in the United States have been experiencing delays due to adverse weather conditions since August 18. The affected airports are Newark International, John F. Kennedy International and La Guardia airports. No timeline as to when the situation will normalise has been immediately provided.
Spain	19-20-Aug	Severe weather may disrupt traffic: Spanish meteorologists issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Lleida Province from 11 pm local time on August 19 to 7 pm on August 20. Periods of heavy rainfall, hail, lightning and strong gusts of wind are possible, which may disrupt traffic across the province.
India	19-Aug	Heavy rainfall causes road disruptions: Local media sources report on August 19 that heavy rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in Himachal Pradesh State in India. Many roads have been inundated or damaged and the National Highway 3 remains closed between Manali and Kullu. Flooding associated disruptions are likely to continue as more rainfall is expected in the coming days.
Haiti	20-Aug	Carrier embargo affects postal services: On August 20, sources indicated that the transport of goods to Haiti has been temporarily suspended due to a carrier embargo, which also disrupts postal services to Haiti. Goods are currently being accepted and stored at Amsterdam Airport and will be further processed when an alternative route is found. No timeline has been given as to when the situation will normalize.
United States	20-Aug	Demolition work affects air traffic: Media sources report on August 20 that Tampa International Airport is temporarily closed due to planned demolition work scheduled for 2 am local time on August 20. Airport operations are expected to resume as normal throughout the morning of August 20.
Hong Kong	22-Aug	Postal services disrupted again: The HongKong Post reports on August 26 that a series of demonstrations, which resulted in the blockage of streets across Hong Kong since August 24, has severely disrupted the processing of all inbound, outbound and local mail. Disruptions are expected to persist for the next few days.
Colombia	22-Aug	Wildfire disrupts road traffic: On August 22, media sources indicate that a large wildfire has been disrupting traffic along the highway Autopista Medellin-Bogota in Colombia, with the El Cabuyal area being affected the most. Firefighting operations are underway, but there is no information as to when the situation will normalize.
Russia	22-Aug	Adverse weather affects flights: Media sources indicate on August 22 that adverse weather has been affecting airport operations at Novosibirsk International Airport and Kemerovo Airport in Russia. An unspecified number of flights have been either delayed or cancelled. No timeline as to when the situation will normalize has been provided.
Mexico	23-Aug	Flooding affects road traffic in Mexico: On August 23, media sources report that heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Ivo has caused flooding across Sinaloa in Mexico, affecting traffic on the Mazatlan-Culiacan highway among other roads. The disruptions associated with flooding are likely to persist as more rain is forecast for the coming days.
Malaysia	24-Aug	IT issues disrupt EDI transmission: On August 23, Post Malaysia indicated that, owing to technical difficulties with its IT system due to network problems, it has been unable to send or receive EDI messages since 10 am local time on August 22. No timeline as to when the issues will be resolved was immediately available.
Taiwan	24-Aug	Tropical Storm Bailu to impact Taiwan: On August 23, media sources indicate that Tropical Storm Bailu, locally known as Ineng in the Philippines, is likely to make landfall in Taitung county overnight on August 23-24. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds which will likely affect road traffic and cause disruption.
France	24-26-Aug	G7 summit to impact postal delivery: On July 30, La Poste reports that the holding of the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, will impact postal services from August 24 to August 26. No parcels will be delivered in Biarritz during this time while postal services in Hendaye, Ascain, Mouguerre, St Martin de Seignanx, Boucau and Tarnos are expected to be disrupted.
Brazil	26-Aug	Amazonian fires disrupt air traffic: Local media sources indicated on August 27 that departures and arrivals have been suspended at Governador Jorge Teixeira International Airport in Porto Velho since the morning of August 26 due to low visibility resulting from the smoke of Amazonian fires. Some flights have been diverted to Eduardo Gomes International Airport but there is no indication as to when flights at Governador Jorge Teixeira International Airport will resume.
Barbados	26-Aug	Tropical storm impacts postal services: The Barbados Postal Service indicates on August 27 that all postal services across Barbados have been disrupted since August 26, due to a national shutdown imposed in anticipation of Tropical Storm Dorian. No information as to when postal services will normalize was immediately available.

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