Tour operator Tez Tour reported that the number of Russian tourists evacuated from Egypt on December 22 would be around 6,000, according to the tour operator’s press service reported by TASS. The statement highlighted the scale of the airlift and the ongoing efforts to reunite travelers with their homes after disruptions in the Red Sea resorts.
According to the press service, flight operations today moved a large portion of travelers. Specifically, about 3,400 tourists were removed from Hurghada and another 2,500 from Sharm El Sheikh. The update noted that 900 individuals still remained in Egyptian resorts at that point, awaiting further instructions or a continuation of the evacuation process and the return schedule. This information comes as authorities and tour operators work together to manage capacity and ensure passenger safety during an unsettled period of travel. [Source: TASS]
Earlier, on the morning of December 15, hundreds of Russians were unable to depart from Vnukovo airport to Egypt’s Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh due to eight-hour delays in flight schedules. Passengers who were slated to depart on their return flights were not able to fly and remained in hotels until new guidance was provided. The company explained that the inability to operate flights stemmed from restrictions and airspace bans affecting routes through Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Eritrea. In addition, the Federal Air Transport Agency did not grant permission to use the proposed alternative route, compounding the scheduling challenges and leaving travelers in a state of uncertainty. [Source: TASS]
In a later communication, Thesis Round indicated that full refunds would be issued for customers who could not fly to Egypt within the December 15-19 window. The commitment to refund underscores the ongoing efforts to address disrupted itineraries and to restore trust among travelers who faced abrupt changes in plans during the busy holiday season. [Source: Thesis Round]