Sinai plane crash: Russia suspends all flights to Egypt
British investigators said the crash was caused by a bomb planted in the luggage hold of the aircraft.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday suspended all flights to Egypt from the country, following a recommendation by his chief of intelligence. Flights to Egypt are expected to be halted until the cause of the Metrojet plane crash in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on October 31 is determined.
British investigators said the crash was caused by a bomb planted in the luggage hold of the aircraft, reported The Independent on Friday. The report came a day after UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the crash was "more likely than not" caused by a bomb. However, Russian and Egyptian officials said any reports of a bomb explosion are premature, and aviation authorities are examining all possible theories as to why the Airbus A321-200 crashed.
The Metrojet plane crashed 23 minutes after taking off from the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh last Saturday, killing all 217 passengers and seven crew members on board. The Islamic State has since claimed responsibility for bringing the Russian plane down, but has not provided any details to buttress its claim. However, Russian and Egyptian investigative authorities have continued to deny allegations of a bomb having been planted.