Tui Travel has insisted that Red Sea resorts including Sharm el Sheikh remain safe for visitors and are continuing to fly holidaymakers out there.
British travellers in Egypt are being urged to stay in touch with their tour operators as a mass anti-government demonstration of one million people is due to be staged in Cairo today (Tuesday).
Smaller protests are expected in other major cities around Egypt, according to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, although the situation in the Red Sea region was described as “calm”.
There has been some implied criticism in the UK press about holiday companies continuing to sell cheap deals to Egypt but operators point out that the region is geographically separated from the places where the protests have been concentrated.
“Sharm is safe and we are flying people there today and tomorrow and we are still selling it,” said Christian Cull Tui’s communications director at a Cimtig debate last night.
“I am confident the situation is safe in Sharm. We can’t be complacent because this is a fluid situation. If it was the wrong thing to do, we wouldn’t do it.”
A Thomson ship scheduled to call in Cairo has had an extra day in Sharm and will be diverted to Eilat. “People don’t want to fly home, they want to enjoy their holiday,” he said.
Cull said media reports about the trouble in Egypt had been fair and reflected the distance between Cairo and the Red Sea resorts.
The FCO has updated its advice on Cairo airport saying that while it is open, it has been operating under “considerable difficulties”.
“Flights are operating, but are subject to delays or cancellation,” the FCO warned. “British nationals should observe instructions and advice by local security authorities and avoid public gatherings and disturbances.
“If you are in other areas of Egypt where there have been disturbances, we recommend you follow the advice below and stay indoors wherever possible. According to latest information, the Red Sea Resorts, including Sharm el Sheikh, remain calm.
“However, the situation across Egypt is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should stay in touch with your tour operator.”
The FCO said it continued to advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez.
“We recommend that British nationals without a pressing need to be in Cairo, Alexandria or Suez leave by commercial means, where it is safe to do so.
“This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other international destinations, although there is disruption to flight schedules. However, you should check with your airline before travelling.
“We advise against non-essential travel to Luxor. Essential transit by road between the port and airport in Luxor can take place during daylight hours.”