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 began on 23 May 2026, operating three times weekly — Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Cairo–Chicago O’Hare service follows on 21 June 2026, also running three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Both routes are operated on the wide-body Airbus A350-900, one of EgyptAir’s newest long-haul aircraft offering business, premium economy, and economy cabins. Flight time on the Cairo–LA route is approximately 16–17 hours.

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. A traveller in Los Angeles previously had to route through cities such as London, Frankfurt, or Istanbul, adding several hours and an additional set of check-in and security queues.

Cairo remains the primary international hub. 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.

The broader network

EgyptAir is also expanding its short and medium-haul network, having inducted its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 for European and Middle Eastern routes, and targeting 85 destinations in 2026. 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 seeing growth: TUI UK is operating direct flights to Sharm el-Sheikh from East Midlands Airport, and easyJet is adding seasonal routes from Newcastle and Glasgow starting August 2026. Charter options from Amsterdam and other European cities are running through the summer season for Hurghada and Marsa Alam.

Visa reminder for US nationals

US passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $30 USD (increased from $25 in March 2026) and can be obtained on arrival at Cairo Airport or in advance via the Egypt e-Visa portal. Egypt is also developing a digital visa-on-arrival system expected to launch across Cairo Airport terminals in August 2026, allowing travellers to complete the process via self-service kiosks or through an app before they land.

Our Egypt visa guide covers both options, processing times, and what to bring.

Planning your arrival into Cairo

Cairo International Airport sits in the northeast of the city, well connected to all major tourist destinations by domestic flights, overnight sleeper trains, and bus. Our getting around Egypt guide covers all transport options in detail.

Cairo itself deserves at least two days before heading south. The Cairo city guide covers the Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, Khan el-Khalili, and practical logistics including airport transit hotels.