Russia bans Egypt Air flights

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) has banned Cairo to Moscow flights by Egypt’s national carrier Egypt Air, it was announced on Friday. Flights from Russia to Egypt are already banned following a Russian airliner crash in Sinai last month, in which all 224 people on board were killed.

Although Rosaviatsia declined to comment on the issue, staff at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport said that the agency had told them of the ban, which starts today. According to Egypt’s Aviation Minister Hussam Kamal, however, the Russians have not confirmed this through official channels. He added that his ministry is in contact with its Russian counterpart to try to learn the reasons for the ban.

Egypt Air Chairman Fathi Sharif said that the company had received instructions from the Russian authorities to halt flights. He called it an “unjustifiable” decision, reported AFP.

Sharif told the media that the Russians have demanded a Russian language translation of Egypt Air’s operations manual and that the ban would stay in place pending a review of the procedures.

“We are surprised by this announcement and express our opposition,” added Sharif, as he demanded a swift reconsideration of the decision by Russia. “It is damaging the image of our company and the interests of passengers.”