Chicago. Photo: Shutterstock Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) yesterday, March 30, 2026, shared the Egyptian flag carrier EGYPTAIR's exciting announcement regarding a new nonstop service from Chicago to Cairo.
Starting June 21, the carrier will operate the O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Cairo International Airport (CAI) service three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight will arrive at O'Hare at 5:15 a.m. and depart at 10:30 a.m via an Airbus A350-900 with 340 seats, including 30 Business Class seats and 310 Economy Class seats.
“I'm proud to welcome EGYPTAIR to Chicago as O'Hare's newest air carrier," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. “This new route will connect our great city with all of the historic wonders and vibrant culture that Egypt has to offer, along with convenient connections to Africa and the Middle East."
Cairo. Photo: ShutterstockCaptain Ahmed Adel, EGYPTAIR HOLDING Chairman and CEO: “Launching direct flights between Cairo and Chicago marks a significant milestone in EGYPTAIR's expansion into the U.S. market."
This route will provide travelers with seamless connectivity between Egypt and one of America's most important aviation hubs, while strengthening our positioning as a main transatlantic carrier."
EGYPTAIR. Photo: Markus Mainka / ShutterstockCairo's position as an important global hub for EGYPTAIR is likely to trigger "significant connecting traffic, particularly to key destinations in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as onward connections to over 20 destinations across Africa."
The arrival of EGYPTAIR will also mark the 15th Star Alliance-affiliated carrier operating at O'Hare, as well as the "first nonstop passenger link to North Africa."
CDA Commissioner Michael McMurray: “I'm honored to welcome them to the world-class network of air carriers that has consistently made O'Hare the most connected airport in the United States."
“The announcement of the new service coincides with EGYPTAIR receiving its newest A350-900 planned to operate the non-stop flights offering our passenger with the latest inflight services and connectivity options" said Captain Mohamed Elian, EGYPTAIR AIRLINES Chairman and CEO.
Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago: “This new nonstop route between Chicago and the historic, vibrant city of Cairo is a powerful signal that Chicago is a global gateway."
As explained by the CDA, companies and institutions based in the city also "maintain a meaningful presence in Egypt, including Oxford Capital Group, ADM, Simon-Kucher, and the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, which has operated “Chicago House" in Luxor since 1924 to document and preserve ancient Egyptian artifacts and inscriptions."
Two years ago, Illinois ranked as the 7th U.S. state in imports from and exports to Egypt.