Russia resumes flights to Cairo, Dubai, Velana

MOSCOW

Russia has resumed flights to Egypt, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, the government announced Thursday.

According to a statement published on the government's website, there will be weekly three flights to Egypt's capital Cairo, two flights to Dubai and two to Velana resort on the Maldives islands.

"The decision was proposed by the emergency team, based on the previously announced [safety] criteria and the principles of reciprocity," the statement said.

In addition, the Cabinet decided to increase the number of flights to Switzerland from one per week to Geneva to four to Geneva and Zurich. There will be two Aeroflot flights Moscow - Geneva - Moscow and two Swiss Air flights from Zurich to Moscow and back.

In a separate decree, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin canceled restrictions on border crossing for the Russian citizens whose relatives live abroad and need care.

When restrictive measures were relaxed in June for the first time since introduction of quarantine in March, the Russians were only allowed to cross the border once.

The foreigners, whose relatives live in Russia and need care, are now also allowed to cross the border without limitations.