Nesma Airlines has clarified the circumstances of flight NE 644 from Sharm El Sheikh to Vnukovo Airport in the Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday 26 August 2026, which made an unscheduled landing in Yekaterinburg.
The airline said that during the flight, part of Russian airspace was closed for exceptional security reasons. As a result, the captain received mandatory instructions from Russian air traffic control authorities to divert the flight and land at Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg, which was done to ensure passenger safety and in compliance with the instructions of the competent authorities.
After landing, with the airspace still closed and no clear time for the resumption of flights to Moscow, passengers were allowed to disembark for their safety and comfort.
The airline explained that flying passengers from Yekaterinburg to Moscow after they had completed arrival procedures would constitute domestic air transport within Russian territory, which a foreign airline is not permitted to operate under Article 7 of the 1944 Chicago Convention and Article 63 of the Russian Air Code, relating to cabotage.
As soon as this happened, the airline and its tour operator made efforts to provide alternative transport to Moscow, but a lack of sufficient seats on domestic flights and trains prevented group transport for the passengers.
Nesma Airlines affirmed its full commitment to its passengers, who can submit financial claims with receipts and documents for the costs of their travel to Moscow. These will be reviewed in accordance with approved procedures, and eligible costs will be reimbursed through the tour operator. The airline added that what happened was the result of exceptional circumstances beyond its control, and that passenger safety and compliance with the law and aviation authorities' instructions have always been its top priorities.
