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Air Cairo

Egypt's low-cost airline, flying from Cairo and the Red Sea

  • EgyptCountry
  • SMIATA Code
  • MSCICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Low-CostAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air Cairo

Air Cairo is a low-cost airline based in Cairo, flying scheduled routes to the Middle East, Europe and Africa and holiday charters to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts. Cabin bags are limited to 7 kg, and checked bags of 23–30 kg are included on many fares. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, Red Sea holidays and how it compares with EgyptAir and Air Arabia.

The airline was founded in 1997 as a charter company and is majority-owned by EgyptAir. It flies an all-Airbus fleet and carries many workers and families between Egypt and the Gulf.

Air Cairo flights to Cairo
Photo: simon / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Air Cairo

Air Cairo follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.

Check-In in Cairo and the Red Sea

Check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure. At Cairo, flights may use different terminals, so check your booking. At Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, holiday flights are busy, so arrive at least two and a half hours early.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap with a 10 kg allowance, and strollers are carried free. Small pets can travel in the cabin by arrangement. Wheelchairs and other special assistance should be requested when you book.

Red Sea Holidays

Many passengers fly to Egypt’s resorts on charter flights:

  • Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have direct flights from many European cities.
  • Holiday packages often include a 20–23 kg checked bag.
  • Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the resort airports.

Winter is the most popular season, when Europe is cold and the Red Sea is still warm enough for swimming and diving.

On Board

The airline flies Airbus A320-family jets with a single economy cabin. Snacks and drinks can be bought on board, and there is no seat-back entertainment, so bring something to read or watch. Flights between Cairo and the Gulf are usually three to four hours long, and many passengers travel with large amounts of luggage, so board early to find space in the overhead lockers.

How to Find Cheap Air Cairo Flights

Cheap Air Cairo flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Book early for Eid and summer, when Gulf routes fill up.
  • Prepay extra baggage, which costs less than at the airport.
  • Compare charters with scheduled flights to the Red Sea.
  • Check fares from Alexandria and Upper Egypt for Gulf routes.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to EgyptAir, Air Arabia and others.

Air Cairo vs EgyptAir vs Air Arabia

Egypt’s low-cost airline, its national airline and a Gulf low-cost rival.

Air CairoEgyptAirAir Arabia
HubCairoCairoSharjah
TypeLow-costFull-serviceLow-cost
Free cabin baggage7 kg7 kg10 kg (7 kg + 3 kg)
AllianceNoneStar AllianceNone

See our EgyptAir guide and Air Arabia guide to compare.

Arriving in Cairo

Cairo International Airport is about 20 km northeast of central Cairo. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way into the city, and traffic can be heavy, so allow plenty of time.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Air Cairo a Good Airline?

Yes, for value. It offers low fares, generous checked baggage on many routes and EgyptAir backing, though service is basic and schedules can change.

It is a good choice for travellers between Egypt and the Gulf who need a large baggage allowance at a low price.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against BaggagePolicies.com’s 2026 guide. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance. EgyptAir owns a majority stake in it.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It flies scheduled routes and charter flights for tour operators, especially from Europe to Egypt's Red Sea resorts.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Cairo International (CAI) is the main hub, with many flights from Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and other Egyptian airports.

Popular Air Cairo Routes

The busiest routes link Cairo with Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Dammam and Amman, plus European cities such as Milan and Munich and holiday flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Air Cairo Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

The airline sells Saver, Value and Plus fares. Saver may include cabin baggage only, while Value and Plus usually add checked baggage and more flexibility.

When you change a booking, you pay a change fee plus any fare difference, depending on your fare.

  • Saver Lowest fare; may include cabin baggage only.
  • Value Usually adds checked baggage.
  • Plus More baggage and flexibility.
  • Charter flights Rules set by your tour operator.
  • How to change Contact the airline or your travel agent.

Air Cairo Seat Selection & Additional Services

Snacks and drinks are available on board, and seats can be chosen for a fee.

Extra baggage bought in advance costs less than at the airport.

  • Seats Paid seat selection.
  • Snacks Available on board.
  • Pets Small pets in the cabin by arrangement.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Air Cairo Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg (55 × 40 × 23 cm) plus a personal item such as a handbag or laptop.

Checked baggage is one piece of 30 kg between Egypt and the Middle East, and 23 kg on domestic, European and African routes, where your fare includes a bag. Infants get 10 kg, and strollers are carried free.

  • Cabin bag Up to 7 kg, 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
  • Personal item Handbag, laptop or camera.
  • Egypt–Middle East 1 × 30 kg.
  • Domestic, Europe and Africa 1 × 23 kg.
  • Infants 10 kg.
  • Maximum per bag 32 kg.
  • Extra baggage Cheaper prepaid than at the airport.

Air Cairo Loyalty Programme

Air Cairo does not run a frequent flyer programme. Its value comes from low fares and the checked baggage included on many tickets.

  • Programme None.
  • Tip Compare Saver, Value and Plus by the baggage you need.

Air Cairo: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Air Cairo’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is SM. It appears in flight numbers (for example SM 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is MSC, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Air Cairo part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Air Cairo headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

04When was Air Cairo founded?

The airline was founded in 1997.

05What are Air Cairo’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Cairo (CAI) – Main Hub; Hurghada (HRG) – Base.

06What is the Air Cairo cabin baggage allowance?

One cabin bag of up to 7 kg (55 × 40 × 23 cm) plus a personal item.

07How much checked baggage does Air Cairo include?

Usually one 30 kg bag between Egypt and the Middle East, and 23 kg on domestic, European and African routes.

08Is Air Cairo part of EgyptAir?

EgyptAir owns a majority stake in the airline, but it is run as a separate low-cost airline.

09Does Air Cairo fly charter flights?

Yes. It flies many holiday charters from Europe to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

10Can I use a power bank on Air Cairo?

On Air Cairo you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Air Cairo, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air Cairo and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Air Cairo unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.