EgyptAir and Air Cairo are to launch flights from Hurghada into Jeddah and Kuwait respectively as the Egyptian tourism ministry looks to neighbouring Arabian markets to help revive its key tourism industry.

The country has been dogged unrest and political upheaval since the Arab spring, impacting its tourism industry. “The challenges facing the Egyptian tourism industry are unique but at the same time it is important to maintain a true picture of the situation in Egypt,” says Egyptian tourism minister Hisham Zaazou. “Tourist destinations continue to be safe and secure.

“Despite the obstacles faced by the Egyptian tourism sector in recent years, Egypt still offers the most popular tourist destinations on a global scale.”

The new Hurghada-Jeddah flights – to be operated by EgyptAir and EgyptAir Express twice a week from 20 May – and Air Cairo service to Kuwait from 21 May will be followed by a planned direct service from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian tourism ministry says.

Egyptian tourism authorities are also in talks with “ a number of UAE-based airlines” to launch direct flights to Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh this year.

Source: Cirium Dashboard