Egypt refuses to recognize the attack the cause of the crash of an Airbus A321 for Russian airline “Kogalymavia” over Sinai in 2015 because of fears that mass lawsuits from the relatives of the victims. About this “Interfax” said a source familiar with the investigation.
“Egypt does not recognize the attack as the cause of the crash, because it will provoke claims to the country, not to ensure the safety of flights, and can also cause numerous lawsuits from the relatives of the victims,” — said the Agency interlocutor.
“Interfax” also reports that direct flights between Russia and Egypt closed after the disaster A321 is likely to remain closed until at least the end of 2017. “The Egyptian side does not contact and does not invite to our security professionals for the next stage of the inspection. In the current situation is unlikely to be able to undertake the necessary measures to complete the security checks and to resume flights this year”, — said the Agency, citing a source.
Moreover, a recent security audit revealed “serious shortcomings in the access control system in the “sterile area” airports.” “Individuals with the passage of security control to mandatory inspection was not carried out. This was especially true of women passengers in traditional dress — the niqab,” said the source.
The Airbus A321 for Russian airline “Kogalymavia” flying from the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh to St. Petersburg, crashed on the Sinai Peninsula on October 31, 2015. All 217 passengers and 7 crew members were killed. Subsequently, the FSB has acknowledged the incident a terrorist attack.
In November of the same year the government of Russia has banned direct air links between Russia and Egypt. Similar step taken by many countries of Europe and CIS, but to date, almost all of them the ban was removed. In addition to Russia, direct flights with Egypt remains closed in the UK.