Pendik, Istanbul to Cairo (SAW–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
SAW–CAI is served by 4 airlines with nonstop service. Valuair, Nile Air and Air Cairo lead the route. The flight covers 754 miles in approximately 1h 25m. Beyond nonstop, 51 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VF Valuair | 9 | 32Q | 1h25-2h25 | – | – | – |
| NP Nile Air Also: PC | 7 | 320 | 2h05 | – | – | PC |
| SM Air Cairo | 6 | 320 | 2h10 | – | – | – |
| E5 Air Arabia Egypt | 3 | 320 | 2h15 | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Cairo from Pendik, Istanbul
| Metric | SAW→CAI | IST→CAI |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from SAW | – | 40 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 4 | 5 |
| Weekly flights | 25 | 130 |
| Flight time | 1h 25m | 1h 20m |
Travel Essentials
SAW: +03 · CAI: EEST
When it's 6:00 PM in Pendik, Istanbul, it's 6:00 PM in Cairo.
Turkish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for tourism purposes. The visa is single-entry, valid for 30 days, and costs $25 paid at the visa counter before immigration in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP accepted). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. An e-visa is also available through visa2egypt.gov.eg, processed within 3 to 5 working days, costing $25 for single entry or $60 for multiple entry.
At Cairo International Airport (CAI), buy the visa sticker at one of the bank counters before passport control, then proceed to the immigration desk. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on queue length. For stays beyond 30 days, extend your visa at the Mugamma building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at a passport office in other governorates. The extension costs about EGP 700 (roughly TRY 770).
Direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Cairo run about 2 hours 30 minutes on Turkish Airlines and EgyptAir. Istanbul to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) run about 2 hours 45 minutes, with seasonal service expanding during summer. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), trading at roughly 1.1 EGP per TRY 1. ATMs are common in cities and resort areas. Card payments work at hotels, malls, and tourist restaurants. Uber and Careem operate in Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada.
Uber and Careem are the easiest exit. Order from the app inside the terminal and meet the driver at the designated pickup zone outside arrivals. Expect EGP 100-200 to downtown (Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Garden City) and 45-60 minutes in normal traffic. Prices are dynamic, highest between 22:00-02:00 and 06:00-11:00. Yellow metered taxis queue at the rank; drivers will quote EGP 400-500 but the metered fare is EGP 150-300.
CTA public buses 356 and 400 run to central Cairo (EGP 5) but are infrequent and packed. Airport shuttle buses serve major hotels for EGP 25-50. Metro Line 3 does not yet reach the airport; the extension is planned but not operational. Rental car offices are in Terminal 3 arrivals. Traffic in Cairo is aggressive by any standard, so first-time visitors may prefer ride-hail over self-driving.
Cairo is desert. Rain totals about 25mm for the entire year, almost all of it falling in December and January. Summers (May-October) are hot and dry with highs of 34-38 degrees C and relentless sunshine. July and August are the peak, though low humidity makes shade feel meaningful. Winters (December-February) are mild and sunny at 14-20 degrees C during the day, dropping to 8-10 degrees C at night.
The Khamsin wind arrives in spring (March-May), carrying Saharan sand and pushing temperatures above 40 degrees C for several days at a stretch. Visibility drops and sand gets into everything. Autumn (October-November) is warm and settled, making it the most pleasant travel window along with winter. Pack sunscreen and light clothing for summer. Winter evenings need a light jacket. Bring a scarf or face covering if visiting during Khamsin season.
SAW–CAI Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from SAW to CAI
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) and Cairo International Airport (CAI) are connected by nonstop service from Air Arabia Egypt, Nile Air, Air Cairo and Valuair. With 25 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
SAW to CAI Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from SAW to CAI ranges from 1 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes. The route covers a distance of 754 miles (1,214 km). There are approximately 25 weekly flights outbound and 23 return, totaling 48 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
51 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 4 hours via HBE. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Istanbul (IST).