A direct air link between London and Luxor was re-established yesterday by Egyptair following a suspension since May.
The re-introduction of the weekly connection comes as Egyptian tourist chiefs look to the UK to lift a ban on flights to Sharm el Sheikh after almost a year.
Direct air links between the UK and the Red Sea resort have been suspended since the terrorist downing of a Russian charter flight killing all 224 people on board following its departure from the airport at Sharm el Sheikh.
Flights from Germany resumed on Sunday while Turkish Airlines is to return with a service from Istanbul after an 11-month suspension. Eleven flights from Italy are also scheduled for October.
Tourist areas along the Nile river, including Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, are not included in places to which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel.
UK airlines currently flying to Egypt include British Airways and Egyptair from Heathrow to Cairo, easyJet from Gatwick to Hurgarda, Thomson Airways from Gatwick to Marsa Alam and Manchester to Hurgarda and Thomas Cook Airlines from Gatwick and Manchester to Hurgarda.
The Luxor service from Heathrow is being operated by a 144-seat Boeing 737-800 in a two class configuration with return fares starting at £380.
Egyptian Tourism Authority UK director, Rasha Azaizi, said: “We are delighted that Egyptair will be resuming flights between London and Luxor.
“We look forward to welcoming British travellers on this service which will connect them directly them to some of the world’s greatest cultural landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the treasures of Tut-Ankh-Amoun and the Luxor and Karnak Temples.
“Luxor has an array of beautiful hotels such as the historic Old Winter Palace and is perfectly placed for dual centre holidays.
“Visitors can combine their stay in Luxor with a luxury Nile cruise up to the hustle and bustle of Cairo, or spend time relaxing at the fantastic beach resorts at Hurghada and the world famous Red Sea Riviera.”