Russian plane crash could hamper tourism recovery in Egypt

Egypt’s tourism ministry has labeled the UK’s decision to cancel flights to Sharm El-Sheikh a prejudgment, coming ahead of the official investigation results.

But the ambiguity surrounding the crash of the Russian jet in Sinai on Saturday could prove to be one more obstacle in the way of the recovery of Egypt's ailing tourism sector.

The United Kingdom, a country that sends a high number of tourists to Egypt every year, has suspended all flights by UK-based airlines over Sinai after fears that an explosive device was the likely cause of last weekend's crash. Accordingly up to 20,000 British tourists are awaiting flights home following the UK’s “precautionary” decision.

Russia also suspended all flights to Egypt on Friday. Around 45,000 Russians are currently on holiday in Egypt, Oleg Safonov, the head of Russia's state tourism agency, Rostourism, said on Friday, according to Tass news agency.

US President Barack Obama said on Thursday that a bomb on board was a “possible” cause of the crash.