Nesma Airlines flight diverted to Yekaterinburg due to Russian airspace closure

Nesma Airlines flight NE 644, traveling from Sharm El Sheikh to Moscow, was forced to divert to Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg on August 26, 2026, due to the sudden closure of parts of Russian airspace for exceptional security reasons.

The airline stated that the pilot received mandatory instructions from Russian air traffic control to change course to ensure passenger safety. Due to the ongoing airspace closure and uncertainty regarding when flights to Moscow could resume, passengers were permitted to disembark at the airport.

Nesma Airlines noted that providing air transport from Yekaterinburg to Moscow would violate international and Russian laws regarding “cabotage,” which prohibits foreign airlines from performing domestic transport within Russian territory. The company and its travel agent attempted to find alternative transport, but limited availability on domestic flights and trains prevented group transfers. Passengers may submit claims for travel costs to their travel agent for review and reimbursement.