The Best Domestic Airlines in Egypt

Egypt is a large country located in North Africa, with the Sahara Desert to the west, the Rea Sea to the east, and part of the Nile crossing through the entire country (from south to north into the Mediterranean). The distance from the southeast corner to the northwest of the country is 1,570 km (1,000 mi) and the civilized and settled area (the Nile Valley, delta, and oases) constitutes only about 3.5% of the total land. This means that tourists often have to take domestic flights to save time. Therefore, it would be helpful to know the best airlines when planning a trip, wouldn't it?

There are many choices as the domestic airlines in Egypt are quite affordable and convenient, as most of the flight routes within Egypt are short. For example, it takes less than an hour to fly from the capital Cairo to Aswan in the south. It is the ideal way to travel in the country, especially for those traveling with family or looking for a timely and smart means of transportation.

Here, we will introduce you to the five best Egyptian airlines, ranging from high-end to low-cost, to meet different travelers' needs and preferences.

EgyptAir — The Flag Carrier Airline of Egypt

Founded in 1932, EgyptAir is the flag carrier airline of Egypt and the second-largest airline in Africa (following South African Airways). As the top state-owned airline of the country, it offers reliable services and extensively focuses on the domestic sector. It is also a member of Star Alliance, an international alliance of 26 member airlines.

As the leader of the domestic flight sector, without doubt EgyptAir provides best-in-class services. It offers excellent food and beverages, luxury lounges at the airport, and excellent overall passenger care.

• Carry-on allowance: 8 kg (17 lb)
• Luggage allowance: 23 kg (50 lb)
• Excess luggage fee: overweight luggage (24–32 kg / 62–70 lb) is charged at 50% of the extra piece price (USD 50). The excess weight must not exceed 32 kg (70 lb), and the combined length, width, and height of the oversize luggage should not exceed 203 cm (79 inches).
• Meal included: yes
• Seat reservation included: yes
• Credit card fee: no
• Departs from: Cairo International Airport

AMC Airlines — The First Egyptian Independent Private Airline

If you are looking for a luxury travel experience, then AMC Airlines (Aircraft Maintenance Company Airlines) provides charter services based on your needs (it is an Egyptian airline, but the charter flight can fly to any destination across the world).

Established under the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt in 1988, AMC was the first independent private company to offer aircraft maintenance and overhaul services at airports in Egypt for local private and foreign airlines.

Air Arabia Egypt — The Most Efficient Airlines in the Middle East

Air Arabia Egypt is a low-cost airline in Egypt that is based in Alexandria. Its parent company, Air Arabia (the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East), has a perfect rating on safety (7 out of 7). It offers a timely and efficient service with  well-educated and excellently trained cabin crew.

• Carry-on allowance: 7 kg (15 lb)
• Luggage allowance: 30 kg (66 lb)
• Excess luggage fee: excess weight (24–32 kg / 62–70 lb) is charged at 50% of the extra piece price (USD 50), but the excess weight must not exceed 32 kgs (70 lb), and the oversize luggage must not exceed 203 cm (79 inches).
• Meal included: no
• Seat reservation included: no
• Credit card fee: no
• Departs from: El Nouzha Airport (Alexandria)

Air Cairo — The Most Reliable Low-cost Local Airline based in Egypt

If you are looking for low-cost airlines in Egypt, Air Cairo is the best bet, with top class services at the most affordable rates.

As a subsidiary of the national EgyptAir, it is definitely reliable and covers most of the popular routes in and around Egypt.

• Credit card fee: no
• Departs from: Cairo International Airport

Nile Air — The Egyptian Private Airlines with an All Airbus Fleet

Established in 2008, Nile Air owns the newest fleet with modern Airbus aircrafts. It has been ranked the third best airline in Egypt, after EgyptAir and Egyptian International Airline. As a private airline, it has grown faster than AMC Airlines to become the largest and fastest growing private airline in Egypt.

• Carry-on allowance: 7 kg (15 lb)
• Luggage allowance: 23 kg (50 lb)
• Excess luggage fee: Any bag weighing more than 50 lb is considered overweight, and a bag is considered an oversized bag if its combined length, width, and height is more than 157 cm (62 inches). Additional fees for checking-in overweight baggage are charged on Nile Air, in addition to any standard, excess, or oversized baggage fees. Bags weighing more than 44 kg (99 lbs) are not accepted as checked-in luggage on Nile Air.
• Meal included: no
• Seat reservation included: yes
• Credit card fee: no
• Departs from: Cairo International Airport

Is it Safe to Take Any Egyptian or Arabian Airline?

Given the safety concerns that were raised in the late 2010s, local airports and airlines are more careful about security checks and luggage checks. These are positive steps that have been taken to maintain the safety of domestic flights.

Considering the proactiveness of the local government in Egypt, we can expect terrorism to be ruled out. Moreover, militants in the area do not have the capability to bring down a jet at cruising altitude. Therefore, we can say that it is very safe to take domestic flights in Egypt.

Insider Travel Tips for Flying in Egypt

• The boarding gates close 30 minutes prior to departure at all airports in Egypt, so please plan adequate time for transportation, check-in, and security checks (there will be up to three security checks — at the gate of the airport, in the waiting hall, and before boarding the flight).
• Always put your name and a local phone number on the inside and outside of your bag when taking flights in Egypt.
• Make sure you put your medication, important documents (such as passports, visas, and itinerary), valuable items, and cash in your hand baggage.
• If you plan to bring your pets to Egypt, check with EgyptAir or Air Cairo, as they allow cats, dogs, and exceptionally falcons to ride with passengers. Other live animals can be transported in cargo according to their published conditions.
• As a member of Star Alliance, EgyptAir does not charge taxes on reward tickets, and thus travelers might get great value on their ticket. Since the airline serves more than 75 destinations, travelers can avail many flights under this banner.