Global Event Observer

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

Coming Weeks

France	3-Apr- 28-Jun	Rail workers plan two-day strikes from April 3: Railway workers from France’s national railway company will stage nationwide two-day strikes from April 3 until June 28. Workers will strike on the first two days of the weekdays and resume work on the remaining days. The strike pattern will be repeated until June 28.
France	9-17-Jun	Air traffic controllers to strike on June 16: Local media sources reported on June 7 that air traffic controllers from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) have announced a new 24-hours strike on June 16. On June 4, air traffic controllers announce a strike action from June 9 to 10. Flights to and from southern France may be disrupted during the strike dates.
Finland	15-16-Jun	Aviation union calls for strike at Helsinki Airport: Media sources are reporting on June 14 that the aviation union IAU has called for a 24-hours strike action at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on June 15. The strike will reportedly start at 5 am local time. Flight cancellations are to be expected.
Russia	17-Jun	Airport operations disrupted in Moscow: Russian sources indicated that flight cancellations have occurred at Vnukovo International Airport, Moscow Domodedovo Airport, and Sheremetyevo International Airport, early Sunday morning. Between the airports, a total of 30 flights were cancelled, with Moscow Domodedovo Airport the most affected. The reason for the flight delays has not been reported at this time.
India	18-Jun	Truck drivers stage nationwide strike: Media sources indicate that truck drivers affiliated with the All India Confederation of Goods Vehicle Owners Association (ACOGOA) have been staging an indefinite nationwide strike that began on Monday, June 18. Mail deliveries may be impacted if the strike continued for longer, but trucks carrying essential goods will reportedly not be participating in the strike.
Mexico	18-19-Jun	Tropical storm moves along coast: Former Tropical Storm Carlotta has weakened to a Tropical Depression and is located west-southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Carlotta has brushed the coast of the state of Guerrero, damaging up to 20 homes and causing multiple landslides. Carlotta was expected to continue to move northwest away from the coast on Monday before dissipating.
Japan	18-Jun	Earthquake disrupts flights and power services: On June 18, the United States Geological Survey detected a magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck approximately 13 miles north-northeast of Osaka, killing at least three people and injuring over 50. Up to 170,000 properties were without power in Osaka due to the tremor. Disruptions have also been reported at Itami Airport (IATA: ITM). No tsunami warnings were issued.
Mexico	18-Jun	Tropical storm produces heavy rain: On June 18, Tropical Storm Carlotta is located in the Pacific Ocean approximately 40 miles south-southeast of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and forecast to make landfall over southern Mexico Sunday evening local time and weaken to a tropical depression by Monday morning. The storm is expected to bring between three and six inches of rain to the Guerreran and Oaxacan coasts.
Spain	19-20-Jun	Post workers stage partial strikes: Post workers with Correos in Barcelona called for a partial strike for three hours on June 19. The workers reportedly protested against deteriorating working conditions. Meanwhile delivery staff with Correos in Melilla has begun a two-day protest on June 19 to protest against workforce cuts.
Indonesia	19-Jun	Garuda Airline pilots plan to strike on June 19: Sources are reporting on June 6 that Garuda Airline pilots plan to strike on June 19 over management conflicts. Up to 1,300 pilots and 5,000 crew members may participate in the strike. No specific information on the expected impact on flight operations and when the strike would end has been disclosed.
France	20-21-Jun	Air France workers unions suspend strike: Unions at Air France suspended a planned four-day strike starting on 23 June. Multiple strikes have affected the airline in the past months due to an ongoing dispute over pay with the airlines' management.
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.
Spain	20-Jun	Barcelona air traffic controllers will go on strike: On April 23, media sources reported that air traffic controllers at Barcelona El Prat Airport are staging a series of 24-hour strikes starting on June 20. Workers claim for an increase in the number of employees. Specific dates on which strikes will take place have not been chosen at this time. No further information on when the strike would end has been provided so far.
Spain	20-Jun-29-Aug	Air traffic controllers threaten to strike: Spanish media sources report that Barcelona air traffic controllers have threatened to stage strike action over higher salaries and better working conditions. A potential strike would start on June 20 and take place every Wednesday and Sunday until August 29.
Spain	21-Jun	Air traffic controllers threaten to strike: Spanish air traffic controllers have threatened strike action beginning this week. Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca airports are all expected to be affected by the strike action. The staff are demanding timetable changes due to the long hours they are expected to work each week.
Japan	22-Jun	Ash eruption from volcano reported: Multiple sources indicate that Mount Shinmoe, located in the Kirishima mountain range, erupted once again on June 22, sending smoke and ash thousands of feet three into the air. No injuries, evacuations, or aviation disruptions have been reported so far.
France	23-26-Jun	Minor Air France Union stages strike: Media sources indicate the SPAF pilot union of Air France, the second largest pilot union, is carrying out a four-day strike that began on Saturday, June 23, over wages. Air France has stated that flights on Saturday would not be affected and there have been no reports of major disruptions expected for Sunday.
France	23-Jun-1-Jul	Air traffic controller strike continues: Air traffic controllers based in southern France will continue to strike on June 30 and July 1. The strike by union members of the UNSA ICNA follows on previous actions, with the most recent ones having been staged on June 23 and 24. 38 flights were cancelled and many delayed through airspace in southern France.
Russia	23-Jun	Operations normalize at Moscow Airport: On June 23, operations resumed at Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) following an earlier disruption caused by an IT system failure. The incident mainly impacted S7 Airlines flights. Some residual disruption was likely as operations normalize.
France	23-24-Jun	Air traffic controllers plan 48-hour strike: It has been reported that UNSA-ICNA, a union representing air traffic controllers, has planned strike action at Marseille Airport on 23 and 24 June. The level of disruption during the strike period is not yet known.
France	23-26-Jun	Air France pilots plan to strike on June 23-26: Media sources indicate the SPAF pilot union of Air France plans to embark on a four-day strike from June 23 over wages. Details regarding expected disruptions were not provided.
France	23-26-Jun	Air France unions plan to stage a four-day strike: Media sources report that Air France unions plan to launch a four-day, nationwide strike from June 23 through June 26. The labor action has been called in relation to a wage dispute. The planned strike could potentially be called off if an agreement is reached beforehand.
France	3-8-Jul	Unionized pilots announce strike action: Pilots unionized with the SNPL union have issued a strike notice for a planned walkout from July 3 to 8 over the merger of airlines amalgamated under the Societe HOP! brand. Should the walkout occur, delays and cancellations to Societe HOP! services are likely. Further details have not been reported.

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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 DHL Control Tower / Qensio.

Past Events

Malaysia	7-May- 11-Jun	Kuala Lumpur Airport’s runway to be closed from May 11: On April 20, media sources are reporting that Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia is planning to close one of its three runways due to maintenance work. The closure will reportedly starts at 12:01 am local time on May 11 until 3 pm on June 7. Reports indicate that the closure will affect 6 percent of the flights daily as flight disruptions can be expected during this period.
United States	14-May- 6-Jun	Postal services resumed: On June 6, the United States Postal Service (USPS) informed that processing and deliveries have returned to normal in the Northeastern United States. Severe weather and thunderstorms have caused postal disruptions in the Northeast United since May 14.
India	21-May-5-June	Flight disruption reported at Mumbai Airport: Media sources reported on May 24 that flight disruptions at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) are set to continue until June 5, as the airport upgrades its Instrument Landing System (ILS) that guides flights on its main runway. More than 600 flights have so far been affected at the airport since the beginning of the week, mainly causing flight delays.
Brazil	22-May- 4-Jun	Postal services start to resume: On June 5, Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos informed that postal disruptions have eased after the truck driver strike affecting mail transportation in Brazil ended on June 4. Reports indicated that it will take a few days before postal services fully normalize.
Spain	30-May- 8-Jun	Barcelona air traffic controllers postpone strike: Barcelona air traffic controllers have reportedly postponed strike actions planned for the period of June 20 to August 29. On May 30, Barcelona air traffic controllers threatened to stage a strike action over higher salaries and better working conditions.
Netherlands	1-Jun	Disruption of flight operations reported: On June 1, media sources are reporting that at least 17 flights have been canceled and an additional 16 flights have been delayed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). No further information on the cause of the disruptions and when the situation would return to normalcy has been disclosed.
Germany	3-4-Jun	Hamburg Airport closes due to power failure: On June 3, media sources reported that Hamburg Airport (HAM) fully closed due to a power failure. Airport operations were expected to resume from 8 am local time on June 4. Residual delays and disruption are expected until operations fully normalized.
United States	3-4-Jun	Flights disrupted at Washington Airport: Local media sources reported that at least 15 flights were canceled and an additional 19 flights were delayed at Washington Airport (IAD) on June 3 due to severe weather. Flight operations are expected to return to normalcy on June 4.
Indonesia	6-Jun	Garuda Airline pilots postpone strike: Media sources reported on June 14 that Garuda Airline pilots have postponed a strike originally planned for June 15 and 19 to an unspecified date during the second week of July. Workers protest over perceived mismanagement of the company. Up to 1,300 pilots and 5,000 crew members will reportedly join the strike.
Israel	6-11-Jun	Postal operations return to normalcy: On June 11, Israel Postal Company informed that postal operations have returned to normalcy following disruptions caused by the electronic data interchange (EDI) transmissions issues since June 6.
Israel	6-Jun	Postal disruptions reported: On June 7, Israel Postal Company informed that it has been experiencing disruption of its electronic data interchange (EDI) transmissions since 1 pm local time on June 6. No specific information on when the situation would return to normalcy has been reported.
China	6-Jun	Flight cancellations reported at Melian Airport: Flight cancellations have been reported at Melian Airport in Haikou, China, due to the arrival of Typhoon Ewiniar on June 6. At least 17 flights have been cancelled while the remainder of flight operations have been heavily disrupted. Adverse weather is forecasted until June 8.
India	7-Jun	Road and air disruptions expected: A red alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms has been issued for Mumbai, impacting road and rail operations across the area since June 7. Flight cancellations and diversions are to be expected at Mumbai International Airport. Weather conditions are likely to intensify on June 9 and are expected to last until at least June 12.
Spain	7-Jun	Postal workers call for 2-hour strike on June 7: Spanish postal workers with Correos have called for a 2-hour strike on June 7 over unjustified dismissals. The strike will reportedly occur at all Correos’ facilities. 85 % of postal workers are expected to join the strike.
Spain	7-Jun	Postal workers threaten strike in Navarra: Local media sources reported on May 22 that postal workers with Correos are threating to stage industrial action on June 7 in Navarra, Spain, over working conditions and dismissals. Correos is the Spanish postal service and parcel operator.
Mexico	8-Jun	Hurricanes form off Baja California: Hurricane Aletta has weakened to a Tropical Storm on June 10 and is moving away from land. Simultaneously, Tropical Storm Bud has formed southeast of Aletta overnight, moving northwest. The storm is expected to develop into a hurricane over the coming days; however, it is then forecast to weaken around 72 hours after strengthening.
Spain	9-11-Jun	Flight cancellations reported: Spanish media sources reported that over 50 flights were cancelled and more than 100 were delayed across Spain from June 9 to 11 due to French air traffic controllers' strike. Flight operations have returned to normalcy on June 11. Further disruptions are expected as the French air traffic controllers announced a fresh round of strike for June 16 and 17.
India	9-Jun	Flights suspended at Delhi Airport: On June 9, flight operations at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport, DEL) was suspended due to adverse weather conditions. Significant wind speeds have been recorded amidst strong dust and thunderstorm conditions, diverting dozens of flights throughout the day.
France	9-10-Jun	Air traffic controllers to strike on June 9: Air traffic controllers are planning to go on a 24-hours strike at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) on June 9. The reason for the strike has not been initially indicated. Flights to and from southern France may be disrupted.
Singapore	10-14-Jun	Flight delays to be expected at Changi Airport: Official sources reported on June 6 that flight delays can be expected for inbound and outbound flights at Changi Airport due to airspace security measures during the US-North Korea in Singapore. Airspace restrictions over Singapore will take place from June 10 at 8 am until 23:59 pm local time on June 14. Operations are expected to return to normalcy on June 15.
Mexico	11-Jun	Hurricane Bud intensifies to category four: Official sources reported on June 12 that Hurricane Bud has intensified to a category four storm. Intense rain is expected for the states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Durango. The storm is reportedly located 360 kilometers west-southwest of Playa Perula, Jalisco.
Germany	11-12-Jun	Flights disruption at Berlin Airport: On June 11, media sources reported that at least nine flights have been canceled and 17 flights were delayed at Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) due to unspecified causes. Air operations are expected to return to normalcy on June 12.
Sri Lanka	12-Jun	Postal strike affecting mail deliveries: Sri Lanka Post indicated on June 19 that the Joint Postal Trade Unions Front has begun a strike on June 12 affecting the delivery of all categories of mail from the Colombo Office of Exchange and the clearance of airmail consignments at Colombo International Airport. No information on when the strike would end has been reported.
Mexico	12-Jun	Hurricane Bud weakens into tropical storm: Mexican media sources are indicating on June 15 that Hurricane Bud has weakened to a tropical storm status and is tracking towards the southern tip of Baja California Sur. It is expected to make landfall in the next 24 hours. Heavy rain is forecast for Baja California Sur and northwest of Mexico. Flooding and power outages in the area could be expected.
Germany	12-13-Jun	Flights disrupted at Munich Airport: Media sources are reporting on June 12, that at least 14 flights have been cancelled and 35 flights have been delayed due to unspecified causes. Flight operations are expected to return to normalcy on June 13.
United States	12-13-Jun	Flight operations normalize at Dallas Airport: On June 13, media sources are reporting that flight operations are returning to normalcy at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). 25 flights were cancelled and 522 flights were delayed on June 12 due to unspecified causes. Residual disruptions could be expected during the day.
Singapore	12-Jun	Road disruptions expected on June 12: Local media sources reported on June 5 that traffic congestion and vehicle security checks can be expected ahead of and on June 12 in Singapore due to the US – North Korea Summit. Roads around Capella Hotel are expected to be most disrupted. No initial reports on when road disruptions would end have been reported.
Canada	13-14-Jun	Flights operations disrupted at Toronto Airport: On June 13, media sources reported that over 40 flights have been cancelled and more than 440 have been delayed at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) due to unspecified causes. Flight operations are expected to return to normalcy on June 14.
United States	13-14-Jun	Flight operations return to normalcy: On June 14, media sources are reporting that flight operations have returned to normalcy at Chicago International Airport (ORD). On June 13, 273 flights were delayed and 13 were canceled due to unspecified causes. Residual disruptions can be expected.
India	14-Jun	Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport: Flight operations have been suspended at Chandigarh Airport (IXC) on June 14 due to poor visibility from a sandstorm. Reports indicated that all flights to Chandigarh Airport are being held at Delhi Airport. Further details on when airport operations will resume have not been specified.

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