British airways suspends flights to cairo on security grounds
PTI, Jul 22, 2019, 11:54 AM IST
British Airways said it had suspended flights to Cairo for seven days as a precautionary measure following a security review.
German carrier Lufthansa also said it was suspending flights to Cairo from Munich and Frankfurt just for Saturday without giving any reason. A Lufthansa spokesman said normal service should return on Sunday.
Egypt’s civil aviation ministry said it was “coordinating” with the British embassy in Cairo and the local BA representative and starting an extra Egypt Air flight to London every day to carry stranded passengers.
Some affected passengers posted pictures on social media appearing to show a letter handed out by BA with a similar message. A spokeswoman for the airline said it could not immediately offer more information about the suspensions.
In its travel advice for British nationals heading to Egypt, the Foreign Office in London warns: “There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation. Additional security measures are in place for flights departing from Egypt to the UK. You should co-operate fully with security officials at airports. Britain advises against all but essential travel by air to or from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai peninsula. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. Although most attacks occur in North Sinai, there is a risk of terrorist attacks across the country,” Britons were warned.
“Terrorists in Egypt likely maintain the intent and capability to target aviation. The greatest threat is on the Sinai peninsula where Daesh operate with greater freedom, but terrorists are active in mainland Egypt, including Cairo.” The Foreign Office warns that it “can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines”.
An estimated 415,000 British nationals visited Egypt in 2018. Britain cancelled flights to Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh in 2015 after jihadists bombed a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers from the Red Sea resort, killing more than 220 people on board.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
UK claims drastic drop in student dependents after visa crackdown
Pakistan blocks over half a million mobile SIM cards for non-compliance with tax returns
Chinese scientist who published Covid-19 virus sequence back in his lab
Harvey Weinstein to face new trial after NY rape conviction overturned
‘Regularly working’ with India in probe on alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist leader: US
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
BJP can’t remain with those who commit atrocities against women: Amit Shah on Prajwal Revanna
Nothing will be left for future if held private properties material resources of community: SC
Amit Shah holds road show in Haveri ahead of Karnataka’s 2nd phase Lok Sabha polls
‘Markets may extend rally this month on strong domestic eco, current govt’s potential re-election’
Hoax bomb threat: Delhi government issues advisory for schools