Press release

Sharm el-Sheikh: government statement 7 November 2015

A government spokesperson made a statement providing advice for British people in Sharm el-Sheikh.

A government spokesperson said:

Following the earlier suspension of flights from Sharm el-Sheikh airport, we continue intensive work to allow UK nationals to return to the UK in the coming days. Around 1,500 people returned to the UK yesterday and we expect similar numbers to return today.

We are working closely with the Egyptian authorities, UK airlines and tour operators to have passengers on flights and returned to the UK as soon as possible. We are grateful to all parties for the work they are doing in this difficult situation, in particular the airlines and operators for their efforts on behalf of their customers.

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.

It is important that people stay at their resort until they have confirmation from their airline or tour operator that they are on a flight back to the UK and that they follow their airline’s advice on the appropriate arrival time at the airport.

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.

Please continue to liaise with your airline and travel operator over the coming days. The situation remains fluid.

Any British nationals requiring assistance, over and above that being provided by their airline and tour operators, can call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 020 7008 0000.

Published 7 November 2015