What is the best airline to fly to Egypt from Europe?

The right choice depends on your departure city and priorities. EgyptAir offers the widest range of direct services from European cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, and typically offers competitive fares particularly in shoulder seasons. British Airways is the alternative direct option from London and is well suited to premium cabin travellers and Avios collectors. For competitive fares with longer journey times, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines price well on one-stop itineraries via Addis Ababa and Istanbul respectively. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca is a practical routing from France, Spain and Portugal.

Does EgyptAir fly direct from London to Cairo?

Yes. EgyptAir operates daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Cairo International Airport. The flight time is approximately 5 hours. British Airways also operates a daily direct service on the same route. No other UK-departing carrier currently operates a direct service to Cairo.

What is EgyptAir's baggage allowance?

EgyptAir uses a weight-based baggage system on most routes. Economy Class passengers receive 23kg checked baggage plus 8kg carry-on. Business Class passengers receive 32kg checked baggage plus 8kg carry-on. Star Alliance Gold cardholders receive an additional allowance. Allowances can vary by fare type and route so always verify at time of booking.

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Yes. UK citizens and most EU passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. The recommended method is the online e-Visa through the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg, which takes 3 to 5 business days to process and costs approximately USD $25 for a single-entry 30-day visa. Visa on arrival is also available at Cairo Airport for approximately the same cost. Applying in advance via e-Visa is recommended as it provides a faster immigration lane on arrival.

Which airports can you fly into in Egypt?

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main hub and the right choice for city tourism, historical sites and onward connections. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) are the primary gateways for Red Sea beach and diving holidays and are served by direct European charter and scheduled flights. Luxor International Airport (LXR) is ideal for travellers focusing on Upper Egypt and the Nile Valley sites.

Is Cairo a good connecting hub for flights to Africa or Asia?

Yes. EgyptAir operates Cairo as a Star Alliance hub with connections to over 75 destinations. Onward connections from Cairo cover East Africa including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Entebbe; West Africa including Lagos, Accra and Abidjan; South Asia including Mumbai and Delhi; and South East Asia including Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Cairo is a practical and often cost-competitive alternative to Gulf hubs for European travellers routing to these regions, and unlike most Gulf hub stopovers, Cairo itself is a destination worth a layover.

How far is Cairo Airport from central Cairo?

Cairo International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometres from central Cairo, with a typical journey time of 30 to 60 minutes by car depending on traffic. Uber and Careem both operate from the arrivals area and are the recommended transport option. Evening arrivals when multiple long-haul flights land simultaneously tend to produce longer immigration queues and longer journey times into the city.

Egypt Travel Guide 2026: Best Flights, EgyptAir Routes and Why Cairo Is Europe's Most Overlooked Hub - Flight Alternatives

Compare the best airlines flying from Europe to Egypt in 2026. EgyptAir direct from London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. British Airways direct from London. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and Ethiopian Airlines routes to Cairo explained.