New Flights to Two US Cities: Exciting Updates from this African Airline

CAIRO- EgyptAir has submitted a proposal to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for new nonstop flights connecting Cairo (CAI) with Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD) in 2026.

These routes are anticipated to commence in May and June 2026, pending approval, representing a significant advancement in the airline’s expansion strategy within the United States and introducing its longest flight to date.

EgyptAir’s New US Routes

The proposed services will expand EgyptAir’s reach in North America, making Los Angeles and Chicago its fifth and sixth destinations. Existing routes include New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington (IAD), and Toronto (YYZ).

Covering 7,606 miles, the flight to Los Angeles will become EgyptAir’s longest nonstop service, while the Chicago route will extend 6,149 miles.

This expansion underscores the airline’s goal of enhancing its presence in North America and maximizing its Star Alliance partnerships.

EgyptAir’s long-haul fleet currently consists of:

• 5 Boeing 777-300ERs
• 8 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
• 4 Airbus A330-200s
• 4 Airbus A330-300s

The airline is also preparing to welcome Airbus A350-900s, which will significantly bolster capacity and efficiency for long-haul operations.

Industry analysts expect that the flights from Cairo to Los Angeles may utilize either the Boeing 787-9 or the new A350-900, both equipped for extended missions.

Strategic Significance

Chicago (ORD)

Chicago serves as a major hub for United Airlines, enhancing Star Alliance connections. The new flight is predicted to perform well due to:

• High demand for transatlantic journeys to Africa and the Middle East.
• Direct access to United’s comprehensive domestic and international routes.
• Attraction for both leisure and business travelers seeking seamless connections via Cairo.

Los Angeles (LAX)

The Los Angeles route presents unique opportunities and challenges. Demand from the West Coast to Africa is generally lower than from East Coast hubs, yet LAX offers:

• Recognition as one of the busiest airports worldwide.
• Strategic branding benefits, as a nonstop service would position LAX as one of the few airports with direct flights to all six inhabited continents.
• Access to affluent travelers, though competition with Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates (EK) and Qatar Airways (QR) remains fierce.

EgyptAir previously provided service to Los Angeles years ago, making this 2026 launch both a revival and an expansion of its aspirations in transpacific travel.

This route reinstatement is a testament to the airline’s dedication to re-establishing long-haul routes to the West Coast, further cementing its transatlantic strategy.

Final Thoughts

EgyptAir plans to initiate nonstop flights from Cairo (CAI) to Chicago (ORD) in June 2026 and Los Angeles (LAX) in May 2026, pending approval from the DOT.

While the Chicago route aims to utilize strong Star Alliance connections, the Los Angeles flight—although more demanding—signals EgyptAir’s prestigious return and reinforces LAX as a significant global gateway.

With the forthcoming introduction of Airbus A350-900s, EgyptAir is poised to enhance its long-haul service and expand its impact in the US market.