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.
San Marino	13-27-May	Postal services resume following strike: On May 27, Poste San Marino indicated that a strike action that started on May 13 by its employees has finished. The delivery of letters and parcels has resumed.
Jamaica	14-21-May	Postal operations resume: On May 21, Jamaica Post reported that it has resumed full operations at its Kingston International Mail Processing Centre following an emergency shutdown on May 14. Delays due to mail backlogs are likely until June 7.
Philippines	16-20-May	Postal operations resume: On May 31, the Philippine Postal Corporation reported that it has resumed postal operations following IT issues on May 16. All international mail operations have been back to normal since May 20.
Lebanon	17-23-May	Postal services resume following strike: On May 23, LibanPost indicated that its postal services resumed following a customs strike that started on May 17. The clearance of letter and parcel post as well as EMS items is gradually resuming.
Italy	19-25-May	Airport closure impacts letter mail: Poste Italiane indicated on May 24 that the overnight closure of Cagliari Airport caused delays in the processing of letter mail items. Parcels and Express Mail Services remained unaffected. The airport was closed for repair works from 9:50 pm to 6:00 am local time between May 19 and 25.
Italy	19-25-May	Airport to close for urgent works: Poste Italiane indicates on May 17 that Cagliari Airport will be closed from May 19 to May 25 from 9:50 pm – 6:00 am local time due to urgent works. 24-hour delays in collection and delivery across Sardinia Region should be expected.
Colombia	20-May	Truck drivers go on strike in Boyaca: On May 10, media sources indicate that over 300,000 cargo truck drivers associated with the Confederacion Nacional Alianza Transportadora called for an indefinite strike action on May 20 in Boyaca, Colombia. Possible impacts of the strike are not yet clear, however, ground shipping and road traffic are likely to be affected.
Poland	22-May	IT issues disrupt postal service: Poczta Polska reported on May 22 that it has been experiencing IT problems since May 22, which may cause disruptions in electronic data interchange (EDI) communication and delays in data exchange with operators.
United States	22-May	Severe weather affects road traffic: Media sources report that adverse weather in several Great Plains and Midwest States resulted in flooding and landslides, affecting road traffic since May 22. More inclement weather is likely to continue in the area until May 23. Further disruptions should be expected in the coming days.
China	25-26-May	Adverse weather to affect road traffic: Media sources are reporting that adverse weather will likely affect road traffic across Jiangsu Province, China, on May 25 and 26. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecasted for the wider area along the Yangtze River.
India	26-May	Flooding affects road traffic: Media sources are reporting that heavy rain led to the rise of water levels on the Manu, Juri, and Kakati Rivers, causing flooding across Tripura State in India. Further traffic disruptions should be expected as rainfall is forecast to resume on May 31 and continue through at least June 2.
China	26-May	Adverse weather affects flight operations: On May 26, media sources reported that strong winds and rain have caused disruption to flight operations at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in China. At least 690 flights were delayed and 194 flights were cancelled on May 26.
China	27-May	Adverse weather affects road traffic: On May 28, media sources report that flooding following heavy rainfall has affected road traffic across Guangdong Province, China. The most affected cities are Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Zhongshan. The flooding is likely to continue as heavy rainfall is forecast for the coming days.
Colombia	28-May	Adverse weather affects road traffic: Media sources reported that heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding and landslides across Northern and Western Colombia. Several highways remain blocked. Affected areas include Antioquia, Bolivar, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Santander. Further disruptions should be expected nationwide as forecasts project additional rainfall over the coming days across much of the country.
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.
Colombia	30-May	Tractor-trailer drivers go on strike: On May 30, media sources indicated that tractor-trailer drivers have embarked on an indefinite strike in multiple cities across Boyacá Department in Colombia. The most affected cities include Sogamoso, Duitama, and Chiquinquir. The strike may affect transportation throughout the area.
Estonia	31-May	IT issues disrupt postal operations: On June 4, Estonian postal company Omniva indicated that it has been facing postal disruptions due to IT issues. The IPS XML Import service has been suspended and is causing backlogs. Additionally, since May 31, the transmission of MRD events have also been affected. No timeline as to when the operations would resume has been disclosed.
China	31-May	Heavy rainfall disrupts road traffic: On May 31, media sources report that flooding following heavy rainfall has affected road traffic across Guangxi Province, China. Damage has been reported at various sections of the national highways. Associated disruptions are likely to continue as heavy rainfall is forecast for the coming days.
Mexico	2-Jun	Flooding disrupts road traffic: Media sources are reporting on June 3 that flooding following heavy rainfall has caused road traffic disruptions across Jalisco State in Mexico. In addition, a river overflow in San Gabriel damaged infrastructure and made most roads in the area impassable.
Italy	3-Jun	Postal employees demonstrate on June 3: Local media sources indicated on May 21, that employees of Poste Italiane will demonstrate in Rome at 11 am local time on June 3 against a planned reorganization. The delivery of letters and parcels is likely to be interrupted on that day.
Japan	4-30-Jun	Pilot shortage affects flights: On June 4, media sources reported that Jetstar Japan will cancel several flights throughout the month of June due to a shortage of pilots. Flight cancellations will affect 58 domestic flights from Tokyo-Narita and Sapporo airports and 12 international flights.
Australia	4-Jun	Severe weather causes disruptions: Media sources are reporting on June 4 that severe weather has been causing significant disruption and delays along the major roads in New South Wales, Australia. Additionally, flight operations at Sydney Airport have been affected by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Japan	4-Jun	Adverse weather affects airport operations: On June 4, media sources report that low visibility and thunderstorms have affected flight operations at multiple airports in the Kyushu and Okinawa areas. Japan Airlines has issued an advisory warning for June 4. No further information as to when the weather situation would improve has been disclosed.
United States	5-6-Jun	Power outage affects flights at LAX: Media sources indicate that a power outage on June 5 led to operational disruptions at the Los Angeles International Airport. Several flights were cancelled or delayed. The situation is expected to return to normal throughout June 6.
United States	7-Jun	Severe weather affects flights: Media sources indicate on June 7 that severe weather has been affecting airport operations at Memphis International Airport, Tennessee. Thunderstorms have interrupted flying and landing which has caused flight delays. No timeline as to when the weather situation would improve was provided.
Scotland	7-10-Jun	Airport workers begin a strike: On June 7, local media sources indicate that workers affiliated with the Unite union have begun a strike action at Aberdeen and Glasgow airports in Scotland over pensions and pay. The strike is planned from 4 am to 4 pm local time on June 7 and June 10. Associated disruptions are likely.
China	10-Jun	Severe flooding continues in southern China: Flooding disruptions continue across multiple regions of South China. Affected locations include the Guangxi Region, Jiangxi Province, and Guangdong Province. More than 2.5 million people in total have been affected by the flooding. Roads have been damaged, and authorities are working to clear landslides. Heavy rain is expected to continue across much of the region.
Estonia	10-Jun	Data exchange resumes: Omniva, the Estonian post operator, reported that the data exchange has resumed from June 11 following IT issues. Data between May 31 and June 11 may, however, be sent out late or missing.
China	10-Jun	Heavy rain and flooding disrupt traffic: Media sources indicate that heavy rain and associated flooding caused severe damages to roads and bridges in Guangxi Province and triggered several landslides in Guangdong Province. Continued road traffic disruptions and delays should be expected in the coming days as weather authorities have forecast continuous heavy rainfall until June 14.
Great Britain	11-Jun	British Airways faces strike from three unions: Updated media sources indicate that British Airways aviation workers including cabin crew, pilots and ground staff voted for a strike in a recent ballot after unions rejected the latest pay package from management. If the unions decide to go ahead with a strike, significant disruptions to airline operations should be expected.
Great Britain	11-Jun	British Airways cabin crew may walkout: British Airways cabin crew are threatening a strike over pay and working conditions at Gatwick Airport at an unspecified time and date. The primary grievance is with British Airways' refusal to commit to cabin crew rostering rules and removal of Duty Free from flights. A strike ballot has yet to be proposed.
Hong Kong	12-Jun	Mail services disrupted in Hong Kong: Hongkong Post reported on June 13 that owing to a public event which resulted in the blockage of streets in major areas of Hong Kong on June 12, the night- and daytime processing of all types of inbound, outbound and local mail was disrupted. The impact is expected to last for several days.
India	12-Jun	Air traffic disrupted across Gujarat Province: Media sources report that operations will be suspended for at least 24 hours at seven airports across Gujarat Province from 12 am local time on June 13 due to Tropical Cyclone Vayu. Affected are Diu Airport, Porbandar Airport, Bhavnagar Airport, Kandla Airport, Keshod Airport, Jamnagar Airport and Bhuj Airport. Expect associated air travel disruptions to persist until weather conditions improve.
India	12-Jun	Severe storm to hit western coastal states: According to the Indian Meteorological Department, a deep depression is currently expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall over Gujarat State between June 12 and June 13. Associated heavy rainfall and possible flooding can be expected in western coastal states until June 14. Disruptions to road and air traffic should be expected in the region throughout the coming days.
Russia	12-13-Jun	Celebrations to affect road traffic: On June 4, local media sources indicate that significant disruption to road traffic is expected across Russia due to Russia Day celebrations on June 12. The largest events are planned to take place in Moscow from 5:30 pm to 10 pm local time, likely causing transportation delays.
Great Britain	13-Jun	Several roads closed in Nottinghamshire: Media sources indicate that flooding has been reported in multiple locations across Nottinghamshire. Affected locations include Lambley, Lowdham, Epperstone, and Arnold. Several roads were impacted by the flooding and continued road disruptions should be expected until the water recedes.
Brazil	14-15-Jun	Truck drivers to go on strike: Local media sources reported on June 5 that a group of truckers’ unions in Brazil called for a 24-hour nationwide strike on June 14. The strike concerns ongoing developments around working conditions and fuel prices and is expected to affect traffic on the day of the strike.
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

Zimbabwe	15-Mar- 17-May	Postal services normalize following cyclone: On May 17, Zimbabwe Post indicated that it has resumed postal operations in the areas of Manicaland that were affected by Cyclone Idai from March 15. The collection and delivery of letter mail, parcels and EMS items is back to normal.
Philippines	22-26-Apr	Postal services back to normal: On May 17, Philippine Postal Corporation indicated that postal services resumed on April 26 following the earthquake on April 22.
Italy	30-Apr- 17-May	Postal operations resume following IT issues: Poste Italiane indicated on May 17 that postal operations have resumed following IT issues. Both inbound and outbound letter mail processes have normalized.
San Marino	13-May	Strike action may cause delays: On May 21, Poste San Marino indicated that a strike action by its employees, which is taking place since May 13, may lead to delays in the delivery of letters and parcels. No further information as to when the situation would normalize was immediately provided.
France	14-19-May	SNPL pilots to go on strike: Local media sources reported on May 6 that pilot union SNPL plans to begin a nationwide strike on May 14 due to a new transport law discussed in parliament. The strike may affect all airlines operating in France and could result in flight delays, cancellations and congestion at airports.
Mexico	15-May	Adverse weather causes disruptions: Local media sources are reporting that heavy rains are causing disruption to road and air traffic across Mexico City since the evening of May 15. Flight operations at the Mexico City International Airport have been affected and flooding has resulted in moderate road delays.
Mali	16-May	Internet outage disrupts postal services: La Poste du Mali reported on May 20 that an electrical incident on May 16 has disrupted the internet connection in certain post offices, affecting inbound and outbound mail processing. Other areas including customer service have also been impacted.
Philippines	16-May	IT issues disrupt postal operations: On May 16, the Philippine Postal Corporation reported that it has been experiencing major IT issues which have disrupted postal operations across Philippines. Delays in processing of outgoing and incoming international mail should be expected.
Belgium	16-May	Air traffic controllers go on strike: On May 16, media sources report that the Skeyes air traffic controllers are holding a strike today from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm local time across Belgium. Several flights have been cancelled at major Belgium airports, with most cancellations being reported at Charleroi, Zaventem, and Brussels. Further disruptions and delays are likely throughout the day.
Germany	16-May	IT maintenance will disrupt airmail services: On May 15, Deutsche Post reported that the Airmail Center Frankfurt will not operate on May 16 between 12 and 4 pm local time due to IT maintenance and migration. All outbound, inbound and transit airmail dispatches at Frankfurt Airport will be affected during these four hours.
Lebanon	17-May	Customs strike affects clearance: On May 20, LibanPost indicated that workers responsible for mail clearance have been on strike since May 17. As a result of this strike, and until further notice, there will be no clearance of inbound and outbound flows, likely resulting in delays.
Japan	18-May	Alert level raised due to volcanic activity: Since May 18, volcanic earthquakes have continued at Mount Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture. The Meteorological Agency has warned of a possible eruption and has recently raised the volcanic alert level to two on a scale of five.

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