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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
OEGSELQHECACAI5
Operators10
Tracked Flights798
Miles2h 1m
Flight Duration
| 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
|
| 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
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Arabia Egypt
RBG
/ E5
|
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 | |
|
Nesma Airlines Egypt
NMA
/ NE
|
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 |
| 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).