About EgyptAir
EgyptAir is Egypt's state-owned legacy carrier, the kind of airline that's been connecting Cairo to the rest of the world long enough to have strong opinions about it. With 218 non-stop routes spanning 92 airports and a total network reach of over 663,000 km, this isn't a small regional operation. CAI is the beating heart of it all, with 90 routes running through Cairo International alone. It's a full-service carrier — think checked bags, meals, the works — positioned to move passengers between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, with Cairo acting as the natural connecting point for most of it.
Why fly EgyptAir?
The honest case for EgyptAir usually starts with geography. If you're routing through North Africa or heading deeper into the Middle East, Cairo is genuinely well-placed, and EgyptAir's 90-route hub at CAI gives you real options. Saudi Arabia shows up 15 times in their network, which tells you a lot about their core traffic — religious travel, expats, business. But they also push surprisingly far, with the CAI-LAX route clocking in at 12,218 km, so transatlantic isn't off the table. Price-wise, EgyptAir tends to undercut European legacy carriers on Middle East and African routes, which matters when you're watching your budget. The Egyptair Plus frequent flyer program exists and is worth signing up for if you're doing multiple legs through Cairo.
EgyptAir hub airports
- CAI Cairo — 90 EgyptAir routes from Egypt
- HBE Alexandria — 7 EgyptAir routes from Egypt
- LXR Luxor — 6 EgyptAir routes from Egypt
- SSH Sharm el Sheikh — 4 EgyptAir routes from Egypt
- JED Jeddah — 4 EgyptAir routes from Saudi Arabia
Top destination countries on EgyptAir
- Egypt — 115 EgyptAir routes
- Saudi Arabia — 15 EgyptAir routes
- USA — 5 EgyptAir routes
- Libya — 4 EgyptAir routes
- Spain — 4 EgyptAir routes
- China — 4 EgyptAir routes
- Germany — 4 EgyptAir routes
- Russia — 3 EgyptAir routes
Tips for booking EgyptAir
Book direct through the EgyptAir website if you want the clearest picture of fare classes — third-party platforms sometimes mislabel what's included. CAI connections can be tight depending on your terminal, so I'd personally avoid anything under 90 minutes if you have a bag. Alexandria (HBE) and Luxor (LXR) are smaller secondary hubs with limited route counts — 7 and 6 respectively — so don't expect the same frequency you'd get out of Cairo. Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) is mostly leisure-focused with just 4 routes. If you're a first-timer, know that this is a full-service airline, so you're not flying budget — manage expectations accordingly, not higher.
Frequently asked questions about EgyptAir
Where does EgyptAir fly?
EgyptAir operates 218 routes across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and North America. The airline's top destinations include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the USA, making it a key carrier for travel within the region and to international markets.
What is EgyptAir's main hub?
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is EgyptAir's primary hub, serving as the central connection point for the airline's extensive network across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
Is EgyptAir a legacy, low-cost, or regional carrier?
EgyptAir is a legacy full-service carrier with a substantial international network spanning over 200 routes. The airline offers traditional service models with multiple fare classes rather than operating as a budget or regional carrier.
When should I book EgyptAir flights and what fare classes are available?
Booking 4-8 weeks in advance typically offers competitive fares on EgyptAir. The airline offers multiple fare classes including economy and premium cabin options, with varying allowances for baggage, seat selection, and changes depending on the fare type.
What are EgyptAir's baggage and check-in policies?
EgyptAir allows checked baggage allowances that vary by fare class and route, with economy passengers typically permitted 23kg per bag. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and passengers are advised to arrive 3 hours early for international flights.