Russia's civil aviation authority has authorized regular and charter flights to Alexandria and El Alamein, two Mediterranean resort destinations in northern Egypt.
The Russian Union of Travel Industry reported that tourism experts expect growing demand among Russian travelers for the coastal towns, which currently remain niche destinations compared to traditional Red Sea hotspots.
El Alamein, located on Egypt's northern coastline, has earned the nickname of the Egyptian Maldives due to its white sand beaches. Both El Alamein and Alexandria feature sandy shores without coral reefs and offer a milder Mediterranean climate than established Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Victoria Khudaeva, head of public relations at major tour operator Anex, stated that vacationers previously had to land in Cairo before taking a three to four hour journey by car or bus to reach northern coastal hotels. She noted that direct flight access will drastically reduce transit times, making the Mediterranean coast far more accessible and likely to draw larger numbers of visitors.
Direct flight connections to Mediterranean coast
The new route permissions were granted by Rosaviatsia, Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency, which regulates civil aviation, oversees air transport safety, and approves international flight schedules for commercial carriers.
According to the Russian Union of Travel Industry, the nation's primary trade association representing tour operators and travel agencies, opening direct air links aims to expand choices for Russian holidaymakers seeking Mediterranean beach destinations.
Anex, one of Russia's largest commercial tour operators, manages major charter flight programs and package holidays across popular international destinations.
Background on Egypt's coastal destinations
Alexandria is Egypt's second largest city and its historic primary port on the Mediterranean Sea. El Alamein, situated roughly 106 kilometers west of Alexandria in the Matrouh Governorate, is historically renowned as the site of major World War II battles and has recently undergone major development as a high end Mediterranean beach resort.
By contrast, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are situated along the Red Sea in eastern Egypt, featuring warm year round temperatures and extensive coral reef systems that draw millions of international divers and sunseekers annually.
Shift in Russian tourist preferences
The authorization comes as Russian travelers continue to account for a major share of Egypt's foreign tourism market. Source data previously indicated that Russian vacationers ranked first in overall visitor numbers at Sharm el-Sheikh.
Industry analysts expect Russian airlines and travel agencies to begin organizing charter programs and holiday packages for Alexandria and El Alamein as carriers finalize their operational schedules.
