Following the Russian passenger jet crash in Egypt at the weekend, all flights to and from Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt have been grounded, leaving an estimated 20,000 people stranded. However, as both UK and US forces say that it is incredibly likely that the jet crashed following a suspected ISIS bomb, frustrating as it may be, it’s for safety reasons that flights have been grounded. If you’re one of the many people stuck in Egypt or are supposed to be travelling there soon, it’s important to know your rights in terms of emergency accommodation and refunds.
Easyjet, Thomson Airways, British Airways and Thomas Cook are among the companies which have cancelled flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh, following a warning from the Foreign Office against all but essential travel.
ABTA has advised those who are stuck or were planning to travel there to contact their tour operator.
An Abta spokesman said: “The FO has not raised the threat level in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The change in advice applies only to air travel to and from Sharm el-Sheikh. Abta estimates there are around 9000 customers currently on holiday with its members in Sharm el-Sheikh, but there will also be a number of holidaymakers who have travelled independently. Most insurance policies will still provide cover for holidaymakers in a country at the time of FO advice change. Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours to Sharm el-Sheikh are advised to contact their travel company to discuss their options. If you have booked a package you will be entitled to a refund or alternative holiday.
If you are not travelling within the next 48 hours you will need to check with your travel company as to what your options are and follow their advice. Those people with bookings beyond this are advised to wait until closer to the departure date to contact their travel company as the situation is reviewed.”
Meanwhile Easyjet has cancelled all flights today (Thursday 5th November) and has future flights under review, pending further advice from the Foreign Office.
Monarch Airlines said that it would be organising three rescue flights for Friday, in addition to its scheduled flights. British Airways confirmed it would be operating two flights.
Is it safe to fly to Sharm el-Sheikh?
The UK Government has halted all flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh, so at the moment it is not advised.
How long will flights be cancelled for?
Airlines expect to start flying people back on Friday (6th November). However, Prime Minister David Cameron has warned that it could take some time to get everyone home.
Latest news on flight cancellations:
- Thomas Cook cancelled its flight and holiday programme to Sharm el-Sheikh until 12 November.
- Thomson Airways along with First Choice, cancelled all outbound flights to Sharm el-Sheikh up to and including 12 November.
- British Airways postponed its Thursday flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh but says services in both directions will resume on Friday morning. The company is providing hotel accommodation to stranded passengers.
- EasyJet cancelled all flights to and from the resort on Thursday and is keeping future flights “under review”.
- Monarch cancelled all flights in and out of Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday.
What should I do if I’m in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Firstly, you shouldn’t panic. The resort itself isn’t under threat, only air travel is affected. You should get in touch with your tour operator/travel agent in regards to travel arrangements. British Consulate staff have been sent to the airport to help. ABTA also says that most insurers will continue to provide cover for holidaymakers who are waiting to get home. However, you should double check with your insurer. The Foreign Office also says that security is being increased in Sharm el-Sheikh and the surrounding areas.
You shouldn’t book another route out of Sharm el-Sheikh whilst the ban is in place, as you could invalidate your insurance.
Who will cover the cost of extra accommodation?
If you are on a package holiday, your tour operator should cover this cost. If you’re an independent traveller, you should check with your insurer.
What should I do if I have a flight booked to Sharm el-Sheikh?
Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours should contact their travel company for options. You are entitled to a refund or alternative trip if you have booked a package holiday. However, if you opt for an alternative trip, you may have to pay the difference in price.
What about holidaymakers from outside the UK?
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has advised citizens against non-essential travel to Europe, as has the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is expected that other countries will follow suit.
What about other areas of Egypt?
The latest travel advice only applies to the Sharm el-Sheikh area. Previous travel advice from other areas may apply.
