Summary of recent developments as at 30 October 2010
Officials in the U.K. and Dubai have intercepted two packages originating from Yemen, which were bound for Chicago, United States. Both packages contained explosives. One package, found at the UK's East Midlands Airport, contained a "manipulated" toner cartridge with wires and a circuit board on it, a law enforcement source said. A similar package set to be shipped on a cargo plane was discovered in Dubai, the law enforcement source and Dubai officials said.
The discovery triggered examinations of three cargo planes that landed in Philadelphia and in Newark, New Jersey. An airline passenger plane was escorted by fighter jets to New York because of concerns about a package from Yemen on board. Nothing suspicious was found on the planes, according to the FBI.
For the latest international news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
The situation in France with regards to the general strike action and public protests has cause less disruption this week. In addition, the country wide fuel shortages of the last few weeks have all but disappeared and yesterday's 'day of action' had limited effect on flights out of the major airports.
However, unions have called for a further 'national day of action' on Saturday 6 November. Today marks the end of the national half term school holidays in France and unions are predicting a much higher level of support for this next event.
Our service across France has now, in the main, returned to normal. As previously advised, our pick up and delivery operations may be affected in locations where demonstrations take place.
For the latest news visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11641402