Travel industry contingency plans for Egypt are likely to be triggered as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its travel advice “against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez”.
The measure came amid growing violence and political unrest across the country but does not cover popular Red Sea winter sun destinations.
The FCO said: “We are in close contact with Abta in the UK and tour operators and airlines in Egypt. We continue to advise British nationals to stay in close touch with their tour operator if they have one.”
Foreign secretary William Hague announced the travel advice change last night amid the growing anti-government demonstrations in Egypt.
He said: “The safety of British nationals is absolutely paramount.
“In light of the ongoing demonstrations in Egypt we have carefully reviewed our advice and now advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.
“This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, and it does not cover Egypt’s Red Sea resorts.”
The FCO cautioned all travellers to follow the news on TV and radio and not go out in central Cairo or other areas where demonstrations are taking place.
They should also abide by a nationwide curfew from 1800 to 0700 Egypt time.
“We are not, at present, advising British nationals to leave the country,” the FCO said.
“Our embassy and consulates general stands ready to provide consular assistance and we are sending a rapid deployment team to Cairo to provide additional support as soon as possible.”
An Abta spokesman said: “The vast majority of British holidaymakers in Egypt are based in resorts in the Red Sea area, for example Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
“This is a very considerable distance from the affected areas and these resorts remain unaffected. Any tourists based in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor or Suez should liaise with their tour operator or airline regarding their holiday arrangements.”
Thomas Cook said it had cancelled all excursions to Cairo from Red Sea resorts up to and including Wednesday (February 2).
Meanwhile, around 50 Britons were forced to spend the night in hotels after an Egypt-bound aircraft was forced to make an unscheduled landing when a note containing a bomb threat was apparently found on board.
The EgyptAir jet from Heathrow was carrying 251 passengers when it landed at Athens airport, officials said.
The request to land was made by the pilot the flight to Cairo. Police were checking the plane for explosives but it is not known if any were found, the Press Association reported.