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EasyJet says Egyptian authorities have suspended 'rescue flights' – live EasyJet says Egyptian authorities have suspended 'rescue flights' – live
(35 minutes later)
11.08am GMT11:08
Peter Beaumont
The Guardian’s correspondent in Sharm el-Sheikh Peter Beaumont has more on the dramatic scenes at the airport as holidaymakers confronted the British ambassador.
The British government’s attempts to ensure the evacuation of stranded British holidaymakers descended into chaos as senior British officials were contradicted by easyJet over claims Egypt was blocking rescue flights.
While two easyJet flights in Sharm el-Sheikh were boarding on Friday morning, other passengers at the airport were sent back to their hotels, amid claims by easyJet representatives that Egyptian authorities had prevented fresh flights arriving.
In extraordinary scenes, Britain’s ambassador John Casson was heckled by irate passengers who shouted: “What is the problem and when can we go home?”
Going to speak to passengers afterwards, Casson was challenged by Carla Dublin, travelling with her two teenage daughters.
“We were told we were leaving today. Now we are being told the Egyptian government is arguing with David Cameron about allowing in flights,” she said.
As the ambassador, clearly flustered, attempted to answer she demanded: “Why are you stuttering?”
Updated at 11.12am GMT
11.00am GMT11:00
Easyjet says the situation on the ground is “fluid” - which is one way of putting it.
It does indicate again however, as my colleague Gwyn Topham said earlier, that the problems are about coping the extra number of emergency flights, not in response to a security threat.
The company has now put out an updated statement confirming some UK flights will depart today, two of them easyJet.
The situation for UK flights in Sharm el Sheikh remains fluid. We are being advised that the Egyptian authorities will allow a restricted number of UK flights from Sharm el Sheikh today, two of which are easyJet flights.
Updated at 11.02am GMT
10.45am GMT10:45
British ambassador to Egypt John Casson has been speaking to reporters in Cairo. We’ll have more from him soon, but it seems he’s had a hostile reception from exasperated tourists.
UK Ambassador to Egypt John Casson heckled by holiday makers at #Sharm El Sheikh airport. Told BBC 2 easy jet flights being boarded now
"Why are you talking to the press and not the people stuck here?" shouts one exasperated Brit at Sharm airport as ambassador walks away.
@easyJet says flights to UK from #Sharm suspended but British ambassador here says no cancellations, "working through logistical issues"
10.39am GMT10:3910.39am GMT10:39
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
Other airlines whose planes are departing from the UK today, including British Airways and Monarch, say they are operating as planned.Other airlines whose planes are departing from the UK today, including British Airways and Monarch, say they are operating as planned.
Monarch will be flying five planes out - including three “rescue” flight” - and BA’s one scheduled flight in and out of Sharm is going ahead. This is the fully updated help page from Monarch.Monarch will be flying five planes out - including three “rescue” flight” - and BA’s one scheduled flight in and out of Sharm is going ahead. This is the fully updated help page from Monarch.
Our flights are currently on the way to Sharm. We expect all our aircraft to depart as planned later today https://t.co/Le6vQjp2SJOur flights are currently on the way to Sharm. We expect all our aircraft to depart as planned later today https://t.co/Le6vQjp2SJ
That suggests that the Egyptian issues with the EasyJet flights are more of a operational nature than any specific threat, as the airport tries to cope with an influx of extra flights on a busy day, as well as additional security procedures.That suggests that the Egyptian issues with the EasyJet flights are more of a operational nature than any specific threat, as the airport tries to cope with an influx of extra flights on a busy day, as well as additional security procedures.
Monarch will be turning around their planes at Sharm at a quieter period of the day, later on Friday afternoon. EasyJet was planning to operate eight more flights than scheduled.Monarch will be turning around their planes at Sharm at a quieter period of the day, later on Friday afternoon. EasyJet was planning to operate eight more flights than scheduled.
10.35am GMT10:3510.35am GMT10:35
Easyjet has also issued advice for passengers travelling in the next couple of days from Sharm el-Sheikh, saying they should prepare to remain in the resort.Easyjet has also issued advice for passengers travelling in the next couple of days from Sharm el-Sheikh, saying they should prepare to remain in the resort.
Their newly updated help page is here.Their newly updated help page is here.
We understand this is extremely frustrating, but we are asking customers to stay in their hotels and if they are currently planned to be checked out in the next 48 hours, to try and extend their stay for an additional 2 days.We understand this is extremely frustrating, but we are asking customers to stay in their hotels and if they are currently planned to be checked out in the next 48 hours, to try and extend their stay for an additional 2 days.
Please be assured that easyJet will cover the costs of additional accommodation and reasonable expenses.Please be assured that easyJet will cover the costs of additional accommodation and reasonable expenses.
We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. While this is outside of our control, we apologise and would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information. While this is outside of our control, we apologise and would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.
10.23am GMT10:2310.23am GMT10:23
EasyJet has put out yet another statement, which also lists which of its scheduled ten flights for today will fly from Sharm el-Sheikh, and which will not:EasyJet has put out yet another statement, which also lists which of its scheduled ten flights for today will fly from Sharm el-Sheikh, and which will not:
Two flights will be departing from Sharm el Sheikh shortly which are as follows:Two flights will be departing from Sharm el Sheikh shortly which are as follows:
EZY9398 Sharm el Sheikh to London LutonEZY9398 Sharm el Sheikh to London Luton
EZY9854 Sharm el Sheikh to London GatwickEZY9854 Sharm el Sheikh to London Gatwick
This means that we will get 339 passengers home today. Unfortunately the following flights which will no longer operate today are as follows:This means that we will get 339 passengers home today. Unfortunately the following flights which will no longer operate today are as follows:
EZY9555 Sharm el Sheikh to London LutonEZY9555 Sharm el Sheikh to London Luton
EZY9444 Sharm el Sheikh to London GatwickEZY9444 Sharm el Sheikh to London Gatwick
EZY9333 - Sharm el Sheikh to London LutonEZY9333 - Sharm el Sheikh to London Luton
EZY9111 - Sharm el Sheikh to London GatwickEZY9111 - Sharm el Sheikh to London Gatwick
EZY9222 - Sharm el Sheikh to Milan MalpensaEZY9222 - Sharm el Sheikh to Milan Malpensa
EZY9666 - Sharm el Sheikh to London StanstedEZY9666 - Sharm el Sheikh to London Stansted
EZY2398 Sharm el Sheikh to London LutonEZY2398 Sharm el Sheikh to London Luton
EZY8854 Sharm el Sheikh to London GatwickEZY8854 Sharm el Sheikh to London Gatwick
Updated at 10.34am GMTUpdated at 10.34am GMT
10.14am GMT10:1410.14am GMT10:14
Gwyn TophamGwyn Topham
Our transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham, has been told that two EasyJet planes already on the tarmac at Sharm el-Sheikh airport and almost ready to go will be allowed to leave after all. These are flights 9398 bound to Gatwick, and flight 9854 to Luton.Our transport correspondent, Gwyn Topham, has been told that two EasyJet planes already on the tarmac at Sharm el-Sheikh airport and almost ready to go will be allowed to leave after all. These are flights 9398 bound to Gatwick, and flight 9854 to Luton.
10.07am GMT10:0710.07am GMT10:07
Peter BeaumontPeter Beaumont
The response to this news is as expected, reports by colleague, Peter Beaumont, from the airport:The response to this news is as expected, reports by colleague, Peter Beaumont, from the airport:
Passengers were through to the gates at the airport and due to board when they received a text message from the airline telling them the flights were cancelled. Visibly upset, they went back through the airport and onto coaches to take them back to their hotels.Passengers were through to the gates at the airport and due to board when they received a text message from the airline telling them the flights were cancelled. Visibly upset, they went back through the airport and onto coaches to take them back to their hotels.
10.05am GMT10:0510.05am GMT10:05
EasyJet has put a slightly more detailed statement on its website:EasyJet has put a slightly more detailed statement on its website:
The situation in Sharm el-Sheikh has changed and rescue plans that were put in place yesterday have been suspended by the Egyptian authorities. Discussions are currently on-going at the highest political level to resolve this situation.The situation in Sharm el-Sheikh has changed and rescue plans that were put in place yesterday have been suspended by the Egyptian authorities. Discussions are currently on-going at the highest political level to resolve this situation.
We are very sorry and understand that this is extremely frustrating for you – unfortunately the situation is outside of easyJet’s control. Please stay or make your way back to the hotel you have been staying in, and be assured we will pick up the cost of this. As soon as we have more information, we will update you via this website and our Flight Tracker.We are very sorry and understand that this is extremely frustrating for you – unfortunately the situation is outside of easyJet’s control. Please stay or make your way back to the hotel you have been staying in, and be assured we will pick up the cost of this. As soon as we have more information, we will update you via this website and our Flight Tracker.
10.01am GMT10:0110.01am GMT10:01
Amid the aftermath of Saturday’s loss of the plane, Russia does not appear to be letting up in its bombing campaign within Syria, ostensibly aimed as Islamic State-related targets. This from Reuters:Amid the aftermath of Saturday’s loss of the plane, Russia does not appear to be letting up in its bombing campaign within Syria, ostensibly aimed as Islamic State-related targets. This from Reuters:
Air strikes by Russian warplanes on the Islamic State-held Syrian city of Raqqa killed 42 people earlier this week, including 27 civilians, monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday.Air strikes by Russian warplanes on the Islamic State-held Syrian city of Raqqa killed 42 people earlier this week, including 27 civilians, monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday.
Fifteen Islamic State fighters made up the remainder of the death toll, the Britain-based Observatory said, after a series of strikes on Tuesday that hit the group’s Syrian stronghold.Fifteen Islamic State fighters made up the remainder of the death toll, the Britain-based Observatory said, after a series of strikes on Tuesday that hit the group’s Syrian stronghold.
9.50am GMT09:509.50am GMT09:50
EasyJet says today's flights "suspended by Egyptian authorities"EasyJet says today's flights "suspended by Egyptian authorities"
Despite the UK government reassurances of Egyptian cooperation, EasyJet says its flights to remove tourists from Sharm el-Sheikh today have been suspended by authorities there. At the top of the airline’s website a statement says:Despite the UK government reassurances of Egyptian cooperation, EasyJet says its flights to remove tourists from Sharm el-Sheikh today have been suspended by authorities there. At the top of the airline’s website a statement says:
We’re sorry to inform passengers that our rescue plans that were put in place yesterday have been suspended by the Egyptian authorities.We’re sorry to inform passengers that our rescue plans that were put in place yesterday have been suspended by the Egyptian authorities.
Discussions are currently on-going at the highest political level to resolve this situation. We are very sorry and understand that this is extremely frustrating for our passengers - unfortunately the situation is outside of easyJet’s control.Discussions are currently on-going at the highest political level to resolve this situation. We are very sorry and understand that this is extremely frustrating for our passengers - unfortunately the situation is outside of easyJet’s control.
Updated at 9.57am GMTUpdated at 9.57am GMT
9.40am GMT09:409.40am GMT09:40
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
There have been some rumours that British planes heading to Sharm el-Sheikh were not being allowed to land by Egyptian authorities. This doesn’t seem to be true, says my colleague Andrew Sparrow.There have been some rumours that British planes heading to Sharm el-Sheikh were not being allowed to land by Egyptian authorities. This doesn’t seem to be true, says my colleague Andrew Sparrow.
In London a senior government source rejected claims that the Egyptian authorities were being uncooperative at Sharm el-Sheikh, and the British planes being sent to pick up holidaymakers were being denied permission to land. The problems were just down to numbers, the source said.In London a senior government source rejected claims that the Egyptian authorities were being uncooperative at Sharm el-Sheikh, and the British planes being sent to pick up holidaymakers were being denied permission to land. The problems were just down to numbers, the source said.
“The challenge that we are are working through at Sharm is that the airlines want to clear the backlog, and bring home all the people due back from Wednesday onwards, and that would require a more than tripling of the normal flights on a Friday. And there are lots of other airlines flying out from the airport too. That is a lot of flights for an airport that is already very busy. It is just about sheer numbers, and that is what we are trying to work through,” the source said.“The challenge that we are are working through at Sharm is that the airlines want to clear the backlog, and bring home all the people due back from Wednesday onwards, and that would require a more than tripling of the normal flights on a Friday. And there are lots of other airlines flying out from the airport too. That is a lot of flights for an airport that is already very busy. It is just about sheer numbers, and that is what we are trying to work through,” the source said.
“The Egyptians are working with us. But they want to do it in a manageable way.”“The Egyptians are working with us. But they want to do it in a manageable way.”
9.37am GMT09:379.37am GMT09:37
Despite today’s focus on the plight of some luggage-less, queue-bound tourists, it’s important to remember the main point of this story: the death of 224 people on Saturday when their plane broke up over Egypt.Despite today’s focus on the plight of some luggage-less, queue-bound tourists, it’s important to remember the main point of this story: the death of 224 people on Saturday when their plane broke up over Egypt.
The Russian news agency Tass reports today that a Russian government plane has taken off from Cairo to St Petersburg carrying victims’ remains and their personal belongings. It is the third such flight so far.The Russian news agency Tass reports today that a Russian government plane has taken off from Cairo to St Petersburg carrying victims’ remains and their personal belongings. It is the third such flight so far.
A separate Tass report says Russian teams have now searched 40sq km of desert around the crash site for remains and possessions.A separate Tass report says Russian teams have now searched 40sq km of desert around the crash site for remains and possessions.
9.22am GMT09:229.22am GMT09:22
More scenes from Sharm el-Sheikh airport.More scenes from Sharm el-Sheikh airport.
And not everyone at the airport is stressed.And not everyone at the airport is stressed.
8.50am GMT08:508.50am GMT08:50
The Associated Press has been talking to some of those waiting at the airport:The Associated Press has been talking to some of those waiting at the airport:
“We were in the first flights that were cancelled Wednesday night, we were already queuing to board,” said Amy Johnson, a 27-year-old British administrative assistant hoping to catch one of Friday’s EasyJet flights out of Sharm el-Sheikh.“We were in the first flights that were cancelled Wednesday night, we were already queuing to board,” said Amy Johnson, a 27-year-old British administrative assistant hoping to catch one of Friday’s EasyJet flights out of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Standing in a crush of hundreds waiting to pass through security, Johnson said she didn’t feel that British authorities have adequately supported the stranded tourists. “We’re being left to deal with this ourselves.”Standing in a crush of hundreds waiting to pass through security, Johnson said she didn’t feel that British authorities have adequately supported the stranded tourists. “We’re being left to deal with this ourselves.”
Another tourist, Terrance Mathurian, a British builder travelling with his family, said they were told by hotel staff in the morning to head to the airport, following conflicting information.Another tourist, Terrance Mathurian, a British builder travelling with his family, said they were told by hotel staff in the morning to head to the airport, following conflicting information.
Looking at the long security line, he said that he “can understand why they have this situation here but personally, we’ve had no problems at all”.Looking at the long security line, he said that he “can understand why they have this situation here but personally, we’ve had no problems at all”.
8.33am GMT08:338.33am GMT08:33
This morning page one of the Sun also has some strong allegations about security at the airport. However, if you read the story it seems a bit thinly sourced.This morning page one of the Sun also has some strong allegations about security at the airport. However, if you read the story it seems a bit thinly sourced.
Friday's Sun front page: £15 to skip Sharm guards #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/or5u2Px5WGFriday's Sun front page: £15 to skip Sharm guards #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/or5u2Px5WG
8.30am GMT08:308.30am GMT08:30
Among those at Sharm el-Sheikh airport is Wael Hussein, a producer for the BBC in Cairo. It’s fair to say he’s not overly impressed with the way the crowds are being dealt with.Among those at Sharm el-Sheikh airport is Wael Hussein, a producer for the BBC in Cairo. It’s fair to say he’s not overly impressed with the way the crowds are being dealt with.
Security checks at Sharm airport this morning absolute nonsense, hundreds of staff, false, useless check #sharmelsheikhSecurity checks at Sharm airport this morning absolute nonsense, hundreds of staff, false, useless check #sharmelsheikh
Airport staff persuading Arab tourists to pay extra money for quick service, not queue in lines pic.twitter.com/a8YRMwPALpAirport staff persuading Arab tourists to pay extra money for quick service, not queue in lines pic.twitter.com/a8YRMwPALp
Airport staff collecting money for Quick service pic.twitter.com/3bvNaHoGfjAirport staff collecting money for Quick service pic.twitter.com/3bvNaHoGfj
8.26am GMT08:268.26am GMT08:26
McLoughlin is asked on the Today programme why it was the UK in particular who acquired the intelligence that led to the postponement of flights. He replied:McLoughlin is asked on the Today programme why it was the UK in particular who acquired the intelligence that led to the postponement of flights. He replied:
The simple fact was, were were given certain evidence that we took very seriously and we took a response that we thought was proportionate on the evidence that we got.The simple fact was, were were given certain evidence that we took very seriously and we took a response that we thought was proportionate on the evidence that we got.
He was similarly vague when asked if the UK had shared its intelligence with Egypt and Russia:He was similarly vague when asked if the UK had shared its intelligence with Egypt and Russia:
The information that we are able to share, we have obviously shared it with other countries.The information that we are able to share, we have obviously shared it with other countries.
8.21am GMT08:218.21am GMT08:21
Here’s the latest images from a very, very busy Sharm el-Sheikh airport.Here’s the latest images from a very, very busy Sharm el-Sheikh airport.
8.17am GMT08:178.17am GMT08:17
The very busy McLoughlin is now on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He says the tourists’ luggage will be flown home separately in “the next week to ten days”. He says he hopes people will be patient:The very busy McLoughlin is now on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He says the tourists’ luggage will be flown home separately in “the next week to ten days”. He says he hopes people will be patient:
I ask for their understanding. These are very difficult things. It’s had to be rearranged very quickly.I ask for their understanding. These are very difficult things. It’s had to be rearranged very quickly.
British security experts are at Sharm el-Sheikh airport to check on security measures. For now, though, McLoughlin says, the British government advice is for people to not fly there, while the resort itself is deemed to be safe.British security experts are at Sharm el-Sheikh airport to check on security measures. For now, though, McLoughlin says, the British government advice is for people to not fly there, while the resort itself is deemed to be safe.
8.13am GMT08:138.13am GMT08:13
The transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, has been doing the rounds of breakfast TV to confirm that most Britons should get home by the end of today. He refused to comment on the BBC reports about the suspected bomb.The transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, has been doing the rounds of breakfast TV to confirm that most Britons should get home by the end of today. He refused to comment on the BBC reports about the suspected bomb.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain (quotes via Press Association), he said:Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain (quotes via Press Association), he said:
The airlines have been incredibly cooperative with us to sort this out and we are going to have a number of aircraft going out today and bringing people back home. I think most of the people who were expecting to be home by tonight will be home by tonight.The airlines have been incredibly cooperative with us to sort this out and we are going to have a number of aircraft going out today and bringing people back home. I think most of the people who were expecting to be home by tonight will be home by tonight.
Talking to BBC1’s Breakfast (quotes also from PA), McLoughlin said more than 20 flights would leave the airport over the course of the day. He said:Talking to BBC1’s Breakfast (quotes also from PA), McLoughlin said more than 20 flights would leave the airport over the course of the day. He said:
This has been a very difficult set of circumstances and I do understand the frustration felt by people who are on holiday wanting to return home.This has been a very difficult set of circumstances and I do understand the frustration felt by people who are on holiday wanting to return home.
Restrictions on hold luggage and the suspension of passenger flights into Sharm el-Sheikh would remain in place “until we’ve got longer-term assurances about the security at the airport”, he said.Restrictions on hold luggage and the suspension of passenger flights into Sharm el-Sheikh would remain in place “until we’ve got longer-term assurances about the security at the airport”, he said.
At the moment, the advice is that we don’t advise people to fly into Sharm el-Sheikh. We don’t have any problems with the safety of the resort itself but we are concerned about flights into Sharm el-Sheikh. I hope we can restore our confidence in the security of the airport as soon as possible.At the moment, the advice is that we don’t advise people to fly into Sharm el-Sheikh. We don’t have any problems with the safety of the resort itself but we are concerned about flights into Sharm el-Sheikh. I hope we can restore our confidence in the security of the airport as soon as possible.
McLoughlin told ITV that British experts had visited Sharm el-Sheikh airport ten months ago to check on security arrangements and had “satisfied ourselves that things were OK”. Asked if failing had been missed then, he said:McLoughlin told ITV that British experts had visited Sharm el-Sheikh airport ten months ago to check on security arrangements and had “satisfied ourselves that things were OK”. Asked if failing had been missed then, he said:
I don’t think we missed them. We took a view on security as we saw it on the day. Things have moved on, and what happened on Saturday and the subsequent information we got gave us very great concern indeed about the security, and that’s why we took the decision that we took.I don’t think we missed them. We took a view on security as we saw it on the day. Things have moved on, and what happened on Saturday and the subsequent information we got gave us very great concern indeed about the security, and that’s why we took the decision that we took.
We have to work with the authorities in these airports and we got assurances that things were improved. Obviously, things have changed.We have to work with the authorities in these airports and we got assurances that things were improved. Obviously, things have changed.
7.58am GMT07:587.58am GMT07:58
Good morningGood morning
Welcome to today’s live blog about the aftermath of the crash of a Russian Metrojet Airbus, which seemingly disintegrated over the Sinai on Saturday, killing all 224 people on board. Here’s where we are so far today:Welcome to today’s live blog about the aftermath of the crash of a Russian Metrojet Airbus, which seemingly disintegrated over the Sinai on Saturday, killing all 224 people on board. Here’s where we are so far today: