Egypt suspends tourist flights with Iran

Published April 8, 2013 7:39pm ET



CAIRO (AP) — Egypt has suspended tourist flights from Iran following an outcry from hard-line Sunni Muslims angered about visitors from the mostly Shiite country, only a week after direct flights between the two countries resumed for the first time in more than three decades.

In comments carried by Egypt’s state news agency late Sunday, Tourist Minister Hesham Zaazoua did not give a reason for the move. The suspension, which will last until June, comes days after a group of ultraconservative Salafis, angered by the Egyptian government’s push to improve ties with Tehran, threw rocks and tried to storm the residence of Iran’s top diplomat in Cairo.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.