By Lorena Peña
Uncertainty is a constant in our ever-changing world. Now more than ever, TMCs and business travellers need to be aware of the dynamics within different countries. While political analyses can pinpoint tensions and provide early warnings, predicting when political turmoil or a security crisis will occur remains a significant challenge.
In the event of a crisis, executing an evacuation is one of the primary options for governments and companies to safeguard their nationals and business travellers. While evacuations are common during natural disasters or medical emergencies, the increased frequency and nature of political unrest and security crises have led companies to offer “political evacuations” as a service.
Political evacuations must be quick. When a crisis erupts, travellers may face various risks, such as difficulty in obtaining essential goods, airport closures, flight suspensions, border closures, and the imposition of curfews that can restrict movement. Staying informed is crucial for travellers and companies during such critical situations.
How Riskline’s data helps inform clients before and during evacuations
Through our Destination Research, travel and security managers can access detailed assessments of the internal situation and latent threats in over 220 countries and territories, as well as 260 cities. Additionally, our 24/7 Real-time Alerts provide information on upcoming events to consider when planning a trip and keep travellers informed of any developments that might affect their itinerary.
Here is how various industries can benefit from our data:
- Security companies can enhance planning and preparation by anticipating future events and staying informed about current developments, enabling more proactive evacuations. Having detailed information is also crucial for security operations, asset monitoring, extractions, and more.
- Assistance companies can benefit from instant notifications of global events for proactive planning and evacuation execution, allowing them to learn about disruptions before they occur. With real-time alerts, they can also provide up-to-date safety information to medical escorts travelling to unfamiliar destinations.
- Travel insurance: Real-time data adds value for policyholders and can help reduce claims by enabling travellers to be better prepared in advance.
Examples of political and security crises Riskline covered recently
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Hamas attack against Israel (October 2023)
On 7 October 2023, Hamas members entered the border area between the Gaza Strip and Israel executing different attacks, primarily by air. This led to numerous airlines suspending operations in the country due to safety concerns. Also, operations at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv remained limited and the heightened risk of air attacks prompted several countries to intervene and help expatriates evacuate the country.
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Increased gang attacks in Haiti (March 2024)
In Haiti’s Port-au-Prince, gang violence erupted once again. Toussaint Louverture Airport as the main port of entry had to suspend its operations. Due to this situation, the Cap-Haïtien Airport located north of the island remained partially operational, but people situated in the capital had to be transported to this point. The heightened violence and clashes between police forces and gangs made the capital a very dangerous place and a State of Emergency was declared, thus making the necessity to evacuate foreign nationals a priority.
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New Caledonia unrest (May-June 2024)
Following the debate in the French Assembly on a bill to change New Caledonia’s electoral system, protests and unrest broke out across the island. Riots and clashes with state forces prompted authorities to instate a curfew. La Tontouta International Airport serving the capital Nouméa had to close and airlines such as Aircalin suspended operations, leading governments to plan evacuations.
Safety tips for travellers during a crisis outbreak
- Maintain contact with national authorities or your company/travel management
- Carry identification documents in hand
- Follow all directives
- Refrain from going out, unless to get essential necessities
The world’s dynamics require travellers to be more prepared. Staying informed is the best protection and having an effective intelligence provider is the first step towards ensuring safety and well-being.
