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Version 25 Version 26
Russia suspends Egypt flights amid reports flight recorders point to bomb attack – as it happened Russia suspends Egypt flights amid reports flight recorders point to bomb attack – as it happened
(30 days later)
10.07pm GMT10.07pm GMT
22:0722:07
9.06pm GMT9.06pm GMT
21:0621:06
Scottish holidaymakers stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh have started their journeys home. A Thomson Airways flight is due to land at Glasgow Airport shortly before midnight on Friday.Scottish holidaymakers stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh have started their journeys home. A Thomson Airways flight is due to land at Glasgow Airport shortly before midnight on Friday.
7.57pm GMT7.57pm GMT
19:5719:57
The US’ department of homeland security has announced new security measures, including tighter screening of items before they are brought on board aircraft bound for America. The country’s president Barack Obama said it was a “prudent response”.The US’ department of homeland security has announced new security measures, including tighter screening of items before they are brought on board aircraft bound for America. The country’s president Barack Obama said it was a “prudent response”.
7.18pm GMT7.18pm GMT
19:1819:18
The Guardian’s team of reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh, Moscow and London have put together a comprehensive roundup of the day’s news as Russian president Vladimir Putin suspends flights to Egypt and Britain tried to bring home its people stranded there.The Guardian’s team of reporters in Sharm el-Sheikh, Moscow and London have put together a comprehensive roundup of the day’s news as Russian president Vladimir Putin suspends flights to Egypt and Britain tried to bring home its people stranded there.
6.43pm GMT6.43pm GMT
18:4318:43
More than 20 flights, bringing home about 4,000 British tourists, were scheduled to leave Sharm el-Sheikh on Friday. Now, only eight will be flying back. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going where:More than 20 flights, bringing home about 4,000 British tourists, were scheduled to leave Sharm el-Sheikh on Friday. Now, only eight will be flying back. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going where:
6.23pm GMT6.23pm GMT
18:2318:23
The second of two easyJet flights returning holidaymakers to the UK has touched down at Luton. An earlier flight landed at Gatwick.The second of two easyJet flights returning holidaymakers to the UK has touched down at Luton. An earlier flight landed at Gatwick.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.27pm GMTat 6.27pm GMT
6.19pm GMT6.19pm GMT
18:1918:19
Flight recorders point to bomb attack - sourcesFlight recorders point to bomb attack - sources
However, AFP quotes sources close to the investigation as saying that evidence from the plane’s “black box” flight recorders “strongly favours” the theory that a bomb on board brought it down.However, AFP quotes sources close to the investigation as saying that evidence from the plane’s “black box” flight recorders “strongly favours” the theory that a bomb on board brought it down.
One of the black boxes recovered from the crash site shows that the plane suffered “a violent, sudden” end, a source tells the agency.One of the black boxes recovered from the crash site shows that the plane suffered “a violent, sudden” end, a source tells the agency.
The flight data recorder shows that “everything was normal during the flight, absolutely normal, and suddenly there was nothing”, it quotes an unnamed source as saying.The flight data recorder shows that “everything was normal during the flight, absolutely normal, and suddenly there was nothing”, it quotes an unnamed source as saying.
France 2 quotes an investigator (in French) with access to the flight recorders as saying that an explosion was distinctly audible and that it would not have resulted from an incidence of engine failure.France 2 quotes an investigator (in French) with access to the flight recorders as saying that an explosion was distinctly audible and that it would not have resulted from an incidence of engine failure.
French experts from Airbus are part of the investigating team.French experts from Airbus are part of the investigating team.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.25pm GMTat 8.25pm GMT
6.09pm GMT6.09pm GMT
18:0918:09
Alec LuhnAlec Luhn
Earlier reports had suggested that the Russian authorities no longer believed the cause of the crash to be mechanical.Earlier reports had suggested that the Russian authorities no longer believed the cause of the crash to be mechanical.
But, as Alec Luhn reports from Moscow, they are also keen to point out that the decision to suspend flights to Egypt “does not mean that a terrorist attack is the main suspected cause of the catastrophe”.But, as Alec Luhn reports from Moscow, they are also keen to point out that the decision to suspend flights to Egypt “does not mean that a terrorist attack is the main suspected cause of the catastrophe”.
He quotes presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying: “Of course, no single explanation can dominate because, as before, there are no clear indications in favour of this explanation.”He quotes presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying: “Of course, no single explanation can dominate because, as before, there are no clear indications in favour of this explanation.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.45pm GMTat 7.45pm GMT
5.44pm GMT5.44pm GMT
17:4417:44
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
Ben Quinn reports from Gatwick airport, where the first British tourists have arrived back in the UK, telling of a chaotic departure from Egypt.Ben Quinn reports from Gatwick airport, where the first British tourists have arrived back in the UK, telling of a chaotic departure from Egypt.
Once on board an Easyjet flight, a pilot announced: “Ladies and gentleman, you’ll be pleased to know that MI5 are on board.”Once on board an Easyjet flight, a pilot announced: “Ladies and gentleman, you’ll be pleased to know that MI5 are on board.”
It was too much for some, who broke down in tears outside Gatwick’s arrivals area. Among them was Emma Turner, who said her husband had been hit by other tourists, whom she believed to be Russian, amid scuffles to get through the departure area at Sharm.It was too much for some, who broke down in tears outside Gatwick’s arrivals area. Among them was Emma Turner, who said her husband had been hit by other tourists, whom she believed to be Russian, amid scuffles to get through the departure area at Sharm.
“We got hit twice in arrivals at Sharm going through security. They had one door open and we had children with us,” said Turner, who was preparing to make the journey back home to Kent.“We got hit twice in arrivals at Sharm going through security. They had one door open and we had children with us,” said Turner, who was preparing to make the journey back home to Kent.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.45pm GMTat 7.45pm GMT
5.22pm GMT5.22pm GMT
17:2217:22
At Gatwick. Pilot taking Brits back to UK said MI5 were on board. Tears and tales of scuffles with Russians at Sharm pic.twitter.com/UZ1yn8XaGCAt Gatwick. Pilot taking Brits back to UK said MI5 were on board. Tears and tales of scuffles with Russians at Sharm pic.twitter.com/UZ1yn8XaGC
4.40pm GMT4.40pm GMT
16:4016:40
EasyJet plane lands in UKEasyJet plane lands in UK
An easyJet plane carrying British tourists back from Sharm el-Sheikh has landed at Gatwick airport. It was the first UK-bound service to take off from Sharm since the ban on flights to and from the airport.An easyJet plane carrying British tourists back from Sharm el-Sheikh has landed at Gatwick airport. It was the first UK-bound service to take off from Sharm since the ban on flights to and from the airport.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.58pm GMTat 4.58pm GMT
4.20pm GMT4.20pm GMT
16:2016:20
Terry Wylde, 35, from Newham in east London, told the Guardian he was meant to be on the Thomas Cook flight to Gatwick that was cancelled.Terry Wylde, 35, from Newham in east London, told the Guardian he was meant to be on the Thomas Cook flight to Gatwick that was cancelled.
“So the latest news is that both return flights to Thomas cook flights to Gatwick have been cancelled,” he said.“So the latest news is that both return flights to Thomas cook flights to Gatwick have been cancelled,” he said.
“We were not informed by the tour rep it was only noticed by one of our group of six who checked on a plane scanning app, who realised that after our transfer did not arrive, two hours later. We then called the Thomas Cook helpline, who finally told us we will be delayed for a further 24 hours.“It’s very frustrating that no information is being passed on to us and it is the holiday makers that are having to do all the chasing.“We would be better riding a camel to Cairo at this rate!”“We were not informed by the tour rep it was only noticed by one of our group of six who checked on a plane scanning app, who realised that after our transfer did not arrive, two hours later. We then called the Thomas Cook helpline, who finally told us we will be delayed for a further 24 hours.“It’s very frustrating that no information is being passed on to us and it is the holiday makers that are having to do all the chasing.“We would be better riding a camel to Cairo at this rate!”
4.16pm GMT4.16pm GMT
16:1616:16
Thomson and Thomas Cook cancel flights from Sharm el-SheikhThomson and Thomas Cook cancel flights from Sharm el-Sheikh
Thomas Cook has said that of four return flights it expected to operate today, only one will be permitted to land in Sharm el-Sheikh.Thomas Cook has said that of four return flights it expected to operate today, only one will be permitted to land in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The operator said in a statement:The operator said in a statement:
As has been widely reported in the press, the Local Authorities have advised that there is a limited amount of departure ‘slots’ available today.As has been widely reported in the press, the Local Authorities have advised that there is a limited amount of departure ‘slots’ available today.
Therefore, of the four return flights we anticipated operating, only one will be permitted to land in Sharm el Sheikh.Therefore, of the four return flights we anticipated operating, only one will be permitted to land in Sharm el Sheikh.
The flight departing today, MT5816/7, will make a double-drop at Birmingham and East Midlands.The flight departing today, MT5816/7, will make a double-drop at Birmingham and East Midlands.
The three remaining flights due to operate today will no longer do so. Once slots are made available to Thomas Cook Airlines, they will depart for Sharm el Sheikh to bring our customers home.The three remaining flights due to operate today will no longer do so. Once slots are made available to Thomas Cook Airlines, they will depart for Sharm el Sheikh to bring our customers home.
Two flights to London Gatwick, and one to Manchester, have been cancelled.Two flights to London Gatwick, and one to Manchester, have been cancelled.
Thomson has confirmed it will also have to cancel flights today, but flights to Glasgow and Gatwick will go ahead this evening.Thomson has confirmed it will also have to cancel flights today, but flights to Glasgow and Gatwick will go ahead this evening.
Here’s the statement:Here’s the statement:
We can now confirm that due to a last minute change in Egyptian government restrictions we can only operate two flights from Sharm el Sheikh to the UK today.We can now confirm that due to a last minute change in Egyptian government restrictions we can only operate two flights from Sharm el Sheikh to the UK today.
Customers travelling on TOM733 to Glasgow and TOM397 to Gatwick are expected to depart later today.Customers travelling on TOM733 to Glasgow and TOM397 to Gatwick are expected to depart later today.
We continue to work with the UK Government to try and finalise our flying programme for the weekend and we will update accordingly when further information becomes available.We continue to work with the UK Government to try and finalise our flying programme for the weekend and we will update accordingly when further information becomes available.
All other customers remain in their hotels on the same board basis and our experienced resort team is keeping them up to date on the latest developments. Our UK team continues to liaise with the Government and the Egyptian authorities to try and resolve this fluid and continually evolving situation.All other customers remain in their hotels on the same board basis and our experienced resort team is keeping them up to date on the latest developments. Our UK team continues to liaise with the Government and the Egyptian authorities to try and resolve this fluid and continually evolving situation.
4.09pm GMT4.09pm GMT
16:0916:09
Monarch - only two of five flights will be allowed to leave Sharm el-SheikhMonarch - only two of five flights will be allowed to leave Sharm el-Sheikh
Monarch has said that only two of five flights it intended to fly today from Sharm el-Sheikh to the UK will be permitted by the Egyptian authorities.Monarch has said that only two of five flights it intended to fly today from Sharm el-Sheikh to the UK will be permitted by the Egyptian authorities.
IMPORTANT UPDATE for all customers travelling to and from Sharm el-Sheikh: https://t.co/Le6vQjp2SJIMPORTANT UPDATE for all customers travelling to and from Sharm el-Sheikh: https://t.co/Le6vQjp2SJ
Here’s the statement from the operator:Here’s the statement from the operator:
Four of Monarch’s five flights from the UK have now landed at Sharm El Sheikh airport. The fifth flight has been diverted to Larnaca [in Cyprus].Four of Monarch’s five flights from the UK have now landed at Sharm El Sheikh airport. The fifth flight has been diverted to Larnaca [in Cyprus].
Our current understanding is that we will be permitted by the authorities to allow two aircraft to depart today back to the UK.Our current understanding is that we will be permitted by the authorities to allow two aircraft to depart today back to the UK.
Monarch flights ZB097 will operate to London Gatwick and ZB475 to Birmingham airport.Monarch flights ZB097 will operate to London Gatwick and ZB475 to Birmingham airport.
Monarch is working continuously with Department of Transport and the Egyptian authorities to get customers back to the UK as quickly as possible.Monarch is working continuously with Department of Transport and the Egyptian authorities to get customers back to the UK as quickly as possible.
We recognise this is a very frustrating situation and apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers.We recognise this is a very frustrating situation and apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.10pm GMTat 4.10pm GMT
4.07pm GMT4.07pm GMT
16:0716:07
Reuters now has more from intelligence sources on the “chatter” picked up by US and UK spies.Reuters now has more from intelligence sources on the “chatter” picked up by US and UK spies.
The intelligence sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said the evidence was not categorical and that there is still no hard forensic or scientific evidence to support the bomb theory.The intelligence sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said the evidence was not categorical and that there is still no hard forensic or scientific evidence to support the bomb theory.
“We still cannot be categorical but there is a distinct and credible possibility that there was a bomb,” one source said.“We still cannot be categorical but there is a distinct and credible possibility that there was a bomb,” one source said.
Two sources with knowledge of the matter said the bomb may have been hidden in luggage in the hold of the Russian plane. They refused to give any further information.Two sources with knowledge of the matter said the bomb may have been hidden in luggage in the hold of the Russian plane. They refused to give any further information.
A US official said the “chatter” intercepted about the bomb includes conflicting details about whether the bomb was placed on the plane.A US official said the “chatter” intercepted about the bomb includes conflicting details about whether the bomb was placed on the plane.
Russia, which was initially critical of Britain’s assessment of what it has called a crash, on Friday suspended all flights to Egypt.Russia, which was initially critical of Britain’s assessment of what it has called a crash, on Friday suspended all flights to Egypt.
Cameron’s spokesman declined to be drawn on details.Cameron’s spokesman declined to be drawn on details.
“The evidence we received suggested there was a credible threat with regard to Sharm al-Sheikh airport which is why we have taken the actions we have.”“The evidence we received suggested there was a credible threat with regard to Sharm al-Sheikh airport which is why we have taken the actions we have.”
“I am not going to get into discussions on security matters. I am not going to speculate on the intelligence.”“I am not going to get into discussions on security matters. I am not going to speculate on the intelligence.”
3.59pm GMT3.59pm GMT
15:5915:59
Britain facing "hugely complex operation" in bringing home citizens - Number 10Britain facing "hugely complex operation" in bringing home citizens - Number 10
Britain is facing a “hugely complex operation” in bringing home its citizens from Sharm el-Sheikh, Number 10 has warned after the latest emergency Cobra meeting.Britain is facing a “hugely complex operation” in bringing home its citizens from Sharm el-Sheikh, Number 10 has warned after the latest emergency Cobra meeting.
With a distinctively cautious tone, an update following the specially-convened meeting suggests holidaymakers in the Egyptian resort may have a long wait to return home.With a distinctively cautious tone, an update following the specially-convened meeting suggests holidaymakers in the Egyptian resort may have a long wait to return home.
Amid confusion over the response to bring Britons home, a spokeswoman for the PM warned the “sheer scale of the task... poses a number of logistical complexities”.Amid confusion over the response to bring Britons home, a spokeswoman for the PM warned the “sheer scale of the task... poses a number of logistical complexities”.
Here is the full-statement:Here is the full-statement:
The deputy national security adviser chaired a meeting of COBR earlier today to review the situation at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.The deputy national security adviser chaired a meeting of COBR earlier today to review the situation at Sharm el-Sheikh airport.
COBR was given an update on the operation to return British citizens to the UK.COBR was given an update on the operation to return British citizens to the UK.
This is a hugely complex operation. We continue to work closely with both the Egyptian authorities and the airline carriers to get people safely home as quickly as possible. But the sheer scale of the task poses a number of logistical complexities.This is a hugely complex operation. We continue to work closely with both the Egyptian authorities and the airline carriers to get people safely home as quickly as possible. But the sheer scale of the task poses a number of logistical complexities.
Our aim remains to bring holidaymakers back to the UK as soon as possible. We are working with airlines to ensure passengers get the message not to make the journey to Sharm airport until airlines have absolute confirmation that they will be able to travel.Our aim remains to bring holidaymakers back to the UK as soon as possible. We are working with airlines to ensure passengers get the message not to make the journey to Sharm airport until airlines have absolute confirmation that they will be able to travel.
Our first priority remains the safety and well-being of British travellers. We are doing all we can to speed up their return and communicate developments clearly as they happen.Our first priority remains the safety and well-being of British travellers. We are doing all we can to speed up their return and communicate developments clearly as they happen.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.01pm GMTat 4.01pm GMT
3.55pm GMT
15:55
US - Intelligence 'chatter' supports bomb theory
Intercepted intelligence “chatter” supports the theory that a bomb brought down the Russian jet, US officials told Reuters on Friday.
Officials on both sides of the Atlantic have been stressing that there remains no conclusive forensic evidence that the plane was brought down by a bomb.
President Obama will make a statement at 11.45am EST (4.45pm UK time), the White House said. He will first meet Secretary of State John Kerry for closed-door talks and then speak to the media with Kerry and vice president Joe Biden. The statement is probably about the Keystone XL pipeline, however, not Egypt.
Updated
at 4.02pm GMT
3.34pm GMT
15:34
James Ormerod and his girlfriend Natalie decided to spend their last night in Egypt not stressing over travel arrangements, but by getting engaged in their resort, Press Association reports.
Ormerod admitted there was “a lot of confusion at our hotel surrounding transfers and security procedures at the airport”, but said he never had any doubt he would propose to Natalie, his girlfriend of five years. He asked the question after dinner last night on a jetty leading out to sea.
“I had planned the proposal for around a week leading up to our departure,” he said. “I knew that Sharm was a special place for us.”
The couple are staying in the Xperience Sea Breeze resort, just six miles from the airport where thousands of British holidaymakers remain in confusion over whether they will be able to return to the UK.
“We have never felt in danger in Egypt,” said Ormerod, a creative designer from north-west England. “But the more you research the apparent presence of IS and its relative closeness to the resort you cannot help but wonder ‘what if?’
“That was something Natalie was worried about in the weeks leading up to travelling, slightly more so as the Russian plane was downed the morning we flew out.”
The couple have been told they are not allowed to take luggage in the hold on their journey back next week.
Ormerod added: “We have been informed that no hold luggage will be sent on our flight and furthermore no indication of how we will get it. We have been told to put a label on our hold luggage inside and out, which when you have 20,000 passengers is not a suitable solution.
“When it comes to flying back, security will be higher than ever hopefully, but you would be foolish not to be more alert of your surroundings and expect the unexpected.
“But we have been to Sharm before and it is a place that we will always love and we will certainly be back in the near future.”
Updated
at 3.34pm GMT
3.16pm GMT
15:16
Two more flights, this time from Thomson, also appear to be diverting to Cyprus, according to flight trackers.
Two Thomson flights diverting to Cyprus. Reports of SSH airport over capacity. pic.twitter.com/tu5VrehOat
3.09pm GMT
15:09
A Thomas Cook flight from Manchester which was due to land at Sharm el-Sheikh this evening appears to have been turned around in Albanian airspace.
LIVE Thomas Cook flight to Sharm el Sheikh is turning around. Track: https://t.co/nimcSB9JZs pic.twitter.com/DwsglXPGeU
Thomas Cook plane has turned back and not heading for SSH any more. https://t.co/Jw2eNJdMhi pic.twitter.com/DNEFDPLPu5
Earlier today, Thomas Cook had said five flights were due to depart from Sharm el-Sheikh. The Manchester flight was due to depart back to the UK at 19.10 this evening.
No passengers are believed to be on this outbound flight, and Thomas Cook has cancelled its flight and holiday programme to Sharm el Sheikh up to and including Thursday 12 November 2015.
“We have not received any instructions to change our existing plans, and these are expected to operate as planned, albeit empty on the outbound legs,” a spokesman said this morning.
We’re trying to find out what is going on from the Thomas Cook press office, but no confirmation as yet.
Updated
at 3.12pm GMT
2.53pm GMT
14:53
Russia has u-turned on its decision to suspend flying certificates for Boeing 737s, in a further hint that it no longer believes the fault for the Sinai plane crash was mechanical, Reuters reports.
Nataliya Fileva, co-owner of Russia’s S7 Airlines, who took part in a meeting of officials in Moscow on Friday, told reporters Russia’s airline regulator had recalled its advice.
On Thursday it had suspended flying certificates for Boeing 737s currently in use in the country until it received advice that the planes were safe to fly. Its decision did not stop any flights.
Updated
at 3.05pm GMT
2.50pm GMT
14:50
There are currently 45,000 Russian tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers, according to Oleg Safonov, the head of Russia’s state tourism agency, quoted by the TASS news agency.
The numbers of Russian tourists currently in the Red Sea resort bring home how devastating Putin’s decision will be for the Egyptian economy. Up to a third of all visitors are Russian.
Russia canceling flights is a disaster for #Sharm. Majority of passengers are Brits and Russians.
#Putin suspends all flights from #Russia to #Egypt, the most popular tourist destination for Russians. Huge, damaging move. #SinaiCrash
Updated
at 2.53pm GMT
2.42pm GMT
14:42
Defence secretary meets with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
UK defence secretary Michael Fallon has met with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss terrorism and countering extremism in light of the Sinai air crash.
Fallon offered further support to Egypt’s training capabilities, including having discussions around electronic counter measure and detection equipment. The UK provided counter-explosive device training to Egyptian officers earlier this year.
The Ministry of Defence also said Britain plans to form a small military operations team in Egypt to better understand Libyan, and regional, security issues.
In a statement released through the Ministry of Defence, Fallon said:
Our partnership with regional allies is vital as we work together to defeat the evil terrorism inspired and direct by terrorist organisations such as ISIL. The UK is committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Egypt as we fight for a more secure future for the Middle East.
2.30pm GMT
14:30
Vladimir Putin’s decision to suspend flights to Egypt marks a significant U-turn by the Russian premier.
The UK prime minister, David Cameron, and Putin held a conference call on Thursday, during which Putin expressed frustration with the UK’s decision to suspend flights to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Putin was said by the PM’s spokesman to have underlined that he thought countries should wait for the investigation into the cause of the Sinai crash to be completed.
But after meeting with security officials on Friday Putin dramatically reversed his position and decided to suspend all Russian flights to Egypt, where there are currently 45,000 Russians.
It is worth repeating security analyst Tim Williams’s take on why Putin and Russia took their initial position of being frustrated at UK moves to suspend flights and raising fears a bomb was the cause. He said:
There was a mixed reaction at home in terms of his initial decision to go into Syria, and it was seemingly the case that the Kremlin saw it as a relatively short-term measure. The longer it goes on, the more Russia could be drawn into that conflict, the more risk there will be embarrassing attacks.
All of that risks playing badly at home in the long-term for Putin, and he is walking a rather thin line right now, to try to be seen to be tough, to respond, but also not to be drawn too far into this fight.
Updated
at 2.33pm GMT
2.19pm GMT
14:19
Here’s more on Putin’s decision to suspend Russian flights to Egypt. His press-secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that flights would be suspended until the causes of the A321 plane crash were established.
He said the director of the federal security service FSB Aleksandr Bortnikov briefed the president on these recommendations after an Interstate Aviation Committee meeting.
He is quoted in reports as saying:
The head of state agreed with these recommendations. Putin has instructed the government to look into the mechanisms of implementing these IAC recommendations and ensure the return home of Russian citizens.
2.05pm GMT
14:05
Russian president Vladimir Putin agrees to suspend Russian flights to Egypt - reports
Vladimir Putin has agreed to suspend Russian flights to Egypt, according to Reuters.
Putin’s intervention comes after the head of the Russian security service, the FSB, recommended suspending Russian flights to the country until the cause of the Metrojet crash was confirmed.