CAIRO — EgyptAir has announced plans to significantly expand its U.S. network with the launch of new nonstop flights from Cairo to Los Angeles and Chicago, routes that would mark a milestone in the airline’s long-haul ambitions and deepen its transatlantic presence.
According to filings with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the flag carrier intends to begin service between Cairo International Airport (CAI) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in May 2026, followed by flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in June 2026, pending regulatory approval. The expansion would add the fifth and sixth North American destinations to EgyptAir’s network, joining New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), and Toronto (YYZ).
The new West Coast route to Los Angeles would span 7,606 miles, making it the longest nonstop service ever operated by EgyptAir. The Cairo–Chicago route, at 6,149 miles, would further strengthen the airline’s reach into the U.S. Midwest, connecting travelers through one of America’s most important aviation hubs.
Industry outlet One Mile at a Time (OMAAT) first reported the filing, calling the move “a clear signal of EgyptAir’s intent to grow its North American footprint and capitalize on Star Alliance connectivity.”
Fleet and Operations: Preparing for Ultra-Long-Haul Growth
EgyptAir’s long-haul fleet currently includes five Boeing 777-300ERs, eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, four Airbus A330-200s, and four Airbus A330-300s. The airline is also preparing to introduce the Airbus A350-900, which is expected to enhance both range and fuel efficiency for its longest flights.
Industry observers anticipate that EgyptAir may deploy either the Boeing 787-9 or the upcoming A350-900 on the Cairo–Los Angeles route. Both aircraft are well-suited to the demands of ultra-long-haul operations, offering a balance of performance and passenger comfort.
The addition of these new-generation aircraft underscores EgyptAir’s commitment to renewing its fleet and aligning its services with international standards for long-haul connectivity.
Strategic Significance: Strengthening U.S. Network Links
The expansion reflects EgyptAir’s broader strategy to position Cairo as a key hub linking Africa and the Middle East with North America. The two new U.S. routes—particularly Chicago—are expected to strengthen the airline’s cooperation with Star Alliance partners, including United Airlines.
Chicago (ORD): Leveraging Alliance Synergy
Chicago O’Hare is one of United Airlines’ largest hubs, offering seamless one-stop connectivity across North America and beyond. EgyptAir’s planned ORD service will allow passengers from the U.S. Midwest to access destinations across Africa and the Middle East through Cairo.
Industry analysts note several factors that could support the route’s success: high demand for transatlantic travel, robust Star Alliance network integration, and appeal to both business and leisure travelers seeking efficient one-stop options.
Los Angeles (LAX): A Return to the U.S. West Coast
The planned Los Angeles service presents both opportunity and challenge. Demand for nonstop travel between the U.S. West Coast and Africa remains limited compared to East Coast markets, but the strategic and symbolic value of the route is significant.
As one of the world’s busiest airports, Los Angeles offers exposure to a large and high-income traveler base. A Cairo–LAX nonstop would make Los Angeles one of the few airports with direct flights to all six inhabited continents.
“Launching service to Los Angeles is both a practical and prestige move for EgyptAir,” analysts note, citing competition from Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. The route is also a revival of sorts—EgyptAir operated flights to Los Angeles decades ago, and the planned 2026 launch represents both a resumption and modernization of its long-haul U.S. ambitions.
Broader Market Impact
For EgyptAir, the move signals renewed confidence in international demand and a commitment to expanding beyond its traditional network. The airline’s U.S. expansion mirrors a broader trend among African carriers investing in transatlantic growth to capture business and diaspora travel segments.
With the introduction of the A350-900 and improved onboard service offerings, EgyptAir appears well-positioned to compete in the increasingly globalized long-haul market. Analysts say the combination of fleet modernization and strategic network additions could enhance the carrier’s brand visibility and operational flexibility.
Looking Ahead
Pending final approval, EgyptAir expects to inaugurate nonstop service to Los Angeles in May 2026 and to Chicago in June 2026, marking a pivotal step in its U.S. growth strategy. The airline plans to leverage Star Alliance partnerships to ensure smooth connectivity, particularly through United Airlines’ domestic and international networks.
While the Chicago route is expected to perform strongly due to alliance synergies and established demand, the Los Angeles service represents a bolder bet—one that could redefine EgyptAir’s long-haul identity if successful.
By bridging Cairo to both U.S. coasts, EgyptAir aims to solidify its standing as a central player in transatlantic and intercontinental travel, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and North America through one of the world’s oldest and most storied airlines.
