“Increasing Travel Options Through Hurghada” as Air Cairo Expands Network With New Europe, Africa and UAE Connections

“Increasing Travel Options Through Hurghada” as Air Cairo Expands Network With New Europe, Africa and UAE Connections as the airline strengthens its Hurghada hub strategy to create more international travel opportunities through Egypt. Air Cairo is expanding its network by connecting Hurghada with key destinations across Europe, Africa and the UAE, aiming to improve passenger connectivity and provide more flexible journey options. The airline’s expansion includes links to European markets such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, alongside new African operations and planned UAE connections. By developing Hurghada as a major connection point, Air Cairo is seeking to increase travel flows through Egypt while supporting tourism, business travel and regional mobility. The network expansion reflects the airline’s focus on meeting growing passenger demand and creating stronger links between different global regions.

Air Cairo Expands Hurghada Hub Strategy to Strengthen Europe, Africa and Middle East Travel Connections

Air Cairo is expanding its international network through a new Hurghada hub strategy, aiming to strengthen connections between Egypt, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. During an exclusive interview with Travel and Tour World at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, Mahmoud Hegazy, UAE Regional Manager of Air Cairo, explained how the airline is developing Hurghada International Airport as its second major operational hub after Cairo.

The airline is focusing on increasing travel options for passengers by connecting European destinations with African markets and Middle Eastern religious travel routes through Egypt. The expansion forms part of Air Cairo’s wider growth strategy, supported by its expanding fleet and increasing international operations.

During the interview, Mahmoud Hegazy highlighted the importance of the new Hurghada hub project, saying:

“We established a new Hurghada hub since two months now. Actually, we are targeting to connect our huge network to West Europe.”

The statement reflects Air Cairo’s ambition to use Hurghada not only as a tourism gateway but also as a connecting point between multiple international markets.

Air Cairo positions Hurghada as Egypt’s second major aviation hub

Air Cairo described the Hurghada hub as the airline’s second main hub in Egypt after Cairo International Airport. The airline aims to increase passenger movement through Hurghada by connecting travellers travelling between Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

According to Mahmoud Hegazy:

“It’s our second main hub in Egypt after Cairo airport and we are targeting from establishing this new Hurghada hub to increase the traffic from and to Egypt and via Egypt also to Africa, Europe and the Middle East as well.”

The strategy highlights a shift towards strengthening Egypt’s role as a connecting aviation market. Traditionally known as a leisure destination, Hurghada is being developed as a wider network point where passengers can combine tourism, business and religious travel journeys.

The airline’s approach focuses on creating more connection opportunities rather than operating only direct point-to-point routes.

New Hurghada connections target Germany, Austria and Switzerland markets

A major part of Air Cairo’s Hurghada expansion is focused on Western Europe. The airline is increasing connectivity with Germany, Austria and Switzerland through its new hub operations.

Mahmoud Hegazy explained:

“We are targeting to connect our huge network to West Europe. We fly to more than 11 points in Germany from Hurghada, also to Austria and Switzerland from Hurghada.”

Germany represents one of the important European markets for Egypt’s tourism sector. By expanding routes from Hurghada, Air Cairo aims to provide more travel options for European visitors heading to Egypt while also improving connections through the country.

The expansion could support greater flexibility for travellers who want to access Egypt’s Red Sea destinations while also connecting onwards through Air Cairo’s wider network.

Air Cairo expands Africa network through Hurghada operations

Alongside European growth, Air Cairo is also developing new African connectivity through Hurghada.

The airline is introducing operations to destinations including Zanzibar, Nairobi, Kenya and Mombasa. These routes are designed to connect African destinations with Air Cairo’s European network.

Mahmoud Hegazy explained:

“We are having new operations in East Africa, Zanzibar, Nairobi, Kenya, Mombasa, also connecting these destinations with our Europe destinations in Germany, Rome and Milano in Italy from Hurghada.”

The expansion creates opportunities for travellers looking for multi-destination journeys between Africa and Europe through Egypt.

This approach supports Egypt’s position as an aviation bridge between continents, allowing passengers to use Hurghada as part of wider international travel itineraries.

Supporting religious travel between Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Air Cairo is also focusing on religious travel markets, particularly passengers travelling for Hajj and Umrah.

The airline highlighted Hurghada’s role in supporting passengers travelling towards Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Medina and Riyadh.

Mahmoud Hegazy said:

“Assisting the target passengers targeting Hajj and Umrah flights to fly via Hurghada airport to Jeddah and Medina, also to Riyadh.”

This expansion provides additional routing options for passengers travelling from different markets and strengthens Egypt’s role in regional aviation connectivity.

Free 96-hour transit visa enhances passenger connections

One of the advantages highlighted during the interview was Hurghada Airport’s transit opportunity for Air Cairo passengers.

Mahmoud Hegazy explained:

“Any Air Cairo passenger arriving passenger can have free 96 hours transit visa at Hurghada airport with the Air Cairo boarding pass.”

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This initiative could encourage more passengers to use Egypt as a transit point by allowing travellers to combine connecting journeys with short stays.

For international passengers, transit flexibility can influence airline and route choices, especially when planning multi-country trips.

Air Cairo reaches 42 aircraft as fleet expansion supports growth

The airline’s network expansion is supported by continued fleet growth. Mahmoud Hegazy confirmed that Air Cairo has reached a total fleet size of 42 aircraft.

He explained:

“Right now Air Cairo reached 42 aircrafts in total fleet size. We have a mix between the main type we fly with is the Airbus 320 and also we have ATRs and three Embraer E190 aircraft.”

The fleet includes Airbus A320 aircraft, six ATR aircraft and three Embraer E190 aircraft.

The growing fleet capacity provides operational support for Air Cairo’s expanding domestic and international network.

Air Cairo focuses on affordable hybrid airline model

During the interview, Mahmoud Hegazy also explained Air Cairo’s operating model, describing the airline as a hybrid carrier offering services while maintaining competitive pricing.

He said:

“Air Cairo is always trying to solve this difficult equation to provide very good service to the customer with reasonable price.”

The airline provides services including free baggage allowances and meals onboard while focusing on maintaining competitive fares.

This strategy aims to attract passengers seeking value while still expecting a full-service travel experience.

New UAE routes planned as Air Cairo continues expansion

Looking ahead, Air Cairo revealed plans for additional UAE connectivity.

The airline expects to introduce flights from Cairo to Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport and launch services connecting Cairo and Alamein with Abu Dhabi Airport during the next summer season.

Mahmoud Hegazy stated:

“Next summer, inshallah, flights from Cairo to DWC airport, Al Maktoum, Dubai. Also two flights weekly from Cairo and Alamein to Abu Dhabi airport.”

These planned routes reflect Air Cairo’s continued focus on expanding international connectivity and responding to increasing passenger demand.

Conclusion: Air Cairo’s Hurghada hub marks a new phase of international expansion

Air Cairo’s new Hurghada hub strategy represents a major step in the airline’s international growth plans. By connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East through Egypt, the airline aims to create more travel options for passengers while strengthening Hurghada’s aviation role.

The expansion combines network growth, fleet development and new market opportunities. With operations targeting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, East Africa and the UAE, Air Cairo is positioning Hurghada as an important connection point between regions.

The airline’s focus on affordable services, transit opportunities and expanded routes reflects its ambition to meet growing passenger demand and build stronger global connectivity through Egypt.

Conclusion

“Increasing Travel Options Through Hurghada” as Air Cairo Expands Network With New Europe, Africa and UAE Connections highlights the airline’s ambition to transform Hurghada into a stronger international aviation gateway. Through its expanded network, Air Cairo is creating new travel possibilities between Europe, Africa, the UAE and Egypt while supporting wider tourism and connectivity goals. The airline’s focus on additional routes, passenger connections and fleet growth demonstrates its strategy to respond to changing travel demand. With Hurghada emerging as a key operational hub alongside Cairo, Air Cairo aims to provide travellers with more convenient options and strengthen Egypt’s position as a bridge between continents. The expansion marks a significant step in developing more accessible and connected travel routes for passengers worldwide.