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EgyptAir to launch direct flights from Cairo to Mogadishu

EgyptAir will commence direct flights from Cairo to Mogadishu from July 11. 2024. (Photo: AP)

By Lucy Mumbi | Monday, June 10, 2024

Starting July 11, 2024, the airline will operate flights twice in a week to Somalia's capital, aligning with Egypt's broader strategy to improve air connectivity across Africa.

EgyptAir will commence direct flights from Cairo to Mogadishu marking a significant step in enhancing connectivity and economic relations between Egypt and Somalia.

Starting July 11, 2024, the airline will operate flights twice in a week to Somalia's capital, aligning with Egypt's broader strategy to improve air connectivity across Africa.

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Somali Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ali Abdi Awaare, lauded the move saying it will increase mutual benefits in both countries, facilitating travel and strengthening bilateral relations.

“This step is a significant milestone in enhancing the cooperation between Somalia and Egypt. It offers a remarkable opportunity for our people to connect more easily,” he said.

In addition to the Mogadishu route, EgyptAir will also launch new services to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Djibouti.

The flights to Abidjan will begin on July 9, operating three times a week. The Cairo-Djibouti-Mogadishu route will also start on July 11, with twice-weekly flights using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Finalise plans

General Manager of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) Ahmed Macallin Hassan, recently hosted a delegation from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and EgyptAir in Mogadishu, to finalise preparations for the new route and ensure Aden Abdulle International Airport's readiness.

He welcomed the delegation adding that the meeting marks the beginning of a robust plan to prepare for EgyptAir’s operations at the Airport in Mogadishu.

“We are committed to ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful launch,” he said.

According to the airline, the new routes will expand its African network to 26 destinations. It aims to increase this to 32 by 2028, with future routes planned to Dakar, Luanda, Cape Town, Bamako, Harare, and Lusaka.

Established in May 1932, EgyptAir is one of the world's pioneer airlines. With a fleet of over 70 aircraft, it is Africa's second-largest airline, following Ethiopian Airlines in terms of fleet size and destinations served.

According to aviation analytics company Cirium, EgyptAir leads in the number of intercontinental flights to and from Africa, with over 580 weekly flights from the continent in June 2024.

The Airline’s seasonal flights respond to evolving demand and supply dynamics in the travel industry, demonstrating the airline's flexibility in operations to ensure optimal resource utilization while effectively meeting travellers' needs.