Egypt Eases Departure Restrictions for Russian Tourists

Aviation authorities in Egypt eased departure procedures for Russian tourists in Hurghada and Sharm el-sheik, allowing them to reach airports three hours before the flight, instead of five and six hours.

Tourists can now be at the airport three hours before the departure of the Boeing 737, and four hours before the departure of the Boeing 747, according to the civil aviation authorities.

In November, Hurghada International Airport received the first charter flight from Russia following the recent lifting of a six-year Russian suspension of direct flights to the Egyptian Red Sea resorts.

The flight, which was operated by the Egypt-based Aviary Aero and carried 184 passengers, arrived at the Hurghada airport amid tight security and preventive measures.

A number of Russian aviation companies have already obtained approval to land at the two Red Sea airports, sources reported.

Notably, air traffic between the two countries was completely interrupted in November 2015 after a plane of Russia’s Kogalymavia airline crashed in Sinai on its way from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg.