British flight ban to Sharm el-Sheikh lifted, as airlines eye resort for summer 2020
British holidaymakers could soon have the chance to return to the popular Egyptian resort Sharm el-Sheikh, after the government lifted a ban imposed in 2015.
Flights to the resort town were suspended after 224 people were killed by the bombing of a Russian airliner, which was linked to the so-called Islamic State group (Isis).
Read more: EasyJet’s Sharm el-Sheikh “rescue flights” halted by Egyptian authorities
Egyptian authorities have since admitted the airport did not meet international security standards. However, the Department for Transport said this had improved.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said the move was “the first step” in resuming direct flights.
He said: “The safety and security of British nationals remains our top priority and this decision follows close co-operation between our aviation security experts and their Egyptian counterparts, and improvements in security procedures at the airport.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its advice to Brits. It said it “no longer advises against all but essential travel by air to/from Sharm el-Sheikh”.
However, it added “there remains a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation in Egypt” with extra security measures in place for flights leaving Egypt to the UK.
Airlines such as Monarch and Thomas Cook were among the market leaders on flights to Sharm el-Sheikh, and both sustained significant financial hits from the ban. Both have since collapsed.
For carriers like Easyjet and Tui, the decision has come too late to reinstate services for the winter season, which is the resort’s peak time. Easyjet traditionally puts its winter flights on sale by around April. However, airlines could yet add the resort back to their summer timetables.
A Tui spokesperson 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.”
An easyJet spokesperson said: “We are aware of the lifting of the restriction on UK airlines flying into Sharm el Sheikh Airport and will look at any opportunities for easyJet and easyJet holidays as a result.”
Trade organisation Abta said the lifting of restrictions was “welcome news”.
“Sharm el-Sheikh has been a very popular destination for UK holidaymakers in the past, before the restrictions were in place.”
“The news is also positive for the local economy in this region of Egypt that is reliant on the benefits travel and tourism bring.”