Egypt, Russia to restore flights within closest possible deadline

The Russian operator of the crashed A321 was banned from international and domestic flights

Egypt and Russia agreed to take further measures to restore flights between both countries within the tightest possible deadline on the condition security measures are observed, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday after a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.
"We touched upon the question of resuming direct flights between our countries in order to help bolster tourism, which has declined for obvious reasons," said Lavrov.
Both sides agreed to restore flights as soon as possible "provided the highest security standards are guaranteed for Russian citizens".
"We appreciate the contacts that have been established and are continuing between the civil aviation services and other concerned authorities in Russia and Egypt with the aim to complete these procedures, which would make it possible to resume direct flights without delay," Lavrov added.
Russia is building a new consulate in Hurghada in order to facilitate services offered to its citizens and hopes to improve its tourism to Cairo.
A Russian A321 plane operated by Kogalymavia crashed in Sinai in late October killing all 224 onboard, mainly Russians.
Moscow announced in November that the crash was due to an act of terrorism, but Egypt has insisted that the cause cannot be concluded until the investigation is complete.
Kogalymavia was banned by Russia's aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia Wednesday from operating domestic and international flights.
According to the state agency TASS, the ban is due to "discrepancies and violations, primarily in the carrier's financial and economic performance affecting flight safety".
Russia's Federal Tax Service has also filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of bankruptcy.