Egypt Tourism: British Airways' suspension of Cairo flights sparks anger in Egypt
Updated 15:23, 22-Jul-2019
British Airways' decision to cancel flights to Cairo for a week has sparked rage in Egypt. The airline cited security concerns without offering details. The move is bringing new scrutiny to security at Egypt's major airports as the country struggles to revive tourism. CGTN's Adel EL Mahrouky has the story.
The Egyptian authorities are furious with what has been so far an unjustifiable decision from British Airways. Cairo insists it hasn't been informed, and that the UK authorities have not instructed the flights' cancelations. German carrier Lufthansa has temporarily followed British airways, however, it resumed its flights on Sunday.
HISHAM SHAWKY TOURISM JOURNALIST, AL MASRY AL YOUM "It's an unjustifiable fear. There is no clear analysis about why the decision was taken, which is surprising. Egypt has just hosted the Africa Cup of Nations with several heads of states attending. Security was not an issue at all."
Following 2015 Russian Plane Crash in Egypt's resort city Sharm EL Sheikh, tourists have deserted Egypt. In recent years the authorities have restructured the entire security infrastructure. Cairo is confident its airports are now extremely safe.
SAMIR RAGHEB SECURITY ANALYST "The only exceptional state at Cairo airport are the stranded Algerian fans who are waiting to return from the African Cup. I don't think it's a threat, and if it is, British Airways must specify that. Egypt applies the international standards in airport security. It has stricter security measures in some aspects. Egypt is inviting anyone to visit to inspect on its security measures. I think it could be a politicized decision."
2018 has been the greatest year in the tourism sector since the industry began recovery in 2016. Two million German and British tourists have visited Egypt last year. British Airway's decision has so far had no impact on trips scheduled to this tourism dependent country. The airline's Cairo office says the latest security inspection was positive and flights will resume on July 26.
ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO, EGYPT "To ease travel for any stranded passengers, Egyptian national carrier EgyptAir has increased the capacity of its flights to London, pushing the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, as it becomes the alternative to British Airways flight cancellation this week. They've increased more flights to Heathrow Airport. Adel EL Mahrouky, CGTN, CA."