Flights suspended to and from Sharm el-Sheikh: What you need to know

  • Egypt
224 people died in the crash Credit: Reuters

Flights from the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to the UK have been suspended after Downing Street revealed an "explosive device" may have caused a Russian passenger jet to crash.

All 224 people on board the plane were killed when the plane went down in the Sinai region.

The Government has now advised against "all but essential travel by air" to the resort.

Here's what you need to know:

  • How many people are affected?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) estimates there are at least 20,000 Brits currently in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Around 22,000 British citizens are in Sharm at the moment Credit: Reuters

  • What should you do if you were due to fly back?

Flights which have been delayed or rescheduled will begin again on Friday, though with strict luggage restrictions.

All hold luggage will be banned from passenger flights - including wheelchairs and pushchairs - and will be shipped separately.

Read: Security measures on flights from Sharm to UK unveiled

Details of scheduled and 'rescue' flights by operator are in full below.

In addition, check the details of your travel insurance policy as it may include provision for long delays.

  • What should you do if you're planning a holiday to Sharm in the near future?

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has suspended all flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheik, and said he will not allow planes headed for the UK to leave the airport either. Official FCO guidance now warns against "all but essential" travel by air to the resort - though overall, Mr Hammond added, the risk to tourists on the ground has not changed.

First and foremost, contact your airline or tour operator to check the latest updates and any alternative arrangements.

EasyJet has already told followers on Twitter that if their flight is cancelled, they will be able to book an alternative or get a voucher to use in future.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not changed its overall travel advice Credit: FCO

  • Is it dangerous to visit Sharm el-Sheikh?

The level of travel advice from the FCO has not changed at this stage, which is that it should be fine.

Officials have for some time warned against any travel to the northern Sinai region, where extremist militants are known to be active, and against all but essential travel to the southern Sinai region.

This does not apply to the popular tourist resort of Sharm, however, where "enhanced security measures" have been put in place to protect visitors.

Armed security forces are in place at airports both in Sharm and Hurghada, as well as checkpoints around the perimeter of the towns, and routine security checks are carried out around hotels, resorts and popular tourist areas.

  • What's the latest from airlines/travel operators?

All airlines and travel companies which operate between the two countries have had to abide by the suspension.

Here's what they have said:

  • EasyJet

EasyJet has said it will keep future flights 'under review' Credit: PA

All easyJet flights were suspended on Wednesday and Thursday, but the airline has said it will operate 10 flights out of Sharm on Friday.

These are made up of two scheduled flights and eight empty flights being put on to help repatriate citizens.

All easyJet passenger flights from the UK to Sharm el Sheikh remain suspended until November 12.

Any passenger booked to travel in the next two weeks who no longer wishes to do so can receive a refund or change their date or destination.

  • Monarch

Monarch has grounded its flights out of Sharm Credit: PA

The airline has cancelled all flights from the UK to Sharm up to and including November 12.

Monarch currently has around 3,000 customers at the resort and plans to start bringing them home on Friday.

The airline will be operating three "rescue" flights back to the UK in addition to the two scheduled flights on Friday.

Those who were set to travel to the region today should not go to the airport and instead contact the firm's customer services on 0333 003 0700, or 0333 777 4744 for package holiday customers.

  • British Airways

British airways has warned of delays of 24 hours Credit: PA

The airline has postponed its flights to and from Sharm until Friday. The company said in a statement:

  • Thomas Cook

Tour operator Thomas Cook currently has 1,700 tourists in Sharm Credit: PA

The tour operator currently has 1,700 customers in Sharm and said it plans to bring them home "in due course". Those whose flights have been delayed will be allowed to stay in their accommodation for free, the company said.

It has confirmed that the two flights due to operate today will set off on Friday instead, though departure times are yet to be confirmed.

  • Thomson

Thomson has cancelled outbound flights to Sharm up to 12 November Credit: PA

The holiday company has cancelled all outbound flights to Sharm up and including 12 November.

It said in a statement:

  • First Choice Holidays

First Choice has cancelled outbound flights to Sharm Credit: PA

The company has cancelled all outbound flights to Sharm el-Sheikh up to and including Thursday November 12.