Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on flights to Egyptian resorts.

The document recognizing as invalid some decrees is posted on the Internet portal of legal information.

For example, the decree of November 8, 2015 "On certain measures to ensure the national security of the Russian Federation and the protection of citizens of the Russian Federation from criminal and other illegal actions" became invalid.

The document stated that Russian airlines were temporarily prohibited from air transportation (including commercial) of citizens from the Russian Federation to the territory of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with the exception of regular air transportation to Cairo and official flights with the participation of government officials.

The issue of the number of resumed flights to Egypt will be decided at a meeting of the Operational Headquarters to prevent the import and spread of a new coronavirus infection.

Recall that the reason for the termination of air traffic was a terrorist attack on board the Airbus A321-231 of the Kogalymavia company, which was operating a charter flight from Sharm el-Sheikh to St. Petersburg.

In October 2015, an explosion occurred on board the plane, which killed 224 people, including 25 children.

After the tragedy, it was decided to temporarily stop air traffic between the Russian Federation and Egypt.

The procedure for its restoration started only in 2018.

Then the Russian leadership allowed the resumption of regular air travel to Egypt, but not charter flights to resorts.

The presidents of Russia and Egypt, Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, agreed on the full resumption of flights between the two countries in April 2021.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision of the Russian side, noting that it will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism.

Also on russian.rt.com, the Egyptian Ambassador spoke about the work on the restoration of air communication with Russia

"We hope for the early return of Russian tourism to Egyptian resorts, which will strengthen bilateral cooperation in this area, taking into account the preventive measures taken by the Egyptian government to contain the new coronavirus," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry quoted TASS as saying.

The Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT) is of the opinion that tour operators can quickly launch charter programs to the resorts of Egypt if the necessary slots are available.

According to the director of the Association "Tourist assistance" Alexander Osaulenko, the demand for such flights is unlikely to be rush.

However, he noted that both tourists and the market were waiting for the resumption of flights to Egypt.

The expert said that Russian tourists continued to travel to Egypt through third countries.

“And today there are Russian citizens in these recreation areas who travel independently.

The fact that the president today made changes to his decree, signed this document, is an extremely positive norm, "Osaulenko said in an interview with RT.

At the same time, according to him, July and August are not the most popular months for Egypt.

“But the fact that our tour operators, travel agents will already start selling autumn and winter is a fact,” he said.

The expert suggested that the direction will be in demand against the background of the current situation in air traffic.

“Taking into account the fact that today our international markets, unfortunately, are mostly closed, Egypt as a mass tourist destination, as popular among Russians, will definitely be in demand,” concluded Osaulenko.

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia suggested that within the next week or two it will be possible to talk about the formed flight schedule.

“This is very gratifying news for tourism, which has been awaited for many years.

Charter programs, it seems to me, will begin to form today, ”said executive director of the Russian organization Maya Lomidze in an interview with the radio station“ Moscow speaking ”.

A number of Russian airlines, including Azur air, S7 Airlines and Rossiya, announced their readiness to resume flights to Egyptian resorts.

“S7 Airlines is ready to resume flights to Egypt.

We will form a flight program and request the appropriate permits from the aviation authorities, ”a representative of the carrier told RIA Novosti.

Russian airline Azur air has announced that it is also ready to fly to Egyptian resorts.

The flight plan will be formed after receiving detailed official information.

Ural Airlines told TASS that they are studying the possibility of launching charter flights to Egypt.

The carrier noted that it has the necessary permits for flights.