In the Wake of A321 Disaster, Sharm El-Sheikh Airport Chief Gets Promotion

Just days after the Russian Metrojet airliner crashed in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula after departing from the coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh, raising global security concerns about the airport and prompting widespread flight delays, the chief of the city’s airport was promoted.

The news came as UK and US officials speculated the Airbus A321, flying from Sharm el-Sheikh to Russia’s Saint Petersburg, was “likely” downed by a bomb set by extremists linked to ISIL.  The crash killed all 224 people on board.

Egyptian authorities, in their turn, challenged that suggestion, saying there was no proof of extremist activity, before promoting the port’s chief Captain Abdul Wahhab Ali, assigning him “extra duties,” according to Reuters. Adel Mahgoub, chairman of the state company that runs Egypt's civilian airports, stated Ali will also work as his assistant.

The advancement will come into effect on November 6, Reuters reported, citing airport sources.

The move comes amid reports of multiple security breaches at the Sharm airport. However, Mahgoub claimed Wednesday that the promotion is not connected with the A321 crash or any other security concerns.

Hossam Kamal, minister of Egypt’s civil aviation, reiterated this position, adding that Egypt sticks to international security norms and standards.

"Abdul Wahhab Ali was chosen for this post because of his qualifications and capabilities," Mahjoub said in a statement.

Security measures appear to have been intensified at Sharm’s airport following the jet crash, Reuters reported, citing eyewitnesses. According to them, security forces are now “patrolling the terminals and not allowing drivers, tour agents or others to loiter whilst awaiting tourist arrivals.”

Despite some cancellations, Sharm airport continues to operate. On Thursday, Kamal said, 23 flights were expected to arrive from Russia, eight from Ukraine, three from Italy and two from Saudi Arabia.