Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Jet2.com is preparing to reshape travel between the United Kingdom and Egypt with the launch of new direct flights to Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, a move expected to accelerate tourism growth and strengthen ties between the two countries. Beginning in February 2027, the British carrier will operate 14 weekly flights from key UK cities, significantly increasing capacity to two of Egypt’s most popular Red Sea destinations.
The announcement, confirmed by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, marks a major milestone for both Jet2.com and Egypt’s broader tourism expansion strategy. The airline is projecting roughly 169,000 seats during its first year on the new routes, underscoring its confidence in rising demand for Egypt’s year-round leisure market. The schedule will include seven weekly flights to Sharm El-Sheikh—two from Birmingham, one from Edinburgh, two from Manchester, and two from London Stansted—and seven more to Hurghada, departing from Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, and Stansted.
The decision follows high-level discussions at the 2025 World Travel Market in London between Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, and Jet2 plc CEO Steve Heapy. Their talks resulted in a collaboration designed not only to expand airline connectivity but also to strengthen Egypt’s position as a top choice for British holidaymakers.
Fathi welcomed the move as a major step toward diversifying and growing Egypt’s tourism base, noting that seamless direct access plays a crucial role in attracting visitors from strategic international markets. He emphasised that the UK remains one of Egypt’s most important sources of tourism and said the new flights would make it easier for British travellers to enjoy Egypt’s warm climate, cultural richness, and renowned coastal attractions at any time of year.
Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said the new routes will be supported by joint marketing and advertising campaigns across the UK, aimed at showcasing Egypt’s range of destinations. While the Red Sea resorts are expected to see immediate benefits, the promotional push will also highlight cultural and historical sites in Cairo, Luxor, and beyond. According to Youssef, the goal is to position Egypt as an appealing option for both beach holidays and cultural tourism, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.
The announcement comes as Egypt works to scale up its tourism infrastructure and recover from global travel disruptions in recent years. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has outlined plans to increase the national airline fleet by 30 percent, part of a broader initiative to expand air connectivity, enhance airport capacity, and support long-term tourism growth. Officials hope these coordinated efforts will help Egypt reach ambitious targets for international arrivals over the next decade.
For Jet2.com, the entry into the UK–Egypt direct flight market represents a significant expansion of its leisure travel network. The airline has steadily grown its presence in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern destinations, and the addition of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada strengthens its position in the competitive winter-sun sector. Industry analysts note that demand for direct links to the Red Sea continues to climb as British travellers seek warm-weather destinations with a combination of luxury resorts, family-friendly amenities, and accessible cultural experiences.
Egypt’s appeal to UK tourists has been rising steadily, fuelled by its pristine beaches, celebrated dive sites, and iconic archaeological wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. With Jet2.com’s new flights, British visitors will gain easier access to world-class diving in the Red Sea, upscale resorts, and a vibrant hospitality scene that continues to expand in response to growing demand.
Local businesses in Egypt’s Red Sea governorates are expected to benefit from the influx of tourists, with increased activity projected for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and entertainment venues. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy, supporting millions of jobs and serving as a vital source of foreign revenue. Industry leaders believe the partnership with Jet2.com will help sustain momentum at a crucial time for the sector.
As travellers, tour operators, and hospitality partners look ahead to 2027, anticipation is growing around the impact of Jet2.com’s new routes. The initiative is widely seen as a catalyst for deeper cooperation between the UK and Egyptian tourism industries and a sign of renewed confidence in the potential of the Red Sea region.
With expanded air links, strategic marketing, and continued government investment, Egypt is poised to enter a new phase of tourism growth. Jet2.com’s entry into the market signals not only an increase in travel options for British holidaymakers but also a broader step forward in Egypt’s bid to solidify its status as one of the world’s leading year-round destinations.
