Direct flights between Cairo and Kiev began on Friday

Direct flights between Cairo and Kiev for Ukrainian airlines began on Friday for the first time in 13 years, Ukraine’s ambassador to Cairo Hennadii Latii said, according to Youm7. Direct flights through Ukraine’s national carrier Ukraine International Airlines had launched flights to Cairo on Friday. Ukraine’s Aerosvit Airlines had suspended direct flights to Cairo 13 years ago, said Latii, who refuted reports that the airlines had stopped flights following the downing of the Russian Metrojet flight in 2015.

This comes as flights between Egypt and Russia are due back this Thursday. EgyptAir is has three weekly flights to Moscow set up, and will also schedule additional flights to Russia in June to accommodate football fans heading to the World Cup.