Egyptian airports close to avoid spread of Covid-19

Mohamed Manar, Minister of Civil Aviation, convened with Pilot Montaser Mannaa, Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation and CEOs of all companies and bodies affiliated to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. During the meeting, the Minister gave his directives to quickly provide all the necessary facilities for the travel of Egyptians and foreigners to and from Egypt before suspending air transport movement at Egyptian airports.

He highlighted that Egyptair, Egyptian private airlines, and foreign airlines are to continue operating their international flights to accommodate passengers desire to travel to and from Egyptian airports before the specified date. He stressed that all tickets booked in this period to be exempted from any fines in the event of refunding or changing the tickets.

In regard to the tourist groups currently in Egypt, the Minister assured that tourist programmes will be completed and tourists will leave on their booked charter flights. Such flights shall not bring new tourist groups.

He added that Egypt National Airspace is not closed. In order not to harm the interests of Egyptian citizens, the decision to suspend air traffic does not include domestic flights and cargo flights.

Manar also stressed that coordination and cooperation shall continue with all appropriate authorities in Egypt to monitor developments of Covid-19 and its impact on the safety and security of civil aviation.

He added that during the period of suspension, all Egyptian airports and vital installations in the civil aviation sector will be disinfected.

The Minister of Civil Aviation indicated that EgyptAir, Egypt flag carrier, in coordination with the relevant authorities, will continue the process of evacuating Egyptian citizens intensively during the coming days before the suspension of flights and at the same time facilitating the return of foreign tourists to their countries after the end of their tourism programme.