Flights to Sharm el-Sheikh: your rights

The Foreign Office has halted all flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh, after experts concluded that Saturday's Russian plane crash may have been caused by an explosive device.

The Metrojet flight was heading from Sharm el-Sheikh to St Petersburg when it came down shortly after take-off in Egypt's Sinai desert. All 224 people on board were killed.

"We have concluded there was a significant possibility that that crash was caused by an explosive device on board the aircraft," says defence secretary Philip Hammond.

However, there are currently believed to be as many as 20,000 Brits in Sharm el-Sheikh right now, of whom at least 9,000 are tourists - and many more people with flights booked out over the next few weeks.

So what should you do if you or your family are affected?

First, it's worth stressing that the Foreign Office doesn't believe there's any heightened risk in the resort itself - it's air travel that's believed to be vulnerable.

Officials have examined the possibility of taking people out by road, but are believed to have decided against this on the grounds that the country's roads aren't all that safe either.

Instead, there are plans to temporarily tighten airport security through extra screening procedures. Travel is likely to resume tomorrow, with extra flights laid on to deal with the backlog.

"We have deployed extra consular staff to Sharm who will be on hand at the airport, working with the airlines, to assist British holidaymakers there," says a Number 10 spokesman.

"For others, either in resorts at Sharm or planning a holiday to Sharm in the coming days, our advice is to contact your airline or tour operator."

%VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-Holidays%

Anybody waiting for an EU airline is entitled to accommodation and food. Independent travellers on non-EU airlines may have more trouble - although it is possible to claim for reasonable food and accommodation under the Montreal Convention, so long as you keep receipts.

However, there won't be any compensation for the delay, as it falls out of the airline's control. It's just possible that your travel insurance may pay something - but probably not very much.

And it's bad news for those who have booked to fly out in the next couple of weeks. Thomas Cook, for example, has cancelled all flights out up to and including Thursday 12 November. Customers can rebook (at a small discount) or get a refund, and should start by calling 01733 224 536.

Thomson is also cancelling all flights out until after next Thursday - passengers should call 0800 009 3833. EasyJet passengers with flights in the next two weeks are being offered a full refund, or can change their flights to an alternative date or destination free of charge. Customers should call 0330 365 5000.

For the time being, British Airways is simply postponing today's flight to Sharm until tomorrow, but it is also offering affected passengers a refund or alternative destination. Passengers can contact the company here.

Monarch says passengers should contact its holidays team on 0333 777 4744 to make alternative arrangements or arrange a refund.

And any independent travellers should remember to contact their hotel too, as there's a chance of a refund or change to an alternative date - although hotels are not obliged to offer this.

For the time being, anyone booked to fly out after the next couple of weeks should assume that the flight will go ahead as planned. You won't be able to cancel and claim on your insurance, as the Foreign Office hasn't advised against all travel.