TL;DR
- Jet2 is resuming flights to Egypt for the first time in 16 years, with year-round service to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh starting 11 February 2027.
- 18 weekly flights from six UK airports, delivering around 4,000 seats per week.
- There’s a £100-per-person launch discount on all Egypt packages.
- Egypt welcomed 8.7 million tourists in the first half of 2025 alone, up 24% on last year.
- Flight time is around five hours, with winter temperatures sitting between 24°C and 27°C.
What’s New
Jet2 confirmed earlier this month that Egypt is rejoining its network after a 16-year absence. The airline will operate year-round flights to both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, with the first departures scheduled for 11 February 2027.
The programme is substantial. There will be 18 weekly flights split evenly between the two destinations, adding up to roughly 169,000 seats in the first year of operation. Six UK airports are included: Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester, Glasgow (Hurghada only), and Edinburgh (Sharm El Sheikh only).
Four of those routes are exclusive to Jet2, meaning no other carrier currently flies them. Leeds Bradford will have direct service to both destinations, Edinburgh gets its first-ever direct link to Sharm El Sheikh, and London Stansted gains a new Hurghada connection.
To mark the launch, Jet2holidays has introduced a £100-per-person discount on all Egypt bookings. It applies to both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh packages.
Worth Knowing
Egypt’s tourism numbers have been climbing steadily. The country welcomed 8.7 million visitors in the first half of 2025, a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. Full-year projections suggest Egypt could surpass 16.8 million tourists by the end of 2025.
Several UK operators have reported booking increases between 100% and 350% compared to previous years. TUI UK noted a 30% rise in summer bookings to Egypt, with value for money cited as a key factor. Booking.com recorded a 64% increase in Egypt searches from UK travellers.
The Red Sea has always had a loyal following among divers and snorkellers. With over 1,000 species of fish, vibrant coral reefs, and world-famous wreck sites like the SS Thistlegorm, it’s considered one of the top diving destinations globally. Liveaboard packages typically range from £1,080 to £1,825 per person for seven to ten nights, excluding flights.
Here’s Where It Gets Good
Egypt sits in a comfortable range for UK travellers. At around five hours from most UK airports, it’s shorter than Caribbean routes but still delivers guaranteed warmth through the winter months. Average temperatures between November and March hover around 24°C to 27°C, and the Red Sea stays warm enough for swimming year-round.
The year-round service opens up booking opportunities across all seasons. January escapes, February half-term breaks, Easter holidays, shoulder-season value trips in autumn, and winter sun getaways all become viable options. Clients who enjoy their first Egypt trip can return at different times of year without needing to switch destinations.
Egypt also offers something most winter sun spots cannot: 5,000 years of history within easy reach. Families and couples can combine beach time in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh with cultural excursions to Cairo, the Pyramids, or a Nile cruise. Specialist operators are reporting strong demand for these multi-centre itineraries, particularly from families with older children looking for a mix of relaxation and enrichment.
The Practical Bit
For clients asking about visas: UK citizens can apply online for an Egyptian e-visa. It typically arrives within 48 hours and costs around £20. No mandatory vaccinations are required for UK travellers, though some may wish to consult their GP about optional recommendations.
The UK Foreign Office currently lists Egypt’s main tourist areas, including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts, as safe for travel. Tourism police units operate throughout these zones, and Egypt’s government has invested over $1 billion in tourism infrastructure, including upgraded airport screening and expanded hotel capacity.
On pricing, Egypt’s competitive all-inclusive resort market and favourable exchange rates make it a strong value option. The £100 launch discount adds an extra incentive for early bookers.
What This Means in Real Life
With 14 months between now and the first flights, there’s plenty of time to get familiar with the destination and start conversations with clients. The route map, the exclusive connections from Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, and Stansted, and the launch pricing all provide helpful context for those discussions.
Egypt’s Tourism Minister described Jet2’s entry as an important milestone, with joint marketing campaigns planned to boost the destination’s visibility in the UK. Jet2’s CEO Steve Heapy noted that the expansion responds to years of demand from customers seeking year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches.
For agents serving diving enthusiasts, families looking for culture-plus-beach itineraries, couples wanting winter sun without long-haul flights, or younger travellers seeking value and adventure, Egypt covers a lot of ground.
Agent Advantage Insight
With a long lead time before launch, Egypt is a destination agents can gradually become familiar with. For clients who regularly ask about winter sun, diving, or culture-led trips, this is a route worth keeping in mind as 2027 planning begins. The £100 launch discount may be useful context when those conversations come up.
