EgyptAir to launch first direct Birmingham to Cairo flights

Passengers will be able to fly directly from Birmingham to Cairo for the first time when EgyptAir launches a new year-round route later this month.

The service starts on Tuesday 27 October and will run four times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

A new long-haul link

It will be Birmingham Airport's first ever direct link to the Egyptian capital. The airport already has flights to the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, but Cairo offers a different kind of destination, combining a huge modern city with some of the world's most famous ancient sites.

The airport said the addition of Cairo "strengthens its long-haul offering and gives passengers in the Midlands direct access to one of the world's most historic and culturally rich destinations".

Connections across Egypt

EgyptAir says passengers will be able to make onward connections through Cairo to destinations across Egypt on its domestic network, such as Luxor and Aswan on the Nile.

Who will use it

The route is aimed at holidaymakers, business travellers and people visiting friends and relatives. Birmingham has an Egyptian community, as well as large Arab and Muslim communities for whom Cairo is an important city, and the route will save many passengers from having to change flights at another airport.

What to see

Cairo is home to the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. The Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened fully in 2025 near the pyramids, holds the treasures of Tutankhamun, and the historic Islamic quarter of Cairo is a World Heritage Site.

Before you go

British visitors to Egypt usually need a visa, which can be obtained online before travel or in some cases on arrival. Travellers should check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's travel advice for Egypt, make sure their passport is valid for at least six months, and take out travel insurance.

About EgyptAir

EgyptAir is Egypt's national airline and a member of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. It flies to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America from its hub at Cairo International Airport.

A busy year for the airport

Birmingham Airport has seen record passenger numbers this year, including a record August, and now handles more than 13 million passengers a year, with direct flights to around 145 destinations. Airlines have announced a number of new routes for the winter season, including Ryanair flights to Copenhagen, Rome, Marrakech, Tirana and Warsaw, Jet2 flights to Copenhagen, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, and easyJet services to Milan and Tivat.

Fares and fuel

Airlines have warned that higher oil prices caused by the war involving Iran are likely to push up fares. Travellers are advised to book early and compare prices.

Half term

The airport expects to be very busy over the October half term, which in Birmingham runs from 26 to 30 October. Passengers are advised to allow plenty of time for security and to pre-book parking.

Getting to the airport

Birmingham Airport is linked to Birmingham International station by a free Air-Rail Link, with frequent trains to New Street. It is also served by buses and is close to junction 6 of the M42.