The President of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Amr Elkadi, outlined a vision for Egypt to become a focal point in Africa for travelers from Russia, positioning the country as a strategic layover and transit hub. His remarks were reported by RIA News, highlighting a growing interest in transforming Egypt’s travel infrastructure to accommodate transit tourism.
Elkadi stressed that the ultimate decision rests with airlines rather than with Egyptian authorities. He described transit tourism as a model that would require coordinated efforts across airports, airlines, and ground handlers. The goal is not to impose new duties on state bodies, but to create a smoother, more efficient experience for passengers passing through Egyptian airports. He noted that while the country would not unilaterally dictate schedules or routes, it would welcome dialogue with aviation partners looking to leverage Egypt as a convenient geographic connecting point.
Prior to these statements, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) cited Anna Podgornaya, the General Director of Pegas Touristik, as reporting that Azur Air would operate Moscow to Sharm el-Sheikh flights instead of the previously planned Southwind services. This shift signals a possible reconfiguration of Russian outbound traffic to Egypt, reflecting airline strategies and market demand rather than a government directive alone.
Meanwhile, a recent EU decision restricted flights operated by Southwind to European routes due to links with Russian traffic, leading to the postponement of flights bringing Russian tourists from Sharm el-Sheikh. The situation illustrates how geopolitical and regulatory factors can impact travel patterns and the scheduling of international flights to popular Egyptian destinations.
A separate and unrelated note from the regional travel landscape mentions a bear on the Kuril Islands that reportedly stole a bowl of soup from a tourist camp. This anecdote serves as a reminder that wildlife encounters can arise in any travel context, underscoring the importance of preparedness and awareness when visiting diverse environments.