The first Russian tourists will most likely be able to travel by direct flights to Egyptian resorts no earlier than autumn, Interfax reports, citing a source familiar with the situation.
"Negotiations on the resumption of direct flights between Russian airports and the Egyptian resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada have not yet begun, the dates are being agreed upon. So far, there have been no invitations from the Egyptian side to visit the resort airports for inspection. Provided there is a constructive approach, the first group of Russian inspectors will go there in July-August," the source said.
Depending on the results of the inspections, time will be required to agree on a number of formalities.
"If the airports of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh fulfill all the conditions in a timely manner and demonstrate a sufficient level of equipment and control in terms of aviation security, Russian air carriers operating charter flights may return there this year. However, this may not happen earlier than autumn, most likely by the beginning of the winter tourist season at Egyptian resorts," the source said.
Direct flights between Cairo and Moscow resumed in mid-April after a two-year hiatus. They were interrupted in the fall of 2015, after a Kogalymavia plane flying from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg was blown up over Sinai.
Source: trn-news.ru