Russian experts to complete inspection of airports in Egyptian resort cities by January 16

CAIRO, January 12. /TASS/. Two groups of Russian experts have begun to review security measures being taken at Egypt’s resort cities of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, knowledgeable sources in Cairo told TASS on Thursday. "Two groups of Russian experts arrived in Egypt on Wednesday, they are now inspecting the airports in two resort cities, the inspections are expected to be completed by January 16," the sources said. The experts will examine security control systems installed at the airports, including security cameras capable of storing footage for a month, as well as the new personnel biometric access systems which will be used for scanning fingerprints and retina. Moscow suspended air service with Egypt after a Russian passenger plane crashed over Sinai on October 31, 2015, as a result of a terrorist attack. Egypt’s authorities hired experts of the Control Risks British company who were reviewing security measures at Egyptian airports throughout 2016. Russian experts have also conducted several inspections. Biometric equipment has already been installed at Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada international airports at Moscow’s request, members of the Falcon Group private security company have been deployed there. Mohamed Saeed Mahrous, chairperson of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, said that the new system would be put into operation in Cairo airport’s Terminal 2 today. According to Egypt’s authorities, Russian experts will have an opportunity to take part in security checks and inspection of aircraft flying to Russia. The time frame for resuming air service between Moscow and Cairo has not been determined yet. However, Terminal 2 of Cairo International Airport is considered to be ready to serve Russian citizens as far as security goes. In December 2016, Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov said that air service between the two countries was likely to be resumed in January 2017. Read more