UK Assists Egypt in Investigation of Russian A321 Crash Over Sinai

British and Egyptian authorities work together in the ongoing investigation of the Russian A321 airliner crash over the Sinai peninsula in October last year, according to Egyptian media.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The United Kingdom is assisting Egypt in its investigation into the Russian A321 airliner crash over the Sinai peninsula in October last year, an Egyptian newspaper reported on Monday, citing a UK Department of Transport official.

"British and Egyptian authorities work together in the ongoing investigation of the Russian plane crash," the official told the newspaper Al Ahram Al Massai.

The Airbus A321, operated by the Russian airline Kogalymavia, was en route from the Sharm el-Sheikh resort in Egypt to Saint-Petersburg when it crashed, killing all 217 passengers and seven crew members on board. The Russian authorities have concluded that the crash was caused by a terrorist attack.

Shortly after the tragedy occurred, the United Kingdom was the first to halt flights to and from Egypt. Neither Russia nor the United Kingdom have fully reestablished air travel to Egypt.

The crash is being investigated by Egypt and Russia. As the Airbus plane was assembled in Germany, leased in Ireland and the Airbus company is headquartered in France, these three Western European countries have became active participants in the proceedings as well.