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TUI to re-introduce flights to Sharm el Sheikh
TUI has confirmed it will reintroduce holidays to Sharm el Sheikh after the Foreign Office announced this morning that it has lifted its flight ban.
The Foreign Office said that the UK government has worked with Egyptian authorities to increase security in the four years since a Russian holiday jet was bombed.
It added: "There remains a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation in Egypt. Additional security measures are in place for flights departing from Egypt to the UK.
"You should co-operate fully with security officials at airports."
The ban on UK flights to and from Sharm airport was imposed immediately after St Petersburg-bound flight was blown out of the sky shortly after taking off from the airport.
Despite the flight ban, Egypt has remained a popular destination for British holidaymakers and operators have been adding capacity to other Red Sea resorts, including Hurghada and Marsa Alam.
As soon as the Foreign Office announced it was lifting the ban on flights today, TUI said: "Sharm el Sheikh was always a popular holiday destination with our customers and we welcome the change in travel advice by the UK government.
"We will reintroduce Sharm el Sheikh, taking into account customer demand, and will now work closely with our hotel and airport partners so we can confirm more details in due course."
The Egyptian minister of tourism Dr Rania Al-Mashat said new security measures include CCTV, airport security and GPSs on tour buses, all of which will be continually reviewed and enhanced.
"We welcome the return of British tourists to Sharm el Sheikh. This announcement is a renewal of the ongoing co-operation between both nations.
"This step is testament to the continuous efforts exerted by the Egyptian government to ensure the safety and security of every visitor in all of Egypt’s destinations, and in South Sinai in particular."
What the Mole says:
Tour operators and airlines, including easyJet, will be keen to relaunch flights to Sharm as soon as possible to satisfy demand. The flight ban imposed in October 2015 left them struggling to find alternative winter sun destinations and has led to a price increases in other popular haunts, such as the Canaries.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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