Air Cairo flights and airline information

About

Air Cairo (IATA: SM) is a dynamically developing Egyptian airline that holds a strong position in the budget and charter flight market. Based at Cairo International Airport, the carrier connects Egypt with key cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The airline plays a vital role in supporting tourism by offering affordable flights to popular destinations.

Although the company is not part of any major global aviation alliances, it is a key strategic asset of the national carrier EgyptAir. This allows passengers to rely on the high safety standards and crew professionalism typical of a major aviation holding.

IATA codeSM
Fleet size37
Passenger traffic5,000,000
Destinations55
HubCairo

One of the key features of Air Cairo is the flexibility of its business model, which combines the benefits of a low-cost carrier with a wide geography of charter flights. Passengers appreciate the ability to choose between different fare plans, allowing them to optimize travel costs based on personal needs and budget.

The airline's fleet consists of modern Airbus A320 family aircraft, which have proven themselves well on medium-haul routes. Regular fleet updates and the introduction of modern service technologies make traveling with Air Cairo a comfortable and reliable choice for tourists.

Contacts

You can contact Air Cairo representatives through official communication channels. Please note that support is available in several languages, including English.

  • Official website: aircairo.com or flyaircairo.com
  • Customer Support Phone: +20 2 2695 5500 (international), 2727 (short code within Egypt)
  • Email: wecare@aircairo.com
  • Social Media: Air Cairo on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and the official YouTube channel. X (Twitter) account — @AirCairo
  • Mobile App: available as the Air Cairo App in the iOS and Android app stores
  • Emergency Support: in case of flight delays or lost baggage, it is recommended to contact the check-in counters at the airport or the customer care service via email

It is recommended to check for current contact information directly on the airline's official website before making calls or sending correspondence.

Baggage

Baggage rules at Air Cairo depend on the selected fare and flight destination. For hand luggage, each passenger can take one bag weighing up to 7 kg and with dimensions not exceeding 55 × 40 × 23 cm. Additionally, personal items such as a handbag, laptop, or Duty-Free bag are allowed in the cabin.

Checked baggage allowances are determined by the fare family (Saver, Value, or Plus). Generally, for most scheduled flights, the allowance is one piece weighing 20–23 kg, however, exact parameters are always specified in the e-ticket. The piece concept system is applied, where the number of bags is limited by the ticket conditions.

Additional fees apply for excess baggage and overweight items. It is cheapest to pay for extra weight in advance through the "My Booking" section on the official website. The cost of overweight baggage at the airport before departure will be significantly higher. Special baggage, including sports equipment and musical instruments, is transported by prior arrangement and for an additional fee.

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to carry explosive, flammable, and toxic substances in baggage or hand luggage. Liquids in the cabin must be packed in containers of up to 100 ml each, with a total volume of no more than 1 liter. To keep belongings safe, it is recommended to use protective wrap and reliable locks.

Pet Rules

In-Cabin Carriage

Air Cairo allows the carriage of small pets in the passenger cabin, provided that the total weight of the animal together with the carrier does not exceed established limits (usually up to 8 kg). The carrier must be securely closed, have ventilation openings, and a waterproof bottom.

Carriage in the Cargo Hold

Larger animals can be transported in a specially equipped heated baggage compartment. This requires a rigid container meeting IATA standards, in which the animal can stand and turn around. The maximum dimensions and weight of the container depend on the type of aircraft.

Required Documents and Requirements

  • A valid international veterinary passport.
  • A health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate.
  • Compliance with the import rules of the destination country (microchip, quarantine requirements).

Cost and Restrictions

Pet transportation is a paid service and is not included in the free baggage allowance. Rates depend on the pet's weight and the route. The airline may impose restrictions on the carriage of brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) due to the risk of breathing problems, as well as limit transportation during periods of extreme temperatures. To clarify current rules, be sure to contact Air Cairo support in advance.

Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program Overview

Currently, there is no information in public sources regarding Air Cairo having its own classic loyalty program with mile accumulation and status levels. As a budget carrier, the company strives to minimize costs to offer passengers the lowest possible airfares.

Special Offers and Promotions

  • The airline frequently runs seasonal sales and offers discounts on popular resort destinations.
  • Passengers are encouraged to subscribe to the email newsletter to be the first to know about promo codes and favorable fares.
  • As part of the partnership with the parent company EgyptAir, combined conditions for connecting flights may be offered, though direct Star Alliance mile accumulation on Air Cairo flights is usually not provided.

How to Get Benefits

Instead of bonus miles, Air Cairo offers a flexible fare system. By choosing Plus or Premium service packages, passengers receive additional benefits, such as free seat selection or an increased baggage allowance, at a better price than when purchasing these services separately. To receive up-to-date information on current discount programs, it is recommended to check the airline's official website regularly.

Services

On board Air Cairo, passengers are primarily offered Economy Class, where the service meets the standards of a hybrid low-cost carrier. The seats in the Airbus A320 cabins feature an ergonomic design and a standard pitch sufficient for comfortable travel on medium-haul flights lasting up to 5-6 hours.

The meal system depends on the flight type. On charter flights operated for tour operators, hot meals are often included in the price. On scheduled flights, the Buy on Board concept usually applies, where drinks and snacks can be purchased for an additional fee. Passengers are offered a menu with sandwiches, snacks, and soft drinks. It is best to clarify the availability of special meals (Halal, vegetarian) in advance when booking.

A fixed entertainment system with screens in the seatbacks is absent on most aircraft, so travelers are advised to download content to their mobile devices in advance. For additional comfort, seats with extra legroom in the front rows or at emergency exits can be selected for a fee through the "My Booking" service.

The airline pays special attention to special services. Passengers with limited mobility can request assistance at the airport and on board no later than 48 hours before departure. It is also possible to arrange accompaniment for unaccompanied minors, provided there is prior coordination with the carrier.

Destinations

The flight geography of Air Cairo covers many popular tourist and business centers. The main link and primary hub for the carrier is Cairo International Airport, from where flights are operated to dozens of destinations.

The company's route network is actively expanding, connecting Egypt's resort areas, such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, with European cities including Munich, Milan, and Budapest. The airline also provides stable air links with the Middle East region, operating regular flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Istanbul.

Booking Tips

To purchase Air Cairo tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, optimally 2-3 months before departure. The best offers are usually available in the middle of the week, whereas flights on weekends and holidays are more expensive. The lowest fares can be found directly on the official website or in the carrier's mobile app.

When booking, carefully study the conditions of the fare families. If you plan to bring baggage, it is more profitable to choose the Value or Plus fare immediately, as the surcharge for a suitcase at the airport will cost significantly more. Also, keep an eye on seasonal promotions, which are often posted on the airline's social media.

Online check-in is a great way to save time. It allows you to choose a seat in the cabin and receive a boarding pass without queues. Note that the option to select the best seats (e.g., by the window or at the front of the cabin) is often provided for an extra fee, though in some fares it is already included in the price. The Air Cairo mobile app allows you to store your ticket digitally and receive timely notifications about flight status.

Do not forget about travel insurance. Although the airline is responsible for flight safety, an additional policy will help cover expenses in case of trip cancellation or health problems in another country. Insurance can often be issued directly during the ticket purchase process on the carrier's website.

History

The history of Air Cairo began in 2003, when the airline was founded as a specialized charter division of the Egyptian national carrier EgyptAir. The main goal of creating the company was to serve the growing tourist flow from Europe to Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Initially, the carrier focused exclusively on working with tour operators.

In the early stages of its development, the company operated a small fleet of aircraft, gradually expanding its flight geography. Over time, the development strategy underwent significant changes: from performing only charter programs, Air Cairo transitioned to a hybrid business model. This allowed the launch of scheduled flights under its own SM code, competing with major low-cost carriers in the region.

A major milestone was the strengthening of the corporate structure: 60% of the company's shares are owned by the national flag carrier EgyptAir, and 40% by 360 INVESTMENTS. This ownership structure provided financial stability and allowed for a large-scale modernization of the air fleet. Cairo International Airport became the main operational center, connecting the Egyptian capital with important points on the map of the Middle East and Europe.

Today, Air Cairo is one of Egypt's largest low-cost carriers. The company's fleet, consisting of modern Airbus A320 airliners, carries millions of passengers annually. The modern stage of the company's history is linked to digital transformation and expanding its presence in markets such as Germany (flights to Munich and Dusseldorf), the Czech Republic (to Prague), and Saudi Arabia.

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