EasyJet Launches Direct Flights from Edinburgh to Egypt's Red Sea Resort

Budget carrier EasyJet has announced a significant expansion of its Scottish network. The airline is launching a new direct route from Edinburgh Airport to Sharm El-Sheikh, a popular resort city in Egypt. This move provides Scottish travelers with a new option for winter sun holidays.

New Route Details and Market Competition

The new service from Edinburgh (EDI) to Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH) will commence on November 10, 2026. Flights will operate once a week, running every Tuesday throughout the winter season. This timing is designed to capture demand from travelers seeking warm weather during the colder months in Scotland.

EasyJet’s announcement places it in direct competition with rival tour operator Jet2. Jet2 previously confirmed its own Edinburgh-Sharm El-Sheikh service. That route is scheduled to begin operations in February 2027, just a few months later. The dual entry by major UK airlines signals strong confidence in the UK-Egypt leisure travel market.

EasyJet is also growing its presence in the region from Scotland’s other major hub. The airline will launch twice-weekly flights between Glasgow and Sharm El-Sheikh starting in August 2026.

Industry Context and Tourism Growth

This route expansion aligns with a broader industry trend. Egypt is experiencing a strong resurgence in tourism. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in demand for the destination. Some luxury travel companies have reported over 400% year-over-year growth in forward bookings for Egypt in 2026.

Industry data shows that the re-emergence of destinations like Egypt has been notable. One report cited booking increases of up to 117% in 2025 across the leisure travel sector. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting the country. Forecasts suggest Egypt could reach approximately 18.56 million international visitors by 2026.

Sharm El-Sheikh is located on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It is famous for its year-round warm climate and golden beaches. The area is a prime spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. It features exceptional marine life and vibrant coral reefs.

Executive Commentary

Kevin Doyle, EasyJet's UK Country Manager, highlighted the strategic importance of the new service. He noted the route provides Scottish customers with a convenient, direct connection to year-round sunshine. "This is the 12th new route we’ve added to our Edinburgh network this year," Doyle stated. The airline remains focused on offering greater connectivity and value fares for customers in Scotland.

Stephanie Wear, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport, welcomed the addition. She stressed that winter sun destinations are a major draw for Scottish travelers. “Destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh offer exactly that sunshine and warmth,” Wear commented. The new route is a fantastic addition to the EasyJet schedule.

This expansion reflects a push by airlines to diversify their offerings. They are responding to growing demand for non-traditional winter holiday spots. For more commercial aviation news, visit https://flying.flights.

• Opportunity: The new route capitalizes on the surging demand for Egyptian holidays.
• Impact: It introduces direct, low-cost competition on a key leisure route.
• Benefit: Scottish travelers gain a new, direct option for Red Sea winter sun.
• Challenge: The market will see direct competition from Jet2 starting in early 2027.