AZUR Air is set to operate flights from Moscow to Sharm el-Sheikh, replacing Southwind in this route, according to the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) citing Pegas Touristik CEO Anna Podgornaya. The change marks a shift in which carrier will serve the popular Egypt destination for Russian travelers in the near term.
The announcement notes that, next week, AZUR Air will take over the Moscow–Sharm el-Sheikh service from Southwind. The exact timetable remains to be finalized as the carriers adjust schedules to accommodate the new arrangement, with final flight days and times expected to be published shortly [Source: ATOR].
Podgornaya pointed out that travelers should be aware of the airport change, since AZUR Air operates out of Vnukovo rather than Sheremetyevo. This shift in departure airport could influence passenger logistics, check-in procedures, and transfer plans at the Moscow hub, depending on individual itineraries and airline advisories [Attribution: Pegas Touristik/ATOR].
The broader backdrop to this move involves EU aviation restrictions affecting Southwind Airlines. EU authorities previously limited the carrier’s European operations on grounds tied to its associations with Russia, leading to delays for flights carrying Russian tourists from Sharm el-Sheikh as the carrier faced overflight bans within EU airspace. The evolving regulatory landscape has contributed to shifts in flight schedules and route planning for many operators serving Russian travelers to Europe and neighboring regions [Regulatory Update by European Aviation Authorities].
On the previous day, Turkish carrier Southwind announced the cancellation of flights from Kaliningrad to Antalya, underscoring continuing volatility in the region’s leisure travel corridor amid aviation restrictions and shifting airline partnerships. Industry observers note that such disruptions have become a common feature as operators reassess routes in light of regulatory constraints and diplomatic dynamics [Industry Briefing].
Overall, tourism market analysts have long tracked the most popular overseas destinations for Russian holidaymakers, with Sharm el-Sheikh consistently ranking high on the list. The current reshuffling of operators and departures is part of a broader pattern of airlines adjusting capacity and alliances to maintain service to key destinations while adhering to international rules and regional demand patterns [Market Outlook by Tourism Experts].