Procedures between EgyptAir and Aeroflot behind delay in resumption of flights: All that remains for the resumption of flights between Moscow and Cairo was for Aeroflot and EgyptAir to agree on procedures and details among themselves, Egypt’s ambassador to Russia, Ehab Nasr, said on Tuesday. President Vladimir Putin has already authorized the resumption of regular Russian airline flights to Cairo and the Egyptian government had also signed off on the move, he added, according to Reuters.

Apparently these “details” entail setting up a gate at Cairo International Airport reserved exclusively for Russian flights, airport officials tell Al Mal. While the statement appears benign, they raise the specter of unreasonable Russian security demands which had hindered and delayed the agreement to restore flights. As we noted late last month, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich has said that both governments need to sign a separate security agreement before flights can resume.

The airport official added, however, that the delay also comes down to Aeroflot simply not being ready on time. The Russian flag carrier has reportedly requested the postponement as it has yet to begin issuing tickets.