EgyptAir launches direct flights to Los Angeles and Chicago in 2026

Two major new American destinations

EgyptAir, Egypt's national airline, has announced the launch of two new direct routes between Cairo and the United States. The first connection will link Cairo International Airport to Los Angeles Airport (LAX) starting May 23, 2026, while the second will serve Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from June 21, 2026. Both routes will operate three times weekly, providing regular connectivity between Egypt and these two major American cities.

To operate these long-haul services, EgyptAir will deploy its most modern aircraft, including the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner or the Airbus A350-900. These next-generation planes offer optimal passenger comfort with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and reduced cabin pressure that minimizes fatigue on long-duration flights. Passengers will benefit from three service classes, including a fully redesigned business class with 180-degree lie-flat seats.

A rapidly expanding North American network

With the addition of Los Angeles and Chicago, EgyptAir's North American network will reach six destinations, also including New York (JFK), Newark, Washington, and Toronto. This strategic expansion responds to growing demand for travel between Egypt and North America, driven by tourism, business, and ties between Egyptian diaspora communities estimated at over one million people in the United States and Canada.

Los Angeles represents a strategic gateway to the American West Coast and the Asian market across the Pacific, while Chicago, a true aviation hub in the heart of the United States, will effectively serve the American Midwest. Both destinations also offer numerous connection possibilities to other American cities, considerably expanding travel options for EgyptAir passengers.

A boost for tourism and exchanges

These new direct connections are a major asset for travelers transiting through Cairo Airport. They will facilitate travel for American tourists wishing to discover Egypt's treasures, including the recently inaugurated Grand Egyptian Museum and the legendary sites of Luxor and Aswan. In the opposite direction, Egyptian travelers will benefit from direct access to two of the largest cities in the United States, without needing to transit through another European or American city.

This expansion is part of EgyptAir's global strategy to strengthen its international presence and position Cairo as a leading aviation hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The national carrier, a Star Alliance member, will also be able to offer seamless connections with its American partners United Airlines and Air Canada to dozens of additional cities.