Resumption of Direct Flights from Saudi Arabia and Egypt: What Travelers Can Expect

Why a Direct Connection Matters

For Russian tourists a nonstop flight means saving both time and money. Without transfers you can reach beach resorts faster and you lower the chance of lost luggage. In recent years interest in the Middle East and North Africa has surged, helped by the mutual visa waiver that took effect in May. It was expected that the flow of visitors from Saudi Arabia could multiply, and the new routes to Egypt would open up lesser‑known but scenic beaches.

Situation with Flights from Saudi Arabia

What happened and why it stopped

At the start of 2024 two major carriers – Saudia and low‑cost Flynas – halted flights to Russia. The trigger was a regional flare‑up when the US and Israel struck Iran. Both airlines later announced plans to restart service in September, but the dates have been shifted repeatedly.

Current status

So far no official launch dates for new nonstop flights to Moscow have been published. The latest information shows that Saudia’s nearest flight, originally slated for early June, has been pushed to late October, while Flynas has not yet given a concrete window. In the meantime Russian passengers can use the limited “Azimut” services: two weekly flights from Makhachkala to Jeddah and one from Sochi to Tabuk.

What to expect from Saudia and Flynas

Experts note that even if the airlines are ready, the final go‑ahead will hinge on regional stability. Demand is already there – average sell‑through for overseas routes sits at two to three weeks – but geopolitical uncertainty makes forecasting tricky. Still, if the visa regime stays in place and the situation steadies, a gradual increase in frequency throughout the autumn‑winter season is plausible.

New Direct Flights to Egypt: El Alamein

How the route appeared

In early August the Russian aviation authority lifted a formal restriction, allowing nonstop flights to two Egyptian coastal airports – El Alamein and Borg El‑Arab. That opened the door for tour operators eager to add fresh beach destinations to their portfolios.

First departure and subsequent schedule

The inaugural flight from Vnukovo to El Alamein was set for the end of August. It runs once a week, usually on Mondays, using an Airbus A321; the journey takes about five hours. The program is run by the tour operator Anex together with Intourist, both of which sell packages with guaranteed seat blocks.

Expanding the offering

Beyond Anex and Intourist charters, regular Red Sea Airlines services entered the timetable in early September, connecting Moscow to El Alamein twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) on a Boeing 737‑800. Tour operator FUN&SUN also added flexible options, now offering trips as short as four nights instead of the traditional week‑long packages.

What to expect from the resort

El Alamein is marketed as the “Egyptian Maldives”: turquoise water, white sand and relatively few tourists. The Mediterranean season is short, so many hotels start closing at the end of summer. Still, demand proved strong enough to launch several parallel programs, and operators now provide flexible dates.

How to Prepare for the Trip

• Check the flight status. The first departure of any new line often runs a little behind schedule, so confirm the time right before you leave – via the Vnukovo board or your tour operator.
• Visa paperwork. Since the mutual visa waiver for Russian citizens traveling to Saudi Arabia (and vice‑versa) took effect, the process is simpler, but you should still verify current requirements, especially if you have a layover in a third country.
• Baggage and insurance. A nonstop leg reduces transfers, yet baggage allowances can differ between carriers. Look up the limits for Saudia, Flynas and Nesma Airlines ahead of time.
• Season choice. For El Alamein aim for early autumn, when the weather is still warm and hotels aren’t packed. Saudi Arabia sees a more even demand throughout the year, but keep religious holidays in mind as airports can get busier then.

Development Outlook

With the visa regime in place and growing curiosity about new destinations, experts forecast Saudi tourist numbers to rise to several hundred thousand by 2026. For Russia this opens not only leisure possibilities but also business travel, given the expanding economic ties between the countries.

Practical Pre‑flight Checklist

1. Confirm date and time – monitor the online board and messages from your tour operator.
2. Verify visa or permit – even with the formal requirement lifted, extra documents may be needed.
3. Arrange medical insurance – covering overseas treatment and possible repatriation.
4. Prepare local currency – cards are widely accepted in Saudi Arabia, but cash in riyals can be handy in small shops.
5. Review baggage limits – low‑cost carriers often enforce stricter rules than national airlines.

Bottom Line

Direct flights from Russia to Saudi Arabia are still in the planning stage, while the new Egyptian routes are already operating, albeit with limited frequency. For travelers this means real chances to reach exotic beaches without long layovers. The key is to stay on top of schedule updates, get paperwork sorted early and be ready for the small organisational quirks that come with brand‑new airline services.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.