The number of flights with transfers from Russia to Egypt has increased by a third. Such data is provided by the online service for travelers 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. However, the total share of such flights is no more than 0.1% of all international flights. Hurghada (47%) and Sharm el-Sheikh (42%) were the most popular among Russian tourists. The rest traveled to Cairo. The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Egyptian resorts was 21,263 rubles, which is 8% lower than the previous year. According to the statement of Biletix CEO Alexander Sizintsev, if direct flights between Russia and Egypt are resumed, the company expects a significant increase in sales by the New Year.
The topic of resuming flights became one of the main topics during Russian President Vladimir Putin's working visit to Cairo. Following high-level talks on Monday, December 11, he announced readiness to open direct air service between Moscow and Cairo. At the same time, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov predicted that flights would begin in early February 2018.
Recall that air traffic with Egypt was interrupted in November 2015. Russian authorities stated that it would be restored only after Egyptian airports meet safety requirements. Over the past two years, the airport in Cairo has been modernized. At the end of November 2017, Egypt launched an electronic visa system. According to the new rules, citizens of 43 countries, including Russia, will be able to enter the country. Electronic visas will be issued within 7 working days. To obtain one, tourists only need to fill out an electronic form, and after approval by the authorities, a copy of the visa will be sent by e-mail.
Source: news.turizm.ru
