EgyptAir Launches Nonstop Flights to Los Angeles and Chicago

EgyptAir is launching two historic nonstop routes to the United States in 2026, opening the first direct flights between Egypt and North America in decades. The Cairo–Los Angeles service begins on 23 May 2026, with three weekly departures from Cairo International Airport. The Cairo–Chicago O’Hare service follows on 21 June 2026, also operating three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Both routes eliminate the need to connect via European or Middle Eastern hubs, cutting total journey time significantly for travellers crossing between Egypt and the US.

What it means for visitors flying into Egypt

For North American travellers planning a Nile cruise, a week at Sharm el-Sheikh, or a deep dive into the antiquities of Luxor, direct access from two major US gateway cities removes one of the most frustrating logistical barriers — the long connecting flight through Europe or the Gulf.

Cairo remains the primary international hub, with Suvarnabhumi and the Great Pyramid of Giza corridors among the busiest entry points. Most multi-city Egypt itineraries will still begin and end at Cairo International, making these new routes a practical improvement for the full trip, not just the first leg.

Visa reminder for US nationals

US passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $25 USD and can be obtained on arrival at Cairo Airport or in advance via the Egypt e-Visa portal. Our Egypt visa guide covers both options, processing times, and what to bring.

Egypt is also developing a digital visa-on-arrival system expected to launch across all Cairo Airport terminals in August 2026. The QR code-based system will allow travellers to complete the process via self-service kiosks or through an app before they land.

Other connectivity improvements

Beyond the US routes, EgyptAir resumed its full UAE network — including daily flights to Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi — after a brief suspension that ended on 5 May 2026. The Red Sea resort corridor is also expanding, with TUI UK operating direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from East Midlands Airport, and easyJet adding seasonal routes from Newcastle and Glasgow starting August 2026.

For travellers already planning a trip later this year, it is worth checking both EgyptAir and European low-cost carriers when building connections to Hurghada or Marsa Alam, as direct charter options from Amsterdam and other European cities are now running through the summer season.