Air travel between Russian cities and the Egyptian resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh will not resume until the second half of 2018, a source familiar with the situation told Interfax.
“The technical parameters for resuming direct flights are being discussed "Flights between Moscow and Cairo are underway. It could take about a month to finalize all the details, and the first flights will depart in mid-February. However, there is currently no talk of resuming direct flights to the resort airports of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh," the source said.
He said that the reopening of flights to Egyptian resorts will require additional security measures at the airports of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
"Resort airports, following Cairo's, must comply with the security measures defined by the Russian side. The safety of passengers on Russian flights, as well as Russian aircraft, must be technically and administratively guaranteed. Inspections are necessary to ensure compliance. The next date for the inspection visit has not yet been set," the source said.
However, according to the source, airports can technologically prepare and accept the relevant inspections within six months.
"Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that, if air traffic to Cairo is successfully resumed, high safety standards are maintained there, and the Russian side's demands are met in a timely manner, air traffic to Egyptian resorts could resume in the second half of 2018," he said.
Source: trn-news.ru