Industrial action by French air traffic controllers set to cause continuing disruption

FOLLOWING industrial action earlier this week, French unions call for more protests and strikes across the country over two days next week.

The FCO said in an updated travel advisory: “On 21 and 23 September French unions have called for protests and #strike action across #France.

“This could cause disruption and delays to transport services including rail networks and some maritime ports.

“You should allow extra time for your journey and check your chosen operator’s website before you set off.”

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State of Emergency in Tunisia Extended

RECENTLY updated advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth website is that A state of emergency is still effect in #Tunisia. It has been extended a number of times, most recently on 16 February 2017 by three months.

"Since the terrorist attack in Sousse in June 2015, we have been working closely with the Tunisian authorities to investigate the attack and the wider threat from terrorist groups in Tunisia. Although we have had good co-operation from the Tunisian government, including putting in place additional security measures, the intelligence and threat picture has developed considerably, reinforcing our view that a further terrorist attack is highly likely. On balance, we do not believe the mitigation measures in place provide adequate protection for British tourists in Tunisia at the present time."

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Freedom to travel

ON January 27, President #Trump signed an #ExecutiveOrder suspending immigrant and non-immigrant entry to the #USA for people from Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for a period of 90 days (ie until 27 April 2017). 

Information from the FCO websites states a number of exclusions from the temporary measures such as those travelling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas.

The FCO has confirmed with the US government that British passport holders (regardless of country of birth or whether they hold another passport / nationality) aren’t affected by the Executive Order.

If you’re unsure whether you’re affected by these new measures, you should contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for advice.

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Visitors to Turkey told to carry passports at all times

BRITISH holidaymakers in #Turkey are being advised to carry their passport and a printed copy of e-visas at all times.  

The UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice comes as Turkey’s president announced a three-month state of emergency following last week’s failed coup. 

The FCO said some dual nationals carrying green or grey passports might be questioned on leaving Turkey, but added that the state of emergency isn't expected to affect tourists. ‘Although security force activity may be visible from some resorts, coastal resorts don't appear to be significantly affected at present'. 

The state of emergency means the government will be able to enforce curfews, restrict or suspend rights and freedoms, have tighter control on the media, and greater powers of arrest.

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Stay indoors, Brits in Turkey urged

BRITONS in #Turkey should remain indoors, even though the situation now ‘appears quieter’ in Istanbul, the UK’s Foreign Office says in its latest advice to travellers following the attempted #militarycoup.

‘We've been monitoring the situation in Turkey very closely and remain very concerned about what's been going on there,’ said Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. ‘I have spoken to our diplomatic staff in Ankara and in Istanbul. They are doing a fantastic job. They are working very hard to do the best for the many Brits who are there and the many people on holiday, who should follow our travel advice.’

That travel advice reads: ‘We strongly advise you to stay indoors, avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and remain vigilant. If you are at an airport in Turkey, please follow the advice of the authorities and contact your airline or tour operator.

If you are due to travel to or from Turkey over the next few days, you should closely monitor our travel advice and check with your airline or tour operator before travelling.’

British Airways said it was cancelling all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday, but easyJet plans to run its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns.

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France extends state of emergency after Nice murders

FRENCH president Francois Hollande has extended the country's state of emergency for a further three months after the #BastilleDay murder of more than 80 people in #Nice. The current state of emergency was in place until July 23, but will now continue until at least October 23.

Authorities say 84 people died after a lorry was driven into a crowd who had been watching the fireworks as part of Bastille Day celebrations in the city's Promenade des Anglais.

It is reported a further 18 are 'fighting for their lives' and hundreds are injured. The UK’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has confirmed that at least one British national was among those injured.

The lorry driver, who allegedly then opened fire on the crowd, was shot dead by police. He is reported to be a 30-year-old French-Tunisian who was known to the police but not to France’s intelligence agencies.

M.Hollande said France was ‘filled with tragedy’, and promised more troops and tighter border controls, although it’s believed the terrorist was a French citizen living in the Nice area.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office urged British visitors in the area to follow the instructions of the French authorities.


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The idiot’s guide to staying alive

BRITISH holidaymakers heading out to hotels around the Med have been given some advice by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA): don’t get drunk and fall off balconies. 

Sadly, the advice is needed: tour operators say that three British nationals had died and three more were seriously injured after falling or jumping from balconies while on holiday overseas last year. This represents just a fraction of the total number of such incidents. So far in 2016, says the FCO, there have been three balcony falls resulting in serious injury. One of them involved a 34-year-old British holidaymaker who jumped from his hotel balcony into the swimming pool. He is in a critical condition after suffering a serious spinal cord injury.

Many balcony falls involve young people and alcohol. For the last five years, ABTA and the FCO have run campaigns warning of the dangers as well as providing advice and tips on staying safe, including in hotels popular with younger travellers.

Nikki White, ABTA’s director of Destinations and Sustainability, said: ‘As we head into the peak summer season, we are again urging holidaymakers to think about the potential risks of balconies. We see too many people badly injured or much worse because they’ve tried to climb over, jump, or dive from their hotel balcony. A moment of thoughtlessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymaker themselves, but also on their family and friends. By working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, ABTA Members and local authorities in resorts, we hope to help holidaymakers use their balconies sensibly and safely, as do millions of hotel guests around the world.’

Will Middleton, FCO consular director for Southern Europe, said: ‘We have already seen a number of very serious injuries caused by balcony falls this summer. We really do urge people to avoid taking risks around balconies, particularly if they have been drinking. A momentary lapse of judgement can lead to a lifetime of consequences.’

ABTA and the FCO have put together the following tips on using balconies safely:

Never lean over, sit, or climb on the balcony wall or railings.

Don’t try to pass items to someone on another balcony.

Don’t climb from one balcony to another.

Never stand on balcony furniture.

Never jump into the pool from your balcony.

Take extra care on balconies after drinking alcohol as your judgement may be affected.

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UK travel agents query FCO warnings plan; Tui challenged by terror victims’ families

CONCERNS about Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) plans to introduce a new category of travel advice highlighting the risks of terrorism or crime in destinations not currently subject to warnings have been raised by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

The FCO will announce the results of a review of its advice to travellers this autumn, following a consultation with industry and consumer groups which ended in April. ABTA fears a change will confuse consumers.

Joanne Roper, FCO director of consular services, told a recent ABTA seminar: ‘We aim to differentiate the types of risk more closely, maybe with a fourth level [of advice] that it is generally safe to travel, but be aware that the risks of crime or the terrorist threat are higher than at home.’

The FCO currently rates the safety of areas on three levels. These are shown on country maps on its website in green (safe but consult the advice), amber (advise against all but essential travel) or red (advise against all travel). Most popular destinations, apart from Tunisia, are presently shown in green.

The new tier would sit between green and amber.

Nikki White, ABTA’s head of destinations and sustainability, said: ‘The existing system is well recognized and works well. What will “You’re able to travel, but there is a heightened risk” relate to? We’ve been given no examples. Where will it leave consumers? It’s quite clear now when advice changes from green to amber. We foresee increased confusion. And what will be the impact on a destination if advice changes after people book and they think “Do I want to go?” ’

The review comes as families of 16 of the 30 British holidaymakers murdered in the beach massacre in Sousse last June questioned the role of Tui and other companies in marketing holidays to Tunisia.

Legal papers submitted on behalf of the families to an inquest into the deaths accuse Tui of ignoring security warnings, ‘enticing’ holidaymakers with cheap offers, and deterring people from cancelling by refusing refunds. They also suggest that updated FCO advice was not mentioned on Tui’s website, in its brochures, or on booking forms. The victims’ families claim Tui offered 40% discounts on Sousse holidays, despite concerns following the terrorist attack at a museum in Tunis in March last year.

At a pre-inquest hearing at the High Court, Tui’s lawyers said the company did not accept claims about its pricing policy or that it was obliged to carry FCO advice on its site.

The full inquest is not expected to begin until January.

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ABTA advice for Euro 2016 fans

THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS (ABTA) is encouraging the hundreds of thousands of English, Welsh, and Northern Irish fans travelling to France to make the most of their time there, as they prepare to head over or under the tunnel for #Euro2016 which kicks off in Paris on Friday 10 June.

ABTA is also urging fans looking for last-minute match tickets to buy from official sources only, and to ensure they have accommodation booked in advance.

Victoria Bacon, ABTA director of Brand and Business Development, said: ‘Euro2016 will offer an ideal opportunity for football fans from around the UK to experience the amazing food and culture on offer in some of France’s most interesting and beautiful cities.

‘As excitement builds in the lead up to kick off next week, many fans who haven’t booked yet might be tempted to head off, but with accommodation at a premium and people jostling for hotel rooms, they must ensure they have somewhere to stay before they leave Britain.’

ABTA advises fans travelling to France to read the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/be-on-the-ball-for-euro-2016

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Tunisia urges lifting of travel warning after UK arrivals plummet 90%; Turkey bookings down by 32%

THE UK government is being urged to relax its warning against all but essential travel to #Tunisia after a 90% drop in British visitors in the first four months of 2016. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance has been in place since 31 British holidaymakers were murdered in two terror attacks in Tunisia last year.

The Tunisian ambassador to the UK said the government should take into account security improvements since last year. He said there was now a gap between the ‘perception of the level of security, and the real security on the ground’.

‘Every week terrorist cells are dismantled. Terrorists are arrested or neutralized. This should give a positive image, not a negative one. If you take statistics, you have much less chance to die in Tunisia or to have any harm in Tunisia than in so many countries close to us," he said, adding that he had never seen Tunisia's beaches so empty of tourists.

An FCO spokesman said: ‘We know our travel advice can have a knock-on effect on trade and political considerations, but we don't let this influence the advice we give. The safety of British nationals is our main concern. We are working closely with the Tunisians to understand the terrorist threat better and to help them to strengthen measures to protect tourists further.’

*Market research organization GfK reports a 32% drop in the number of holidays being booked from the UK to Turkey from April 2015 to the same month this year, while bookings to mainland Spain and the Canaries have seen a 33% rise over the same period.

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Be prepared, FCO urges Rio-bound Brits

OLYMPIC champion Dr Tim Brabants has called on British fans travelling to #Brazil to stay safe and follow the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) advice. 

The three-time kayaking medallist, who won gold in Beijing 2008, has joined other #Olympic and #Paralympic stars to feature in an FCO video with advice on how to ‘Stay Ahead of the Games’ this summer.

The FCO has urged travelling fans to plan ahead and use its tips to make sure they have a stress free trip to Brazil.

Dr Brabants says: ‘Throughout my career, I thrived off the support of the fans and that’s why I was so keen to be involved in this campaign – to help them get the best possible experience from the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Today, as a practicing medical doctor, I would recommend all supporters to check which vaccinations and medications they need before travel, especially if they’re planning on visiting some of Brazil’s more remote regions.’

The video also features five-time Paralympic gold medal winning equestrian Sophie Christiansen and one of British shooting’s top prospects, Amber Hill.

FCO minister James Duddridge MP said: ‘We are expecting thousands of Britons to make the journey to Rio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we want all of them to have a great time. There are careful preparations being made by our staff in Brazil to make sure our athletes and visitors are well supported, and all of those travelling should make sure they also prepare properly.’

A preparation checklist is available from www.gov.uk/rio2016, including these tips:

1. Ensure that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, and that it covers you for all activities that you want to carry out while in Brazil. 
2. Book your Games tickets and accommodation as far in advance as possible and from authorized sellers. Demand for hotel rooms in Rio is likely to outstrip supply during the Games period. Event tickets will also sell out. Avoid buying or selling tickets on the secondary market. Ticket ‘touting’ is a criminal offence in Brazil. 
3. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Brazil. 
4. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. If you plan to travel outside of Rio, make sure you plan your journey carefully and book flights well in advance 
5. Check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel, especially if you plan to travel to more remote parts of the country. For advice see: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. 
6. Learn a bit of Portuguese, as English isn’t as widely spoken as you might expect. 

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Brit called Foreign Office to ask where to buy bacon abroad

BRITS ABROAD contacted the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) last year with bizarre questions, ranging from where to buy English bacon in Europe, how to hire a butler in Lebanon, and how to avoid nudists in Spain.

The FCO has released details of the 10 strangest calls as a reminder to the travelling public that it provides only an emergency service.

The calls included:

A man planning to move to Spain was worried he would encounter nudists walking through the streets

A homesick expat asking where he could buy English bacon

A lady in Lebanon looking for help to recruit an English butler

A European filmmaker looking for an English pensioner to play a part in his film

A woman who was disappointed by the British Embassy’s failure to send someone to give her a tour of St. Petersburg on her arrival in Russia

A British man asking for assistance to get illegal employment in Singapore

A confused businessman looking for information on the construction of plug sockets

A man in South Korea asking what he could do with his old pound notes

Almost half a million calls were made to the consular service last year and the FCO assisted with numerous cases, helping 3,250 Brits who were hospitalized, 4,770 who were arrested, and the families of 3,670 who died overseas.  Almost 38,000 replacement travel documents were issued.

Head of the FCO's Global Contact Centres, Kelvin Green said: ‘We receive thousands of calls a year, and do all we can to help people who find themselves in difficulty abroad. But we cannot help people make travel arrangements or lifestyle plans, lend them money, or pay medical and other bills for them. I would urge people to prepare well before they travel, making sure they have valid travel documents and insurance.’


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FCO launches public consultation on travel advice

BRITAIN’S Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is asking for feedback on its travel advice service.

The government department is inviting members of the public and the travel and tourism trade to give advice on how it can improve the clarity and accessibility in how it presents travel information, including security and safety advice.

‘Our aim is to provide objective and accurate information, and help British nationals distinguish between the different levels of risks involved in travel to, or within, a particular country,’ it said.

‘Our consultation seeks the views of British nationals on how we might best present information to help them make an informed decision about travel to foreign destinations. We want to know also where British travellers usually look for advice on foreign travel, and their view on the role that the UK government should play in advising on security in a given country.’


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Be prepared, football fans urged

ENGLISH, Welsh and Northern Ireland #football fans have been urged by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to plan ahead if they intending to travel to #France to watch #EuropeanCup games (June 10-July 10).

To help travelling fans, the FCO has compiled 11 Top Tournament Travel Tips as part of its ‘Be On The Ball’ campaign. They can be seen at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/be-on-the-ball-travel-checklist.

John Sykes, football liaison officer at the British Embassy in Paris, said: ‘Tickets or not, we’re expecting thousands and thousands of British supporters to make the short trip across the Channel, and we want all of them to have the best possible time – regardless of their team’s results! However, we expect the demand for accommodation to be high, and we encourage fans to think ahead, get their tactics right, and ensure they book all their accommodation and travel in advance.’

An FCO survey found that 57% of fans plan to travel without a ticket. Of those, 29% will try to purchase tickets at the ground, and 51% plan to go to designated fan zones to watch the games. The rest will head to bars and pubs (13%) or seek other alternative viewing options (7%).

It also found that almost three-quarters (73%) plan to buy comprehensive travel insurance, while two thirds (66%) have already booked accommodation – but a fifth (22%) of those surveyed do not plan to book somewhere to stay until they arrive in France.

Martin Redmond, from the FCO’s ‘Know Before You Go’ team, said: ‘Wherever they plan to be, it’s important that supporters make the right pre-tournament preparations, such as taking out comprehensive travel insurance, getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and ensuring their passport is valid.’

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Terrorist bombings hit Turkish tourism

#TURKEY specialist Elixir Holidays has ceased trading, describing recent bombings in the country as ‘the writing on the wall’, and all-inclusive resort operator Mark Warner has pulled out of Turkey after six years.

Elixir Holidays, based in London, had 309 people booked to travel. A company spokesman said: ‘The bombings have made people very nervous about committing to the country.’

Mark Warner is offering booked customers alternative resorts in Greece, Italy and France.

In a statement, the operator said it had decided that ‘the time is right to bring our current operations in Turkey to an end’.

It follows Thomas Cook's decision to cut capacity to Turkey by 29%. Tui recently reported its bookings to the destination were down by "about 40%" across its markets as sales to Turkey fall amid consumers' security concerns.

Managing director David Hopkins said: ‘Mark Warner has enjoyed a long and happy history of offering holidays to Turkey, but the time is right for us to leave for the time being. We certainly hope to return in the future.’

Turkey's president has vowed to continue its fight against terror attacks after a bomb blast in the country's capital Ankara killed at least 28 people and injured dozens more.

The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office urged British nationals to stay away from the area, warning of further attacks, possibly against Western tourists. ‘The majority of attacks are likely to continue to target the Turkish state. Nevertheless, it is likely that some attacks will also target Western interests and tourism.’

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Thomson scraps Tunisia summer programme

THOMSON has confirmed the cancellation of all of its Tunisian holidays for summer 2016. The operator is offering refunds to people with bookings to the North African country.

Thirty three of parent company Tui Group’s holidaymakers were killed in the beach terrorist attack near Sousse in June last year.

Thomson said: ‘As the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to advise against all but essential travel to #Tunisia, Thomson Airways can confirm the cancellation of further outbound flights from the UK to Tunisia, up to and including October 31. Customers affected by this will be able to change their holiday to any of our destinations currently on sale, without incurring an amendment fee, or receive a full refund.’

The operator is offering a £30 discount if the new holiday departs on or before October 31 provided it is booked by February 29.

The discount will apply regardless of whether the alternative holiday is cheaper or more expensive, the company said.

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Monarch extends Sharm el-Sheikh cancellation period

MONARCH has extended its Sharm el-Sheikh flight cancellation period from January 6 to January 24 as the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Transport Department continue to advise against all but essential air travel to the Egyptian holiday resort. 

‘Monarch has taken this proactive decision to allow our customers to make alternative holiday plans as soon as possible,’ said the company in a statement.

Customers affected by the change are entitled to change their booking to a later date or re-book to another destination in the Monarch network. Affected travellers can also request a refund or a credit note towards future travel. 

For customers looking for an alternative destination, Monarch has additional flights to mainland Spain, Faro, Gibraltar, and Tenerife.

Monarch continues to operate to the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Eilat, as well as Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Agadir, and Madeira this winter.

UK airlines and operators had to fly more than 16,500 holidaymakers home following the downing of the Russian Metrojet Airbus which killed all 224 people on board and subsequent security issues at the Red Sea resort airport.

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Morocco tourism push, but FCO has terrorism warning

A NEW website is spearheading a campaign designed to boost tourism to #Morocco. The site at visitmorocco.com has been unveiled as part of a tourism promotion push by the North African country which also involves print and online display advertising, events, and social media.

The #MuchMorocco campaign is targeting the UK, Ireland, US, and Canada. The website includes information on where to stay, attractions, the best places to eat, and links to practical details such as flights.

Amine Boughaleb, director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office in London, said: ‘Our aim with this campaign is to bring the essence of Morocco to holidaymakers. It is warm, vibrant, friendly, accessible, stylish … all qualities shared by Morocco as a country.

Britain’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office, however, warns currently of a ‘high threat from terrorism in Morocco’.

‘Attacks’ it says in its travel advisory, ‘could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. In April 2011, 17 people were killed and 25 injured in a large explosion in Marrakech. Protective security measures are in place at many Moroccan hotels and sites popular with tourists. Security measures, including security personnel, may be visible in certain areas.

‘The Moroccan authorities have warned of an increased threat linked to the growing number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to international terrorist organisations operating in Syria, Iraq, and Libya, and regularly report the disruption of terrorist cells.’

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FCO urges Brits to 'exercise caution' following Paris murders

A THREE-DAY period of mourning is under way in #France after a series of terrorist attacks in the country’s capital killed 129 people and injured hundreds.

Following the massacre, France’s government declared a state of emergency and Britain’s #Foreign&CommonwealthOffice (FCO) advised UK nationals to ‘exercise caution in public places’.

It added: ‘French authorities have heightened security measures due to a risk of further attacks. The advice of the Paris Police is currently to keep movement around town to a minimum. Systematic border control checks have been implemented at all entry points into France.’

Attractions and monuments, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, closed over the weekend, as did Disneyland Paris, which will remain closed until Wednesday.

Responding to the tragedy, a number of other travel companies issued statements and advice:

Airlines, Eurostar, and Disneyland Paris were all offering flexibility for customers booked to travel over the weekend.Flybe said it would continue to accommodate customers following the attacks and on Sunday issued a further statement that it was extending its flexibility for a further two days for those who wished to change their travel plans.The statement said: ‘Any customer who is booked to travel to Paris on Monday or Tuesday and who doesn’t wish to now do so may re-book a later date to any alternative destination or obtain a credit note for future travel.’

BMI Regional is also offering customers flying between Bristol and Paris the option to re-schedule or cancel future flights to the French capital.

Eurostar advised passengers to check in 60 minutes before departure. Security was increased across all departure points.

P&O Ferries: ‘We would like to re-assure all our customers that we maintain a safe, reliable, and secure service to/from France. Due to adverse weather conditions some services are subject to delay of up to 20 minutes. Please check in as normal.’

DFDS Seaways: ‘Please allow extra time for your journey and expect increased security checks, Dover-Dunkirk-Dover services are operating to the advertised schedule with space currently available. Dover-Calais-Dover services are operating with around 60 minutes delays due to weather conditions in the channel.’

Brittany Ferries: ‘At present, our ships continue to operate as normal. There may be some additional security checks but at present check-in times remain unchanged.’

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle: ‘Our service is operating as planned. However, due to reinforced border checks, customers travelling should allow extra time.’

easyJet: ‘Our schedule will operate as normal. However we would advise that all passengers due to fly with us check the status of their flights on our Flight Tracker page at www.easyjet.com/en/flight-trackerfor real-time information before going to the airport and to allow extra time for security checks due to the reinforced security measures in place. easyJet will continue to comply with all recommendations and guidance from the French authorities."

British Airways: ‘We continue to monitor the situation in Paris after attacks in the city on Friday.The French government has asked for extra security checks at all airports in the country, and this may lead to delays to flights from France.’

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Airport security review signalled by UK government

TRAVELLERS face the prospect of a further airport security clampdown amid growing suspicions that a bomb smuggled on board brought down a Russian aircraft over Egypt killing all 224 passengers and crew. 

Britain’s foreign secretary Philip Hammond said that security measures will have to be reviewed in areas where Islamic State militants are active if the crash is found to have been caused by a bomb.

His comments came as reports emerged over the weekend that a Thomson Airways flight with 189 passengers was forced to take evasive action after the pilot saw a rocket as it approached #Sharmel-Sheikh in August. According to the company, a Department for Transport investigation found it was probably a flare.

Flights which were delayed on Friday due to Sharm el-Sheikh airport’s inability to cope with new government restrictions imposed on hold luggage began operating over the weekend but many holidaymakers in the Red Sea resort face lengthy delays before they are repatriated.

While flights to the UK were limited, as many as 20 left for Russia on Saturday after Moscow followed the UK’s lead in advising against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Approximately 3,000 British holidaymakers returned on Friday and Saturday, with some 2,000 put on flights on Sunday.

But a government spokesman said: ‘With a limited number of flights able to leave Sharm el-Sheikh each day for the UK, it is likely that tour operators or airlines will advise some people to extend their stay at their resort. We understand that tour operators and airlines are working to ensure that where people need to extend their stay at their resort necessary, costs will be covered.

‘The additional security measures we have put in place have led to delays to flights, and we understand the frustration that has caused, but our top priority will continue to be the safety of British nationals returning to the UK.’

easyJet says it has 2,500 passengers still in Sharm el-Sheikh due to limitations on the number of aircraft allowed to operate from the airport. The airline faces a backlog of flights with delays of up to four days. 

Describing the situation as ‘becoming clearer, although no less difficult,’ easyJet told passengers stuck in Sharm el-Sheikh: ‘To help us to help you, we recommend you speak to your hotel and try and extend your stay for up to a further 4 days. We hope that most customers will not be delayed for more than that, but the situation remains fluid. Our plan is to bring home as many passengers every day as we can, and to prioritize those who have been delayed the longest. However, if the situation doesn’t change, this means that many customers may be delayed in Sharm el-Sheikh for between three to four days.’

All outbound holiday flights to Sharm el-Sheikh remain cancelled until this Thursday. 

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