Opinion: Stop the buck-passing over Sharm

Derek Moore, chairman of Aito, calls on the British government to make a decision over the resumption of flights to the Egyptian destination

One of the great things about WTM is the chance to catch up on the gossip.

 

One conversation turned to Sharm, and why the UK Government will not allow UK airlines to resume flights there.

 

Of course, safety is paramount, and clearly there were things to fix before we could return. However, it was disappointing to hear (yet again – it seems to be a common rumour) that the reason clearance to return is not being given is not because there is anything else to fix.

 

Apparently, it's because no-one will take the risk of signing it off because, if there is another incident, they will carry the can.

 

This rumour may or may not be accurate, but it is certainly gaining credence. When no-one is willing to say what still needs to be fixed – and, indeed, there's a general refusal to answer the question – it all adds weight to the story.

 

It's a great shame if government buck-passing reminiscent of ‘Yes Minister' is depriving our airlines and tour operators of business – and, importantly, is also depriving local people and their hotelier employers of income from British holidaymakers.

 

At least traffic from all the other countries which have already returned to Sharm will be helping to sustain the hotels and local people.

 

Meanwhile, there is always the option of flying via Paris or Amsterdam; by so doing, you at least save on APD. Every cloud has a silver lining.