3 weekly flights to Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which may be increased according to demand
Nesma Airlines has launched its first direct flights between Cairo and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul, Türkiye, as the airport received the company's inaugural flight with official welcome ceremonies and a special celebration, marking the opening of a new air route linking two of the region's most important destinations.
The inaugural flight, which departed Cairo on Friday 22 May, received attention and a warm welcome from the management of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, reflecting the importance of the new route in supporting air traffic and strengthening direct connectivity between Egypt and Türkiye, in a step that reflects the growth in travel, trade and tourism exchange between the two countries.
According to an exclusive statement from a company official to Travel Yalla News, Nesma is scheduled to operate 3 weekly flights between Cairo and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, a number that may be increased according to demand, following the relevant procedures in coordination with the civil aviation authorities concerned.
An official Nesma Airlines delegation headed by Mohamed El Sherif, Chief Commercial Officer, along with service development officials and the company's general sales agent in Türkiye, took part in a series of meetings with the senior management of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, attended by the airport's CEO Hanita Ahmad, Deputy General Manager for Commercial and Strategic Affairs Kerem Maybek and a number of operations and marketing leaders.
The meetings addressed ways of joint cooperation and opportunities to develop a future partnership, as the airport management reviewed its work system and advanced operational capabilities, while the Nesma Airlines delegation presented the company's expansion plans to develop its network of international destinations, its fleet modernization strategy and its plans to enhance the travel experience to meet growing demand for regional and international flights.
On the passenger experience front, Nesma Airlines was keen to share the occasion with passengers on the inaugural flight by organizing special activities at the check-in area, including the distribution of souvenirs and draws for various prizes including free tickets, a step reflecting the company's interest in offering a different experience from the very first moment of travel.
After the aircraft arrived at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the flight received an official welcome with a water salute, one of the most prominent celebratory rituals worldwide for welcoming airlines' inaugural flights, before a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of the captain, cabin crew and officials from Nesma and the airport.
In this context, Mohamed El Sherif, Chief Commercial Officer at Nesma Airlines, said the launch of the Cairo–Sabiha Gökçen route is a strategic step within the company's expansion plans, stressing that opening this new route aims to provide more flexible travel options, competitive fares and advanced services, supporting the growing travel between Egypt and Türkiye and meeting the needs of business travelers and tourists.
The launch of the new route is part of Nesma Airlines' strategy to strengthen its regional presence and expand its network of operations, as the company prepares to soon unveil its new brand identity "flyplus", in a step aimed at offering a more advanced and modern travel experience while fully maintaining the stability of its operations, booking system and dealings with partners in the tourism and travel sector.
