Suspension of Egypt's air traffic does not include domestic, cargo flights: Min.

CAIRO- 16 March 2020: In light of the Egyptian Government's keenness to maintain the safety and health of the citizens and to curb the spread of Covid-19, all air traffic is to be suspended in all Egyptian airports starting this Thursday noon, March 19, 2020, until March 31, 2020, said Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Manar.

In a meeting attended by Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation Montaser Mannaa and CEOs of all companies and bodies affiliated to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the minister directed 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.

The minister stressed that all tickets booked in this period to be exempted from any fines when it comes to refunding or changing the tickets.

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

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 noted 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 program.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation calls on all travelers to follow up and communicate with their airlines to change and reschedule their flights and to ensure their safe return to their countries without any delay that might jeopardize their commitments.