Are Russian Planes Returning to Egypt?

It looks like we may see Russian planes flying to Egypt again soon, definitely a boon to the tourism industry. No date has been set, but Russia is pleased with the results of Egyptian efforts to improve security, according to Russian news agency TASS.

Egyptian authorities have been taking “considerable measures” to enhance security, TASS reported, quoting Russian air transport agency head Aleksandr Neradko as saying that “progress is obvious.” He added that Russia is looking to implement its own security measures as well.

Russian flights have not landed in Egypt since Nov. 6, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the suspension of flights to all Egyptian airports after a Russian plane went down in Sinai on Oct. 31. It is believed the plane was downed by a bomb. All 224 people on board were killed – including 17 children.

The flight took off from Sharm el-Sheikh and was carrying mainly tourists returning home after vacationing in Egypt.

Neradko did not give a timeframe for when air links with Egypt might be restored, but concluded his remarks by saying, “Let me say once again that the Egyptian authorities are trying really hard and this is very much in sight.”

Whether or not this has anything to do with why we now have to remove our shoes just to get to the check-in desks is anyone’s guess, but if it means Russian flights bearing tourists (and their much-needed dollars) are returning to Egypt, we’re all for it.

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