Air Cairo has launched a thrice-weekly service between Tel Aviv and Sharm El-Sheikh. The Egyptair-owned carrier will join Israeli carriers Sun D'Or, Arkia and Israir to take the total weekly flights on this route to 12.

Air Cairo begins Tel Aviv-Sharm El-Sheikh service

On Monday, low-cost carrier Air Cairo launched direct flights between Tel Aviv, Israel and the Egyptian resort destination of Sharm El-Sheikh. This service will be offered three times a week and served by an Airbus A320.

Israel's Tourism Minister, Yoel Razvozov, said,

"Tourism represents a bridgehead for creating diplomatic relations between countries." The historic peace agreement with Egypt and after it the agreement with Jordan and the Abraham Accords with the Gulf states have led to tourism cooperation, which cements the bridges between the countries."

Israel and Egypt reached an agreement in March to allow direct flights between Tel Aviv and Sharm El-Sheikh after finalizing security arrangements.

Air Cairo A320neo
The airline will join three Israeli carriers serving this route. Photo: Kevin Hackert via Flickr

The opening cost of a round-trip ticket with Air Cairo will be around $300. Importantly, current arrangements only allow travelers who have booked round-trip tickets.

A group of Israeli tourists who turned up at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport seeking to fly home to Israel were denied by authorities and made to return to Taba by taxi.

Increased frequency over the summer

Israeli airlines Sun D'Or, Arkia and Israir each offer three weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Sharm El-Sheikh after launching in April. Each airline will be granted up to five weekly flights over the summer as demand heats up.

Sun D'Or, a subsidiary of El Al, became the first Israeli carrier to fly to Sharm El-Sheikh on April 17th during the Passover holidays.

Gal Gershon, CEO of Sun D'Or, said,

"I welcome the opening of the new route and the operation of direct flights to Sharm El-Sheikh. This is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations for this coming summer."

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About Air Cairo

Air Cairo is a low-cost carrier majority-owned by Egyptair, which holds a 60% stake. Established in 2003, the airline is also part-owned by the National Bank of Egypt (20%) and Bank Misr (20%).

The carrier operates an all-Airbus fleet of A320 aircraft, including six older Airbus A320-200s and four new Airbus A320neos. Air Cairo's A320-200 fleet offers 174 seats, all in economy class, while its A320neos provide 186 seats.

Air Cairo First A320neo
Air Cairo's modern fleet of Airbus A320neos opens up many possibilities. Photo: Airbus

The airline took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo in April 2021 and will eventually welcome 19 of the type to its fleet by 2024. Air Cairo has ambitious expansion plans over the next few years, including forays into Western Europe and West Africa.

Have you ever flown with Air Cairo before? How did you find the airline's level of service? Let us know your experiences in the comments.