Russia’s transport ministry will prepare a report on its security checks at Egyptian airports this week, which will include extra requirements before flights return to Egyptian resorts after an almost three-month halt, Russian Sputnik agency reported.
“A group of our experts has returned from Cairo. They are preparing a report to be reviewed by a special commission," Deputy Transport Minister Valery Okulov said Monday. "I think it may take a week," he added, referring to the anticipated review.
Russia had halted flights to Egypt in November, days after a Russian jet crashed near the Sharm el-Sheikh resort city. Russia believes the incident was the result of an IED planted by Sinai-based Islamic State affiliates. Egypt still insists that investigations have yet to corroborate that claim.
The attack, and other minor incidents over the past few months, has dealt a blow to a tourism industry that has been struggling since 2011's popular uprising.
At least 26 hotels and resorts in the Red Sea, a favorite destination for Russian visitors, have reportedly closed due to low occupancy, supposedly as a result of the flight ban.
According to the Russian Itar Tass agency, State Duma Speaker Sergey Naryshkin told reporters on Monday that his country was keen on restoring tourism relations in Egypt.
"We are, of course, interested in fully restoring economic relations, including tourism and flights between our countries," said Naryshkin. "However, this [resuming flights] will only be possible if full security of our citizens is guaranteed," the speaker noted.
