Chicaho O'Hare Airport. Photo: David S. Swierczek / Shutterstock.com The Chicago Department of Aviation has joined EGYPTAIR and representatives of the Egyptian Consulate in Chicago to celebrate the launch of a new nonstop route linking Chicago with Cairo.
The new service marks a significant milestone for both cities, providing Chicago with its first nonstop connection to North Africa and expanding travel options between the United States, Africa and the Middle East.
EGYPTAIR. Photo: Abdul N Quraishi - Abs / Shutterstock.comEGYPTAIR will operate the route three times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using its new Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The 340-seat jet features 30 Business Class seats and 310 Economy Class seats. Flights are scheduled to arrive at O'Hare International Airport at 5:15 a.m. and depart for Cairo at 10:30 a.m.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the new route, highlighting the tourism and economic opportunities it creates.
Chicago. Photo: ALEXANDRE F FAGUNDES / Shutterstock.com“I couldn't be prouder to welcome EGYPTAIR to O'Hare to connect Chicagoans to the vibrant cultural experiences, historic landmarks and wonders of the world that Egypt has to offer,” Johnson said. “Continuing flights out of Cairo also offer our great city access to tourism and economic opportunities throughout Africa and the Middle East.”
The service is Chicago's second passenger route to Africa, following the launch of flights to Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Airlines in 2018. Cairo's position as a major regional hub will also provide passengers with onward connections to destinations across Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
Exclusive aerial view of the Nile and downtown island of Cairo, Egypt. Photo: ShutterstockMichael McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, described EGYPTAIR as a historic airline that strengthens O'Hare's position as one of the world's most connected airports.
Captain Mohamed Elian, Chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Airlines, said the new route represents an important step in the carrier's international expansion strategy.
“Launching nonstop service between Chicago and Cairo represents a strategic step forward in EGYPTAIR's global growth journey,” Elian said. “With three weekly flights operated by our state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900, this route enhances connectivity not only between Egypt and the United States but also to our extensive destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East.”
(VIDEO: Chicago O'Hare International Airport)
.@EGYPTAIR has officially touched down in Chicago! ??
— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) June 24, 2026
We're thrilled to welcome the airline and its new nonstop service connecting O'Hare and Cairo International Airport (CAI). pic.twitter.com/eC8bDknYlP
The launch also highlights the long-standing ties between Chicago and Egypt. The city is home to a large Egyptian-American community and hosts one of only five Egyptian consulates in the United States.
The route becomes EGYPTAIR's fourth destination in the U.S. and makes the airline the 16th Star Alliance member carrier serving O'Hare. Officials also noted the strong economic relationship between Illinois and Egypt, with the state ranking among the leading U.S. states for trade with the country in 2024.
Founded in 1932, EGYPTAIR is one of the world's oldest airlines and was the first carrier established in Africa.