Chief of Egypt's Sharm El-Sheik airport says that 358 British tourists have been stranded there for almost 48 hours after refusing to board a Monarch Airlines plane for their flight home even though the craft, which had a "technical problem" was later repaired.
Yousri Gamaleddin says the British were to fly home Sunday night, when their plane reported a malfunction. After several delays, the plane was repaired but the holidaygoers wouldn't board the craft, which later took off without them. Gamaleddin says a second plane is flying in to take the British home Tuesday evening.
Press Association reported Tuesday that wrong parts were sent for the plane and that the travelers complained of lack of information and of being kept long without food or accommodation.