EgyptAir files for approval to launch direct flights from Cairo to Los Angeles, Chicago in 2026

EGYPT – EgyptAir has announced plans to expand its transatlantic network with the launch of direct flights from Cairo to Los Angeles and Chicago in 2026.

The new long-haul routes, pending regulatory approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT), are set to begin in May and June respectively, marking a major milestone in the airline’s North American growth strategy.

The Los Angeles route, covering 7,606 miles, will be EgyptAir’s longest flight, with an estimated duration of approximately 16 hours.

The Chicago route will span 6,149 miles, enhancing connectivity to the Midwest. Both services will be operated using the airline’s new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, part of a fleet modernization program focused on fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Initial operations will run three to four times weekly, with potential for daily service as demand grows.

The A350-900, with its higher capacity and advanced aerodynamics, will support this expansion and complement EgyptAir’s existing Boeing 787-9 fleet.

These routes respond to rising demand for non-stop travel between Egypt and the US, particularly from West Coast and Midwest travelers.

The resumption of service to Los Angeles, previously served until 2001, will streamline access for American tourists visiting Egypt’s historical sites and strengthen bilateral trade and cultural ties.

Chicago’s status as a United Airlines hub and its large Middle Eastern and African communities provide a solid customer base.

The flights will also benefit from EgyptAir’s Star Alliance membership, enabling seamless connections across the United States and beyond.

Captain Ahmed Adel, EgyptAir’s CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the A350 fleet.

“The numbers look good, but we need at least six or seven A350s to operate LAX successfully,” he said, noting the aircraft’s role in enabling new route development.

The airline has formally filed with the DOT to initiate marketing and advance sales. Approval is expected soon, given EgyptAir’s long-standing presence in the US market since 1986.

This expansion will bring EgyptAir’s US network to six destinations, reinforcing its position as the only carrier offering nonstop flights between Egypt and the United States.

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