A few months back, we discovered that EgyptAir submitted a request to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval to initiate two new routes. There’s now news, as these routes have been officially confirmed, and the schedules are now available.
EgyptAir introducing routes to Chicago & Los Angeles
In the upcoming months, EgyptAir plans to commence flights from Cairo (CAI) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD).
Starting May 23, 2026, the airline aims to operate 3x weekly flights to Los Angeles, adhering to the following timetable:
MS983 Cairo to Los Angeles departing 8:30AM arriving 1:20PM
MS984 Los Angeles to Cairo departing 5:25PM arriving 5:10PM (+1 day)
The flight covers 7,605 miles, blocked at 14hr50min westbound and 13hr45min eastbound. It will operate in both directions on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This route will undoubtedly be the longest in EgyptAir’s portfolio.
As of June 21, 2026, the airline will initiate 3x weekly flights to Chicago, with the following itinerary:
MS947 Cairo to Chicago departing 12:50AM arriving 5:15AM
MS948 Chicago to Cairo departing 10:30AM arriving 5:40AM (+1 day)
The flight spans 6,148 miles, with a block time of 12hr25min westbound and 11hr10min eastbound. It will run in both directions on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
EgyptAir plans to utilize its latest Airbus A350-900 for these routes, showcasing the airline’s newest cabin products. Each aircraft will have 340 seats, comprising 30 in business class and 310 in economy class.
What’s particularly intriguing about the new Los Angeles service is that it will provide LAX with a nonstop link to all six inhabited continents. Notably, this route marks a return, as EgyptAir previously operated flights to Los Angeles many years ago. Additionally, this isn’t the only service from Africa that LAX is set to gain, as Royal Air Maroc is also starting flights from Casablanca (CMN).
Integration of these routes into EgyptAir’s network
In context, Chicago and Los Angeles will become EgyptAir’s fifth and sixth destinations in North America, joining New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Toronto (YYZ), and Washington (IAD).
The Chicago route appears to be a relatively safe bet, effectively feeding into a significant United hub (both EgyptAir and United are members of Star Alliance). However, I hold some skepticism regarding the feasibility of the Los Angeles service:
- The economics of ultra long-haul flights present challenges, and this route is 2,000 miles longer than EgyptAir’s service to New York
- There’s significantly more demand for travel to Africa from New York, Washington, and Toronto than from Los Angeles
- Although Los Angeles serves as a United hub, the airline offers less connectivity compared to other hubs; effectively, it would only be bringing in a small amount of traffic from the West Coast, with potential passengers who could also connect through the East Coast
- Los Angeles accommodates a considerable number of affluent travelers connecting to destinations accessible with one stop via Cairo, yet a large proportion would likely prefer to fly with Emirates, Qatar, etc.
I could be mistaken, but I suspect this route may be driven more by status and “Hollywood” allure than by passenger volume and revenue metrics. That said, this wouldn’t be the first instance of a government-owned airline launching a route for such reasons.
Conclusion
EgyptAir plans to introduce two new routes to the United States, initiating flights to Los Angeles in May 2026 and to Chicago in June 2026. The flight schedules have been submitted, and tickets are anticipated to go on sale shortly.
Chicago seems quite reasonable given its status as a United hub, ensuring ample connectivity. Nevertheless, I maintain some doubt regarding the profitability of the Los Angeles flights, considering the flight duration, traffic patterns, etc.
What are your thoughts on EgyptAir adding flights to Chicago & Los Angeles? Do you believe the airline will thrive?