As the situation in Egypt beings to degenrate further, the impact is being felt.
The UK Forgien and Commonwealth Office has followed the following advice:
- In light of the ongoing demonstrations, we advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, although there is some disruption to flight schedules. A nationwide curfew is in place from 1600 to 0800 local time. The Egyptian authorities have blocked mobile telephone and internet communications.
- If you are already in Egypt, you are strongly advised to stay put and follow the advice set out below. We are not, at present, advising British nationals to leave the country. If you are travelling to or through Egypt, you are advised to check with your airline to confirm your flight.
- Over the past week there have been violent demonstrations in Cairo and other locations across Egypt and particularly in central Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. The police have been using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. There have been a number of deaths. You should avoid these areas. The situation is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should also avoid any political gatherings, demonstrations or large crowds and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities. We advise people in Cairo or other large cities to follow the news on TV and radio and not to go out in central Cairo or other areas where demonstrations are taking place. See Safety and Security – Political Situation.
And in particular:
We advise against all but essential travel to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Suez. This does not affect transits through Cairo airport for onward travel to other destinations, although there is some disruption to flight schedules. A curfew is in place across Egypt from 1600 to 0800 local time.
Over the past week there have been violent demonstrations in Cairo and other locations across Egypt, including Suez, North Sinai, Rafah, the Delta region and some areas of Upper Egypt, including Luxor. The police have been using tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. The situation is unpredictable and may change quickly. You should follow news on the TV and radio closely and stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings of people, public buildings or other sites which may become the focus of demonstrations, such as Tahrir Square in Cairo. You should respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities and tour operators. If you are in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez or Luxor we advise you to remain indoors whenever possible.
The British Embassy in Cairo is located close to the main site of demonstrations in Cairo, making access difficult. If you intend to visit, please call the Embassy in advance to confirm that it is safe to do so, on (002)(02) 2791 6000.
Mobile phone and internet networks have been cut across Egypt, including in tourist resorts close to the Red Sea.
In other related news:
- British Airways is chartering a service to carry people who wish to return from Cairo
- British Midland International has cancelled Flight BD772, whilst BD771 which is forming the London – Cario Flight has turned around and is heading back to London
- Delta has scrubbed all services to Cairo
- EgyptAir is running limited services, but if suffering suspension out of it’s Cairo hub
- Air France is running services subject to local conditions.
Check with your carrier before you set off, and cite FCO advice if you feel you don’t wish to travel.
And safe travels to all
