🇸🇦 ELQ
Buraidah
798 mi
CAI 🇪🇬
Cairo

Buraidah to Cairo Flights

Gassim Airport Cairo International Airport 5 airlines

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The Buraidah to Cairo route connects Gassim Airport (ELQ) in SA with Cairo International Airport (CAI) in EG. This short-haul flight covers approximately 798 miles (1284 km) with a typical flight time of 2h 1m. This route is served by 5 airlines: Nile Air, Nesma Airlines Egypt, Air Arabia Egypt and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 10 unique flight numbers on this route.

About This Route

Route Overview

The Buraidah (ELQ) to Cairo (CAI) route links Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qassim region with Egypt’s capital across about 798 miles (1,284 km). Typical total travel time is 4.5–7 hours depending on whether you fly nonstop or connect via hubs such as Riyadh or Jeddah. Travelers choose this route for family visits, religious and cultural tourism, and business ties between the Gulf and Egypt. ELQ offers a calmer, faster airport experience than larger Saudi gateways, while CAI provides extensive onward connections across Egypt, Africa, and Europe. Expect a straightforward regional journey with generally stable flight schedules, though peak holiday periods can increase demand and fares.

Travel Tips

Book early for peak dates; round-trip fares often range from SAR 700–1,800 (about USD 187–480) depending on season, baggage, and connections. If you’re flexible, midweek departures and red-eye flights can price lower. At ELQ, arrive 2 hours before departure; check airline baggage rules carefully, as add-ons can be cheaper online than at the counter. In Cairo, allow extra time for immigration and baggage at CAI, especially late evening. Use official airport taxis or app-based rides, and keep small cash for tips. Onboard, expect standard regional service; pack a light layer, as cabins can feel cool.

Destination Highlights

Cairo blends ancient history with a vast modern metropolis. Top sights include the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum (when fully accessible) and the Egyptian Museum, plus Islamic Cairo landmarks like Al-Azhar Mosque and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. For river views, stroll the Nile Corniche or take a short felucca ride. Food is a highlight: try koshary, ful medames, ta’ameya, and grilled kofta; end with basbousa or kunafa. Popular areas to base yourself include Downtown for walkability, Zamalek for cafes and galleries, and Giza for quick access to the pyramids.

Best Time to Fly

The most comfortable months are October–April, when Cairo is mild and sightseeing is easier; this is also a common peak period, so prices can rise. May–September is hotter, often bringing better deals, with round trips sometimes dropping toward SAR 700–1,000 (USD 187–267) if booked ahead. Consider traveling around Ramadan and Eid dates for shifting demand and altered opening hours, and note that winter holidays can increase fares and crowd levels.

AI-Generated Content: This information was compiled using AI from web sources on Dec 25, 2025. Content may not be current; please verify with airlines before booking.

Airport Information

Departure Airport

Gassim Airport

ICAO Code:
OEGS
IATA Code:
ELQ
City:
🇸🇦 Buraidah
Country:
SA
Elevation:
2126 ft

Destination Airport

Cairo International Airport

ICAO Code:
HECA
IATA Code:
CAI
City:
🇪🇬 Cairo
Country:
EG
Elevation:
322 ft

Route Statistics

5

Operators

10

Tracked Flights

798

Miles

2h 1m

Flight Duration

Route Map

Great Circle
Flight route map from Buraidah to Cairo

Operating Airlines

Airline ICAO IATA
Nile Air NIA NP
Nesma Airlines Egypt NMA NE
Air Arabia Egypt RBG E5
Egypt Air MSR MS
Air Cairo MSC SM

Flight Schedule Pattern

Day Flights Observed Frequency Activity
Monday 26 11%
Tuesday 40 17%
Wednesday 36 15%
Thursday 39 16%
Friday 37 15%
Saturday 46 19%
Sunday 18 7%

Pattern Analysis

10 Tracked Flights:
Data Points: 242
API observations used to build this analysis
Weekdays: 178 flights
Weekend: 64 flights
Business Route More active on weekdays

All Flight Routes

5 Routes
Note: This table shows aggregated route data by airline. Each airline may operate multiple daily flights at different times. See the "Spotted Departure Times" section below for all observed departure times.
Airline Flight Numbers Aircraft Type Typical Time Days Active Last Seen Status
A320 22:05 10:05 PM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
May 9, 2026 Active
Air Cairo
MSC / SM
A320 07:30 7:30 AM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Mar 13, 2026 Active
Egypt Air
MSR / MS
B738 21:30 9:30 PM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
May 9, 2026 Active
A320 15:00 3:00 PM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
Mar 18, 2026 Active
Nile Air
NIA / NP
A321 15:35 3:35 PM (Representative)
M T W T F S S
May 9, 2026 Active
Total Routes: 5
Active Routes: 5
Unique Airlines: 5
Aircraft Types: 5

Spotted Departure Times

Departure Time Operator ICAO IATA
07:30 7:30 AM Air Cairo MSC SM
15:00 3:00 PM Nesma Airlines Egypt NMA NE
15:35 3:35 PM Nile Air NIA NP
21:30 9:30 PM Egypt Air MSR MS
22:05 10:05 PM Air Arabia Egypt RBG E5

Time Information

Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (OEGS - Asia/Riyadh).

Total Departure Times: 5
Time Range:
07:30 - 22:05
These are typical departure times observed from actual flights. Times may vary by season and schedule changes.