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EgyptAir is expanding its North American flight map with the launch of two nonstop routes from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The addition will mark EgyptAir’s first-ever service to Chicago and its return to Los Angeles for the first time since 2001 (when flights operated via New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Both new routes will be operated by the airline’s brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which feature 30 Business Class and 310 Economy Class seats. The inaugural flight from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is scheduled for June 21st and timed to capture peak summer travel demand. The route will operate 3x weekly. The introduction of nonstop service is expected to stimulate additional travel demand and grow the local market. Chicago will become EgyptAir’s newest US gateway and further strengthen its presence in major Star Alliance hub cities (this is a United hub).
EgyptAir will also resume service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on May 23rd. This marks its return to Southern California after nearly a quarter of a century. Like Chicago, the route will operate 3x weekly using the Airbus A350-900. Unlike EgyptAir’s other North American routes, the Los Angeles schedule features a morning departure from Cairo International Airport (CAI) at 8:30 AM and arrives in Los Angeles at 1:20 PM. The return flight will depart at 5:25 PM and land back in Cairo at 5:10 PM the following day.
Los Angeles represents one of the largest US markets to Cairo. The airline’s renewed interest in California may also reflect competitive dynamics, including Royal Air Maroc’s planned Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) flights to/from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
With the addition of Chicago and Los Angeles, EgyptAir will operate a record five US routes. These include:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
When including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada, EgyptAir will serve six destinations in North America (including four United hubs and one for Air Canada).
With Chicago and Los Angeles now on the map, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) stands as Cairo’s largest unserved North American market. As another major United hub, San Francisco could present a logical next step for expansion. In the meantime, travelers will be able to connect between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) via EgyptAir’s codeshare partnership with United Airlines.
Anthony’s Take: This expansion underscores EgyptAir’s growing ambitions in the US market (supported by its new-generation A350 fleet and strengthened alliance connectivity). It has been a popular day for Chicago. Earlier today, I wrote about Philippine Airlines plans.
(Featured Image Credit: EgyptAir.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
1 comment
Cairo is such a pit – why would anyone want to go there?
One of the worst cities I’ve ever spent time in