With a ceremonial first flight, the Swiss airline Edelweiss inaugurated a new connection between Zurich and the Sphinx International Airport west of Cairo and Giza on Wednesday. The ceremony at Zurich Airport marked the start of a direct connection that offers an attractive option not only for tourists, but also for business travelers and those interested in culture.
The inauguration began in Zurich with the traditional ribbon-cutting, during which Patrick Heymann, Chief Commercial Officer of Edelweiss, and Rolf Hancock, Vice President Aviation Development at Zurich Airport, cut the symbolic ribbon together with the crew. The ceremonial setting underlined the importance of this new flight route, which not only connects two countries, but also two cultural areas.
After landing at Sphinx International Airport, passengers were given a warm welcome. A delegation from the Egyptian airport, including leading figures from tourism and diplomacy, attended the official opening ceremony. Mohamed Salama, Head of International Tourism Sector at the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, and Peter Hafner from the Swiss Embassy in Egypt gave speeches highlighting the importance of the new connection for tourism and bilateral relations.
A highlight of the celebrations was the cutting of a specially designed cake by representatives of Edelweiss and the ground handler IAB, a symbolic act for the sweet prospect of a successful flight route.
Sphinx International Airport: A gateway to Egypt's treasures
The new Sphinx International Airport is strategically located west of Cairo and very close to the Pyramids of Giza. This geographical location makes it an ideal starting point for travelers who want to discover the archaeological wonders of Egypt. The proximity to the historical sites, combined with the lively atmosphere of the metropolis of Cairo, creates an attractive mix of tradition and modernity.
In addition, Sphinx Airport offers optimal connections for Nile cruises. Edelweiss plans to combine this flight connection with its destination Luxor and thus further expand the travel offer for those interested in culture and history.
Regular flights and strategic importance
Edelweiss will operate the new connection twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until the beginning of May. This frequency offers travelers a flexible way to explore the multifaceted Egypt, whether for a short trip or a longer stay.
The connection is a significant step in Edelweiss' strategy to expand its portfolio of long-haul destinations. For Zurich Airport, the route to Giza/Cairo Sphinx marks a further addition to the route network, which is increasingly focusing on destinations that are highly attractive from a cultural and tourist perspective.
A cultural bridge
The new route symbolizes not only a logistical expansion, but also a cultural exchange. The direct connection from Zurich to Cairo and Giza allows travelers from Switzerland to comfortably experience Egypt's rich history and dynamic present. At the same time, it opens the door for Egyptians to the economic and tourist opportunities in Switzerland and beyond in Europe.
With the Sphinx International Airport and the new flight route to Zurich, Edelweiss is setting a precedent for the future of travel: comfort and cultural discoveries are the focus. The ceremonial inauguration underlines that this connection is not only a geographical but also an emotional bridge between the two countries.
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