Minister of Civil Aviation confirms suspension of EgyptAir flights to Moscow

Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Hossam Kamal said EgyptAir will suspend its flights to Moscow in reaction to Russia not setting a date to resume their flights to Egypt.

Russian authorities suspended EgyptAir flights to Moscow Domodedovo airport, where the airline had three flights a week, due to what they claimed is the “absence of an aviation safety programme”.

The Russian Ministry of Aviation said, in a statement, they halted flights between both countries until the results of the Russian plane crash are revealed.

Egyptian Ministry of Aviation spokesperson Mohamed Rahma told Daily News Egypt that there are Russian flights continuing to land in Sharm El-Sheikh to take the tourists back, along with EgyptAir flights to Moscow.

“They did not give us a reason; they asked for a translation of our safety programme guide and we provided it to them,” he said, “so we decided to suspend our flights to Russian until they respond.”

“We understand the situation in Russia and the precautionary measures they are taking in wake of the current circumstances the world is witnessing,” Kamal said in a statement. Egypt helped Russia and every airline that requested any special security measures.

Kamal asked Russia to provide Egypt with reasons as to why they suspended Egypt’s flights to Moscow. “Since they did give us a specific date to resume air flights, EgyptAir will also suspend its flight to Moscow,” Kamal said.

A Russian Metrojet A321 plane crashed in Sinai on 31 October, killing all 224 persons on board, most of whom were Russians visiting the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh.