MINSK, 23 November (BelTA) – The resumption of the charter flight from Mogilev to Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh after nearly five years became a festive occasion for the airport and the entire region: the first departure took place with full passenger load and excellent spirits, BelTA has learned.
The aircraft departed fully booked, which was not just a successful start but also a signal of the region’s return to the international tourism map.
Mogilev Mayor Sergei Chertkov emphasized that the resumption of the flight is a significant event not only for the city but for the whole Mogilev Oblast.
“Today the plane departs fully loaded, with many passengers and everyone in high spirits. This year we have already launched regular flights to Moscow and a charter to Antalya. As they say, an airport lives by its planes. The more of them, the better for the region. Above all, it is convenient for residents: no need to travel far, everything is close by,” he stressed.
According to the mayor, the resumption of flights directly enhances the region’s tourist appeal: guests from Moscow can now easily arrive and get acquainted with Mogilev.
“We are confident that the route network will expand. The Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee will do everything possible to attract additional flights and increase passenger traffic. The airport has a real and promising future,” he added.
Head of the Non-Scheduled Transport Department of Belavia Airlines Yelena Gavrilik clarified that the last flight on this route was operated on 10 November 2021.
“Today Belavia resumes its charter program from Mogilev to Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh. This is not simply the reopening of an old route. Launching this flight is a step forward in the development of regional airports. The airline aims to expand flights from regional cities so that residents of our country and its guests can travel in comfort,” she said.
The flight time from Mogilev to Sharm El-Sheikh is about 5 hours 30 minutes, and the return journey is around 6 hours. The distance between Mogilev and the Egyptian resort is approximately 5,000 km.
Yelena Gavrilik noted that on 28 April 2025 Belavia resumed regular flights between Mogilev and Moscow after a long break, and from May to October operated charter tourist programs from Mogilev to Antalya. “The charter program proved to be almost 100% in demand, so the airline decided to definitely resume flights to Antalya next summer. Regular flights to Moscow will also continue weekly,” she added.
Tatiana Syanova, head of retail sales at tour operator Intercity, emphasized that Egypt remains the leading year-round beach destination for Belarusians, with Sharm El-Sheikh the country’s most popular resort.
“A rich hotel base, picturesque bays, beautiful coral reefs, and vibrant nightlife all make the resort especially attractive. With the resumption of the flight program, Mogilev Airport has joined the network of other regional airports in the country. This will provide an additional boost to the development of both the airport itself and the region’s economy overall,” she said.
Flights will operate three times a month, with tours lasting 10 or 11 nights.
The first passengers to check in were Pavel Zaitsev and Irina Zaitseva with their son Artemy from Vitebsk. The family had long been searching for a convenient departure and chose Mogilev. “We found an offer from Mogilev. It’s very convenient for us that the flight is on Saturday. The price was also better: the tour cost less than from Vitebsk or Minsk. We didn’t even consider Moscow: that trip is too complicated with a child. From Mogilev it’s really a good deal, a convenient option: the airport is compact, you can’t get lost, it feels familiar. We planned the holiday a month ago and were really looking forward to it,” they shared.
The Zaitsevs family received a commemorative gift for being the first to check in.
Among the first passengers was also a family from Bobruisk.
Nadezhda Samak, traveling with her husband, daughter, grandmother, and grandfather, also chose Mogilev for reasons of convenience and price. “We are flying from Mogilev for the first time, and it’s very convenient. Advantages include a small airport and inexpensive parking. When we learned we could fly from here, we immediately rushed to buy tickets,” she said.
Her daughter Maria, who has already been to Türkiye and Egypt, is eagerly awaiting the sea: “I’m not afraid of flying at all! I really want to get to the sea quickly: there are lots of fish, and it’s very warm.”
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