EgyptAir launches new route to Mogadishu with stopover in Djibouti

Egypt National Carrier has inaugurated a new route connecting Cairo to Mogadishu, Somalia, with a stopover in Djibouti.

The inaugural flight landed at Adan Abdulle International Airport on Friday, carrying passengers, including Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdelatty.

Badr was accompanied by his Civil Aviation counterpart, Sameh ElHefny and other officials during the inaugural trips to the two Horn of Africa countries.

The event signifying EgyptAir's commitment to enhancing global connectivity was attended by the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moulim Fiqi, the Minister for Transport and Aviation Fardowsa Osman Egal, legislators from both houses of the federal Parliament and delegations from Egypt.

Minister Badr's first stop was in Djibouti, where he held a meeting with his Djiboutian counterpart, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf to share ideas on the initiative offering travellers enhanced accessibility to these vibrant destinations.

During the meeting, the leaders discussed several priority topics, a statement from the office of Egypt's Foreign Ministry noted.

The Minister then travelled to Mogadishu where he held a meeting and a press conference with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and his cabinet colleagues.

Ahmed said the new connections will foster cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding, reinforcing the historical bonds between Egypt and Somalia. "These new connections will not only enhance economic ties but also promote trade, tourism, and investment opportunities," he said.

The launch of the new route is perceived as a significant move in strengthening bilateral, connectivity and economic relations between Egypt and Somalia based on the expansion of cooperation.

The airline will be operating weekly flights every Thursday and Saturday to Somalia's capital, aligning with Egypt's broader strategy to improve air connectivity across Africa.

Badr said direct flights will mutually benefit the two countries by providing an opportunity for citizens to connect more easily. He highlighted the importance of this new connection and Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia's development and stability.

"First of all, I express my appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of Somalia for your great generosity and hospitality," he said during the launch at the airport.

"This participation reflects the seriousness and motivation of the Egyptian government in developing relations with our brotherly country during this delicate stage," he added.

Badr also praised Somalia's recent achievements, including its election to the United Nations Security Council. "Egypt is fully committed to supporting Somalia in all fields, including security, culture, military, training, and capacity building," he added.

He said the new air route will enhance economic and cultural ties between the two nations, while also providing more opportunities for trade and investment. "It also signifies Egypt's broader commitment to fostering stronger relationships with countries in the Horn of Africa region."

Fardowsa Osman Egal, Somalia's Minister for Transport and Aviation, said establishing a direct flight route between Egypt and both Djibouti and Somalia is part of strengthening the bonds between the three countries.

"It also reflects the historical and deep relations between the two nations. The airline can now aim to reach the largest global markets and attract new customers around the world by providing more travel options," she said.

During Minister Badr's visit to Mogadishu, he held bilateral meetings with Somali officials to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

He commended the positive developments in Somalia, particularly in the security sector, under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. "We wish all progress, all goodness, and all glory to the brotherly Somali people," Badr noted.

"We are fully confident that this visit is just a building block in a major effort to support and develop relations and enhance understanding between our two countries."

National carrier EgyptAir announced on Friday the launch of three other new flight routes to Fujairah in the UAE, Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, and Prague in the Czech Republic.

The expansion increases EgyptAir's reach to 26 African destinations, fostering greater connectivity across the continent.

EgyptAir, headquartered in Cairo, was established in 1932 and has remained one of the oldest airlines in the world. Operating from its primary hub at Cairo International Airport, EgyptAir serves destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.