British airline Jet2.com announced its intention to launch flights to Egypt for the first time, with 14 direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada from several British cities, starting in February 2027.
The service is expected to have a capacity of approximately 169,000 seats in its first year of operation.
This initiative comes as part of ongoing efforts from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to increase inbound tourism from targeted markets, particularly the UK.
This step also follows discussions held during a meeting between Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy and the CEO of the Jet2 Group (Airlines & Holidays), Steve Heapy, on the sidelines of the Minister’s participation in the World Travel Market 2025, which took place in London from November 4-6.
According to the company’s announcement, the program is scheduled to include seven direct flights per week to Sharm El-Sheikh, with two flights from Birmingham, one from Edinburgh, two from Manchester, and two from London Stansted Airport.
The program also includes seven other direct flights per week to Hurghada, with two flights from Birmingham, one from Glasgow, two from Manchester, and two from London Stansted Airport.
The operational rate is expected to increase in subsequent years, aligning with the ministry’s plans to expand the range of Egyptian tourist destinations and promote Egypt as a diverse destination that can accommodate various tourist interests.
Boosting tourism
The Tourism Minister praised this step, emphasizing that it represents a significant addition to boosting tourist flows from the British market to Egypt.
It also strengthens Egypt’s position on the map of preferred destinations for British tourists.
He affirmed that it reflects the level of confidence that Egyptian tourism enjoys in the British market, which is one of the most important sources of tourism to Egypt, and supports the state’s efforts to enhance Egypt’s status as a year-round global tourist destination.
Fathy added that this step is the fruit of constructive discussions held during the Ministry’s participation in the World Travel Market in London.
The ministry is continuing to intensify its efforts and expand cooperation channels with industry partners, he said, including tour operators and airlines, with the aim of opening new routes and increasing the number of flights to Egyptian tourist destinations in the coming period.
The CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Ahmed Youssef, explained that the cooperation with the Jet2 group represents a significant step in strengthening efforts to promote Egypt as a tourist destination within the British market.
He noted that this partnership includes implementing joint advertising campaigns targeting a wide range of British tourists, thus enhancing Egypt’s image as a comprehensive tourist destination capable of attracting tourists year-round.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
