Know your airline before you fly
The most popular international airlines flying from Egypt: their hubs, alliances, cabin classes and frequent-flyer programmes — plus the pros and cons of each.
Full-Service Airlines
Full-service
Most international flights route through Cairo, so travellers from other cities may need a connecting flight.
Distant destinations outside the Kingdom usually require a transit via Riyadh or Jeddah.
Full-service
Of the Egyptian airports, it serves Cairo only.
Full-service
Most of its flights to distant destinations involve a transit via Doha.
Full-service
The Basic fare does not include checked baggage and does not allow changes or cancellations.
Full-service
Some EcoFly bundle routes do not include checked baggage, so the bundle should be checked before booking.
Full-service
The Economy Zero Bag fare does not include checked baggage, so the ticket type should be checked before booking.
Full-service
Destinations beyond Bahrain require a transit via Bahrain.
Travel to Europe and America requires a transit in Amman
Full-service
In-flight internet is available on 787 aircraft only
Full-service
In-flight internet is available on A321neo aircraft only
Full-service
The cheapest European Economy fare types (Basic and Light) do not include a checked bag
Full-service
The Light fare type does not include a checked bag, and the Basic fare type does not include a cabin bag
Full-service
The cheapest tickets (hand baggage only) do not include a checked bag
Full-service
Most destinations require a transit in Addis Ababa
Quick Comparison
| Company | Hub | Alliance | Frequent-Flyer Programme | Cabin Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGYPTAIR |
Cairo International Airport | Star Alliance | EGYPTAIR Plus | |
| Saudia | Jeddah, Riyadh | SkyTeam | AlFursan (الفرسان) | Guest Class (Economy) · Business Class · First Suite (First Class) |
| Emirates |
Dubai International Airport | — | Emirates Skywards | Economy Class · Premium Economy Class · Business Class · First Class |
| Qatar Airways |
Hamad International Airport in Doha | oneworld | Privilege Club | Economy Class · Business Class (including Qsuite) · First Class |
| Etihad Airways |
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi | — | Etihad Guest | Economy Class · Business Class · First Class · "The Residence" (a three-room suite), by upgrade |
| Turkish Airlines |
Istanbul Airport | Star Alliance | Miles&Smiles | Economy Class · Business Class |
| Kuwait Airways |
Kuwait International Airport | — | Oasis Club | Economy Class · Business Class · First Class · Royal Class (on Boeing 777-300 aircraft only) |
| Gulf Air |
Bahrain International Airport | — | Falconflyer | Economy Class · Falcon Gold (Business Class) |
| Royal Jordanian | Queen Alia International Airport – Amman | oneworld | Royal Club | Economy Class · Premium Economy (on some A320neo aircraft only) · Crown Class (Business) |
| Oman Air |
Muscat International Airport | oneworld | Sindbad | Economy Class · Business Class · Business Studio (a higher-tier Business Class) on some 787 aircraft, mainly on London and Bangkok flights |
| Middle East Airlines – MEA |
Rafic Hariri International Airport – Beirut | SkyTeam | Cedar Miles | Economy Class · Cedar Class (Business) |
| Lufthansa |
Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport | Star Alliance | Miles & More | Economy Class · Business Class · Premium Economy and First Class on some long-haul flights only |
| Air France |
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport | SkyTeam | Flying Blue | Economy Class · Premium Economy (Premium) · Business Class |
| British Airways |
London Heathrow Airport | oneworld | The British Airways Club (Avios) | Economy (Euro Traveller) on Egypt flights · Business (Club Europe) on Egypt flights |
| Ethiopian Airlines |
Bole International Airport – Addis Ababa | Star Alliance | ShebaMiles | Economy Class · Business Class (Cloud Nine) |
What's the Difference?
General rules to help you choose — the fine details vary from airline to airline and ticket to ticket.
Usually included in an international economy ticket (allowance depends on destination and fare type).
Usually not included in the basic fare; added for a fee or with a higher fare bundle.
Usually included on international flights.
Usually purchased on board or pre-ordered.
A standard seat is usually free, or included with certain fare types.
Usually for a fee, except on higher fare bundles.
A wide network with connections via the airline's hub for long-haul destinations.
Usually direct point-to-point flights, with a smaller network.
Seatback screens or streaming to your device on most modern aircraft.
Limited or unavailable, depending on the airline.
Depends on the fare class; some are flexible.
Usually stricter conditions and higher fees on the basic fare.
Usually higher, as services are included.
Usually lower — you pay only for what you need.
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Airline information is taken from the airlines' official websites (last reviewed September 2026), and their names are trademarks of their owners. iCon Travel is an independent travel agency; fares and policies are confirmed by our team at booking.
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