Russia and Egypt have signed a memorandum of understanding to allow designated airlines to operate more direct flights between the two countries. The agreement followed negotiations between their aviation authorities on 14 October 2026.
Russian Deputy Transport Minister Vladimir Poteshkin led the Russian delegation. Sameh Fawzy, president of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, headed the Egyptian delegation.
More Capacity for Bilateral Air Services
The memorandum creates scope for designated carriers to increase direct services. Officials have not announced specific additional routes, flight frequencies or implementation dates in the reports available.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Transport, Russian airlines carried more than two million passengers between Russia and Egypt in 2025. The ministry said the agreement would make air travel more accessible to citizens of both countries.
Egypt Remains a Major Outbound Market
Egypt ranked second among Russian outbound package-tour destinations after Turkey during the first half of 2026. Reporting by Vestnik Kavkaza, citing RBC and booking platform Onlinetours, put Egypt’s share at 29% of foreign package tours sold in Russia. Turkey accounted for 31%.
The figures cover package-tour sales rather than all international passenger journeys. They provide a separate measure of demand for travel between Russia and Egypt.
New Links to Egypt’s Mediterranean Coast
The memorandum follows earlier steps to expand connections beyond Egypt’s established Red Sea destinations. In August 2026, Russian aviation authorities opened the way for direct services to Borg El-Arab and El Alamein airports on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
Egyptian airline Air Cairo launched a direct El Alamein – Moscow service in August, carrying 176 passengers on its inaugural flight. Russian carrier Red Wings has also announced plans to launch services to Borg El-Arab in 2027. The airline submitted an application for flights from Moscow and Yekaterinburg and has discussed potential charter programmes to Borg El-Arab and El Alamein with travel agencies and tour operators.
Continued Aviation Cooperation
The Russian and Egyptian authorities said they would continue cooperation in civil aviation. The latest memorandum adds to measures aimed at expanding direct connectivity between the two countries. Further details on additional services, including routes and operating frequencies, have not yet been specified in the reports reviewed.
Tags: Russian aviation authorities Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority
