Egyptian low-cost carrier Nesma Airlines has launched direct flights between Cairo and Istanbul, operating from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (ISG) three times a week from 22 May 2026.
The new service runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions, creating a direct air link between Egypt’s capital and Turkey’s largest city.
Sabiha Gökçen marked the inaugural arrival with a traditional water cannon salute on the apron. Airline and airport executives attended a ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony in the terminal, where passengers received gifts and traditional Turkish delight.
The cockpit and cabin crew were welcomed with flowers as part of the celebrations, which were attended by senior representatives from both Nesma Airlines and ISG management.
Hanita Ahmad, Managing Director of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, said the partnership carried strategic as well as commercial significance.
“We are delighted to welcome Nesma Airlines into the airport family and to host the official launch of direct Cairo–Istanbul flights,” Ahmad said. “At ISG, we see every new route not just as a commercial achievement but as a strategic bridge reinforcing Istanbul’s position as a global aviation hub. By joining forces with Nesma Airlines, we are bringing new momentum to the historic ties between Turkey and Egypt.”
Ahmad added that Sabiha Gökçen now connects Istanbul to 155 destinations across 55 countries. “This extensive network is the result of the trust our airline partners place in us and the dedication of our teams,” she said. “We will continue to deliver uninterrupted, efficient and high-quality service to our partners and passengers, and to invest in aviation excellence. Welcome to Nesma Airlines — we wish our partnership every lasting success.”
Sabiha Gökçen is Turkey’s second busiest airport by passenger numbers and one of Europe’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. The addition of the Cairo route forms part of the airport’s broader strategy to strengthen North Africa connectivity and diversify its global network.
The new service is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, cultural exchange and bilateral investment between Turkey and Egypt. Airport officials said the route is designed to produce a multiplier effect across both economies.
Cairo, Egypt’s capital and largest city, draws millions of visitors annually. The city sits on the Nile and combines ancient heritage with a growing modern economy, making it one of Africa’s most prominent international business and tourism destinations. It serves as a regional hub for finance, culture and commerce, and holds significant potential for international investment and commercial partnerships.
Nesma Airlines is among the leading low-cost carriers in North Africa. The Cairo–Istanbul route marks the airline’s entry into the Turkish market and expands its footprint in the broader Europe–Africa corridor.
