Russia resumes flights to Egyptian resorts after six-year halt
Moscow has officially lifted the ban on flights to Egyptian resorts six years after a devastating air incident.
CAIRO — Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially lifted restrictions on flights to Egyptian resorts in a July 8 decree, ending a ban on airlines in Russia from operating any flights to Egypt except to the capital, Cairo.
Russia imposed the ban after an explosive device detonated in a Russian passenger airliner over the Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, 2015, killing all 224 people on board.
Egyptian Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ghada Shalaby said in a press statement that workers in the tourism sector warmly welcomed the decision and flights will resume on a date to be determined. She said it will also make it easier for Russian tourists to visit tourist destinations in Egypt. Instead of coming through Cairo International Airport, they will be able to fly directly to Egyptian resorts. The simplification of travel, she continued, will lead to an increase in tourism.
She said that Egypt expects the number of Russian tourists to reach 300,000 to 400,000 per month, according to information from tour operators.
