Egypt: First Sharm el-Sheikh flight touches down – but is everything as safe as it seems?

British travel operators were given the green light to return to Sharm el-Sheik after six years of no flights. Yesterday, the first of these return journeys touched down in the holiday hotspot.

TUI announced it would resume flights las year, followed swiftly by easyJet.

Despite this, though the government has lifted the travel ban, recent news reports have shed light on turbulence in the region that has not completely gone away.

Could these local problems affect tourists?

For the most part, the FCO says that Egypt – and particularly holiday resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh- are safe for flights and tourists to return to.

However, following turbulence just months ago between the US and Iran, the FCO issued warnings for surrounding countries where locals and visitors could be caught in the line of fire.

The FCO retains the notice on its website to date, saying: “Following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, the incident has led to increased tensions in the region.

“There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests and the security situation could worsen with little warning.

“You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media.”

There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas), when terrorist groups have sometimes called for attacks,” states the FCO.

“Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends. Terrorists have attacked tourists in Egypt in the past.

“There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks targeting Coptic Christians from extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai in Egypt.”

It is important to remember, though, that multiple nations across the world experience some level of turbulence, and the FCO would not encourage the return of flights if they did not think it was safe.

Sharm el-Sheikh provides reliable sun, toasty temperatures and beautiful blue seaside perfect a dream holiday.

These things can still be enjoyed whilst taking into account and following the safety recommendations of the FCO and local authorities.

Other hotspots in the country include Soma Bay and Hurghada.

source: express.co.uk