Security firm says flying to Sharm is still safe

Security experts have questioned the UK government’s decision to advise against all but essential air travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh, saying car accidents actually present a bigger risk to travellers.

International SOS, which provides medical and security services to the staff of governments and NGOs, said leisure and business travellers should still feel able to travel to the holiday destination.

James Bird, coordinating security manager for SOS, said its company is continuing to advise that ‘travel can proceed to Sharm, the South Sinai and many other areas in Egypt, including Cairo and Alexandria’.

"We do not assess the crash as being indicative of a wider change in the country’s security environment and our advice for travel to Sharm El Sheikh or Egypt has not, therefore, fundamentally changed," he said.

"We still advise our clients that travel is possible providing that measures – such as maintaining a flexible itinerary and confirming routes with airlines – are taken."

He said as long as travellers ensure they have access to up-to-date information on developments, such as airport and road closures, stay in appropriate accommodation and have local contacts, it is as safe to travel to Sharm as it has been for over a year.

"Recent events have not led to a fundamental change in our advice," said Bird.

"In Egypt, as with many countries the world over, the primary threat, statistically, for foreign travellers is road traffic accidents. Our advice to our clients in this regard is usually focused around using a driver who is accustomed to the local driving conditions and speaks the local dialect of Arabic."