Egypt plans to reopen all its airports and resume international flights as from 1st July 2020. International flights have been suspended since 19th March 2020 when Egypt took the step to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The resumption of flights seeks to attract foreign tourists to three provinces with the least coronavirus infections; South Sinai, the Red Sea and Matrouh.
Furthermore, the government has also waived tourist visas from 1st July until 31st October 2020, with a 20% discount on tickets offered to travellers on Egyptian airlines.
On 1st June 2020, Egypt started gradually reopening the services sector and other workplaces, allowing operation of over 230 hotels for local tourists, albeit on a 50% capacity.
According to the Egyptian government, the tourism sector accounts for 5% of economic output, and up to 15% of jobs.
Last month, Egypt’s flag carrier, EgyptAir, received $127 million (KSh13.6 billion) from the government to enable it to remain afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic that has seen airline revenues dip due to suspension of international passenger flights.
Read Also: EgyptAir to Get $127 Million State Aid
Elsewhere, Zanzibar has also removed quarantine restrictions and announced the reopening for tourist activities. The region will now allow charter and scheduled flights to bring in tourists and returning residents.
South Sudan reopened its airports in May, signifying a resumption of local and international flights after the country eased its COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
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