Russia has resumed flights to and from Egypt, intensifying pressure on the UK Government to resume flights to Sharm el Sheikh.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has authorised airlines to re-start commercial flights between the two countries following a two-year suspension.
Amr El-Ezabi, director UK & Ireland for the Egyptian State Tourist Authority, said it was a clear sign of Russia’s confidence in the aviation and airport security standards that Egypt has introduced.
"We hope this will encourage flights back to Sharm el-Sheikh from the UK so that travellers can return to the destination," he said.~
Russia suspended all flights to Egypt, not just Sharm el-Sheikh, immediately after the 2015 crash of a Russian Metrojet aircraft shortly after take-off.~
Other countries quickly followed suit by suspending flights to Sharm, citing security concerns with the airport.
The Egyptian government has since invested £20 million to improve airport security, working with a British aviation security firm.
All European countries, except for the UK, have now allowed flights to resume. ~
EgyptAir will initially operate services from Cairo to Moscow three times a week from next month, with announcements on charter flights to holiday destinations resuming expected to follow shortly.~
