Cairo: UK airline Jet2.com has announced it will begin flying to Egypt for the first time in February 2027, significantly expanding its international network. The carrier will operate up to 14 weekly direct flights from several UK cities to Egypt's top resort destinations, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. This new service is expected to offer approximately 169,000 seats in its inaugural year, with the number of flights increasing in subsequent years as both the airline and Egypt aim to bolster tourism. The flights will connect the UK with Egypt every week, with seven flights dedicated to Sharm El Sheikh and seven flights to Hurghada.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the flights to Sharm El Sheikh will include two weekly departures from Birmingham, one from Edinburgh, two from Manchester, and two from London Stansted. Similarly, the Hurghada route will also have two flights from Birmingham, one from Glasgow, two from Manchester, and two from London Stansted. This new service comes after discussions between Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, and Steve Heapy, the CEO of Jet2 Group, at the 2025 World Travel Market held in London. Fathy expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting how it would mark a significant step in encouraging more British tourists to visit Egypt.
The collaboration will also involve joint marketing campaigns, designed to further boost Egypt's profile in the UK market. The introduction of Jet2 flights to these Egyptian destinations is expected to contribute significantly to Egypt's tourism recovery efforts, especially in the post-pandemic era. The country has been focusing on rebuilding its tourism sector by re-engaging international markets and expanding partnerships with foreign carriers. The UK has long been one of Egypt's most important tourism markets, particularly for Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, and the new flight routes are expected to continue this trend by offering more convenient access for British travelers.
Jet2's decision to operate flights to Egypt is also in line with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' broader strategy to increase the number of tourists arriving from key markets such as the UK. Egypt has long been a popular destination for British holidaymakers due to its sunny weather, historical sites, and affordable vacation packages. With the UK being one of the primary sources of inbound tourists, expanding flight options to these key Egyptian destinations is seen as a critical step in strengthening Egypt's position as a year-round travel destination.
The Egyptian government has also been focusing on modernizing its tourism infrastructure and enhancing the overall visitor experience to attract more international travelers. From historic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza to the stunning beaches along the Red Sea, Egypt continues to offer a diverse range of attractions. This partnership with Jet2 is expected to help elevate Egypt's status as an attractive destination for leisure and adventure travelers alike.
The expansion of Jet2's services will also serve as a boon for the local economies in both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. With the introduction of more flights, these resort cities will see an increase in international visitors, which could lead to greater demand for accommodations, restaurants, and various leisure activities. This surge in tourism is expected to create more jobs and bring in additional revenue for the Egyptian tourism sector, which has been recovering steadily following the global pandemic.
Moreover, the frequency of the new Jet2 flights will provide travelers with more options and flexibility when planning their trips. With multiple flights operating each week from various UK cities, British tourists will have easier access to Egypt's top tourist destinations. The increased connectivity is likely to appeal to both regular vacationers and those looking for short weekend getaways.
Jet2, known for its affordable flight options, is expected to attract a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious holidaymakers to those seeking all-inclusive packages. The airline's entry into Egypt's market reflects the growing demand for affordable travel to global destinations and highlights Egypt's potential to tap into the competitive UK outbound travel market.
In addition to the flight services, Jet2's partnership with the Egyptian Tourism Authority will likely include promotional campaigns aimed at attracting British tourists throughout the year. These efforts will further solidify the UK's position as one of the most crucial sources of international tourists to Egypt.
Jet2's decision to launch this new route comes at a time when Egypt's tourism sector is experiencing a resurgence. The government's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, combined with increased international cooperation, are beginning to yield positive results. The addition of Jet2 flights is expected to complement other efforts aimed at restoring Egypt's pre-pandemic tourism levels, which had been significantly affected by global travel restrictions.
Looking forward, the collaboration between Jet2 and the Egyptian government is seen as just the beginning of a growing partnership that could extend to more destinations across Egypt. The expansion of services and continued efforts to promote Egypt in key markets like the UK should help the country achieve its ambitious tourism goals and become a prime destination for travelers from all over the world.