Russia has banned incoming flights by Egypt’s state-owned airline according to a Moscow airport spokesman. It’s understood the ban will come into
ADVERTISEMENTRussia has banned incoming flights by Egypt’s state-owned airline according to a Moscow airport spokesman. It’s understood the ban will come into force on Saturday. Egypt’s civil aviation minister Hossam Kamal said Russian authorities had not officially informed Cairo of the decision.
Egypt Air had been the only airline flying between the two countries and the move was to ensure it met safety requirements, Russian media reported.
The decision comes a week after Moscow suspended passenger flights to Egypt in the wake of the Sinai crash in which all 224 people on board were killed mostly Russian nationals.
A group affiliated to the so-called Islamic State claimed it was responsible for downing the plane. Western officials say there is a strong possibility that a bomb exploded on board. Russia and Egypt say it’s too early to draw conclusions.
The plane was on its way to St Petersburg after leaving Sharm el-Sheik airport in Egypt’s Red Sea resort.