By Mohamed Attia
Under the leadership of Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny, Egypt’s civil aviation sector is ramping up flight operations to support the national tourism strategy.
Designed to align with the government’s target of attracting 30 million tourists by 2030, these efforts focus on increasing flight capacity, diversifying international flight paths, and boosting the national economy through enhanced travel infrastructure.
EgyptAir, led by Chairman Captain Ahmed Adel, is spearheading network expansions to key Egyptian coastal and cultural hubs.
To serve rising travel demand, the flag carrier introduced direct weekly connections from Jeddah and Medina to El Alamein International Airport, operating through mid-September 2026.
This expansion directly addresses the surging popularity of New Alamein City as a premier Mediterranean summer destination and international event hub.
Additionally, EgyptAir partnered with Algerian tourism agencies to charter 26 special flights bringing roughly 3,200 tourists from Algeria to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada using Boeing B737-800 aircraft.
The national airline has simultaneously deepened its footprint in Europe.
EgyptAir initiated direct seasonal flights linking Bari and Catania in Italy to Sharm El Sheikh through the end of September.
Furthermore, the carrier celebrated the inauguration of a new year-round route from Cairo to Venice utilising Airbus A320neo aircraft.
This addition marks the third major long-haul expansion under the current strategy, following newly established routes to Los Angeles and Chicago.
To boost regional interest, EgyptAir also launched a joint marketing campaign with the Egyptian Tourism Authority in Rome, showcasing Egypt’s heritage while highlighting optimal transit connections into Africa and Asia.
Concurrently, regional carrier Air Cairo, under the leadership of Hussein Sharif, successfully launched its first direct connection between El Alamein International Airport and Moscow, carrying 176 passengers on its inaugural flight.
Supported by the Egyptian Airports Company, chaired by Captain Wael El-Nashar, this new route enhances international access to Egypt’s North Coast.
The combined initiatives from both airlines strengthen regional air hubs, improve international connectivity, and support sustained growth across Egypt’s vital tourism industry.
