The number of connecting flights from Russia to Egypt has increased by a third, according to data from online travel service Biletix.
As the company told TURIZM, in 2017 the number of sales of air tickets for indirect flights from Russia to Egypt increased by 32% Compared to 2016, the total share of such flights amounts to no more than 0.11% of all international flights. Hurghada (471% of flights) and Sharm el-Sheikh (421% of flights) were the most popular destinations among Russian tourists. The rest traveled to Cairo. The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Egyptian resorts was 21,263 rubles, 81% lower than the previous year. According to Biletix CEO Alexander Sizintsev, if direct flights between Russia and Egypt resume, the company expects a significant increase in sales by the New Year.
The resumption of air travel was a key topic during Russian President Vladimir Putin's working visit to Cairo. Following high-level talks on Monday, December 11, he announced readiness to launch direct air service between Moscow and Cairo. Meanwhile, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov predicted the start of flights in early February 2018.
As a reminder, air travel to Egypt was suspended in November 2015. Russian authorities stated that it would only be restored once Egyptian airports met safety requirements. Over the past two years, the Cairo airport has been modernized. At the end of November 2017, Egypt launched an electronic visa system. Under the new rules, citizens of 43 countries, including Russia, will be able to enter the country. Electronic visas will be issued within seven business days. To obtain one, tourists simply complete an online form, and after approval by the authorities, a copy of the visa will be sent by email.
Source: news.turizm.ru
