Direct flights from Russia to El Alamein and Borg El Arab: new options for beach holidays

Why it matters for Russian tourists

Until recently there were no official permissions for flights from Russia to El Alamein or to the main airport of Alexandria. Any itinerary that included those destinations required a stopover in Cairo, adding a few hours and complicating logistics. Now that Rosaviatsiya has lifted the bans, carriers have a legal basis for regular and charter services, and travelers get a shorter, more convenient route to the Mediterranean coast.

How the direct‑flight possibility arose

In July a handful of Russian and Egyptian airlines tried to slot El Alamein into their timetables, but without official clearance the airport refused Russian flights. After the Ministry of Transport asked Rosaviatsiya to issue the necessary permits, the first request arrived in mid‑August from Air Cairo for an irregular Moscow‑El Alamein service. AZUR air soon followed, signalling its own interest in obtaining the authorisations.

What El Alamein looks like

El Alamein is a small resort settlement about a hundred kilometres west of Alexandria. Its sandy beaches are light‑almost white, which often leads people to compare the place with the Maldives, only in an Egyptian setting. Modern hotel complexes target the premium segment, offering a high level of service and making the spot an attractive alternative to the traditional Red‑Sea resorts.

Airports opened for direct flights

• El Alamein: still modest in size but developing quickly. According to 2026 data, passenger traffic has risen by almost one‑and‑a‑half times, topping two‑and‑a‑half hundred thousand travelers.
• Borg El Arab: a large airport serving Alexandria. In 2024 it handled roughly two million passengers, placing it among the country’s biggest hubs.

How Russian tourist flow has changed

Border‑service figures show that in the first half of 2026 the number of Russian visitors to Egypt grew by nearly thirty percent, pushing the country to second place in popularity after Turkey. Today more than fifty routes operate between the two states; Russian airlines cover over twenty of them, while Egyptian carriers operate over thirty.

What this means for travelers

• No stopover in Cairo. A direct flight saves two to three hours and spares you the long wait at the capital’s airport.
• A new beach region. El Alamein offers a calmer vibe than the usual Red‑Sea spots and lets you pair sunbathing with cultural excursions in Alexandria.
• More flight options. Opening two airports widens the choice of airlines and schedules, giving you greater flexibility when planning the trip.

Practical tips

1. Watch the timetable. Direct flights are still being built, so check availability a few weeks ahead of your intended departure.
2. Pick the right type of service. If flexibility is key, look at charter offers; for a steadier schedule, regular flights are the way to go.
3. Mind the seasonality. Egypt’s Mediterranean coast is pleasant almost year‑round, but demand peaks in the summer months when the beaches are busiest.
4. Arrange ground transfer. El Alamein airport sits right next to the resort zones, yet if you plan to visit Alexandria you should book a transfer to the city in advance.

Where to go after landing at Borg El Arab

Borg El Arab is the gateway to Alexandria, where historic sights cluster: the ancient lighthouse, Roman theatre ruins and the famous library complex. Direct access to these attractions without changing planes makes the journey far more comfortable.

Outlook for the route

Removing administrative barriers has already attracted several carriers, and new regular routes are expected soon. Rising passenger numbers at both airports signal growing demand, and tour operators are already crafting programmes that include El Alamein as part of a Mediterranean itinerary.

Bottom line

For Russian travellers, the launch of direct flights to El Alamein and Borg El Arab is a chance to discover a lesser‑known but equally beautiful slice of Egypt’s coastline. Without the need to waste hours on connections, you can reach white‑sand beaches, modern hotels and historic cities quickly, while enjoying more flexible flight options and fresh holiday ideas.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.