Capital International Airport in Egypt celebrated a milestone on Sunday with the launch of its first Air Cairo flight to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, marking a key step in the airport’s growing role within the country’s civil aviation network.
The inaugural flight, operated with an Airbus A320 carrying 160 passengers, is part of a broader strategy by the Egyptian government to optimize the use of newly developed airports and improve integration across the national air transport system. The route will operate six times weekly, providing regular connectivity between the New Administrative Capital and Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the new service aims to alleviate congestion at Cairo International Airport and other major hubs, while enhancing accessibility for residents of the New Administrative Capital and surrounding governorates. By expanding operations at Capital International Airport, authorities hope to stimulate air traffic, attract tourism, and support the growth of low-cost carriers.
“The launch of Air Cairo flights from Capital International Airport aligns with the state’s strategy to fully leverage modern airport infrastructure and facilitate efficient travel movement,” said Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny. He added that the initiative reflects the quality of services and operational readiness at Egypt’s airports while contributing to sustainable operations across the civil aviation sector.
The new route is part of Air Cairo’s wider network, complementing its existing services from other Egyptian airports. The airline, a low-cost arm of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is implementing an integrated model linking the operational readiness of modern airports with airline expansion plans. This approach is intended to provide affordable travel options, improve operational efficiency, and boost inbound and outbound tourism.
Capital International Airport, which serves the New Administrative Capital, has been developed with advanced infrastructure and modern facilities, positioning it as a strategic hub for Egypt’s expanding air transport system. Authorities emphasized that the airport’s capabilities, including streamlined passenger processing, state-of-the-art security systems, and efficient ground handling, played a key role in enabling the new service.
The airport marked the occasion with a special reception for passengers on the inaugural flight, offering guidance and on-ground support within the terminal. Officials highlighted that such initiatives enhance the travel experience and reinforce the airport’s reputation as a modern, customer-focused facility.
Egypt has been investing heavily in airport infrastructure as part of a national strategy to decentralize air traffic from congested hubs and encourage the use of newly built facilities. Capital International Airport is central to these efforts, serving as a gateway for domestic and international flights, and supporting the country’s vision of modern, efficient, and sustainable air transport.
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Analysts said the new Jeddah route strengthens regional connectivity and provides an additional gateway for religious tourism, particularly for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj. Improved accessibility to the New Administrative Capital is expected to attract business travelers, facilitate economic activity, and expand options for Egyptian airlines in the competitive Middle East market.
The launch also underscores Egypt’s commitment to aligning aviation growth with broader economic and urban development goals. By integrating airport operations with airline network expansion, authorities aim to maximize infrastructure utilization, enhance passenger convenience, and promote the New Administrative Capital as a modern transport hub.
Officials said the success of the Air Cairo route could pave the way for further international connections from Capital International Airport, supporting Egypt’s ambitions to boost its role as a regional aviation and tourism hub.
With the new service operational, authorities anticipate stronger passenger flows, improved operational efficiency, and a positive impact on Egypt’s civil aviation sector as the country continues to expand its modern airport infrastructure and integrate it with airline growth strategies.
If you want, I can also condense this into a 400-word wire story for Reuters/AFP, highlighting flight frequency, strategic objectives, and regional tourism impact. Do you want me to do that?
