Russia bans Egypt Air flights after plane crashNovember 14, 2015 - 10:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia's state aviation authority has banned Egypt's national carrier from flying to Russia, a Moscow airport spokesman says, according to BBC News. Flights from Russia to Egypt are already suspended after a passenger plane crashed in the Sinai last month. All 224 people on board were killed, mostly Russian nationals. Egypt Air had been the only airline flying between the two countries and the move was to ensure it met safety requirements, Russian media reported. Sinai Province, a group affiliated to Islamic State, has repeatedly claimed it brought down Metrojet Flight 9268, flying from the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh to the Russian city of St Petersburg. Western officials say there is a strong possibility that a bomb exploded on the plane, but Russia and Egypt say it is too early to draw conclusions. Following the crash, several countries, including the UK, halted flights to and from the resort due to intelligence concerns - stranding thousands of holidaymakers. Russia's action, effective from Saturday, is a further blow to Egypt's tourism industry. Russians make up close to one in three of all foreign tourists in Egypt. In 2014, about three million Russian nationals stayed at Egypt's resorts. Photo: Russian Emergency Ministry Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |