Cairo International Airport (CAI/HECA): Q1 2026 Airline Capacity Analysis

Introduction.

In the first quarter of 2026, Cairo International Airport reaffirmed its position as Africa’s busiest aviation hub, recording a total of 9,243,940 available airline seats and an average daily capacity of approximately 102,710 seats. Data from the airport company indicate that the airport handled 8,083,200passengers during the period, resulting in an impressive load factor of 87.4%. This strong performance underscores the airport’s strategic role as a key intercontinental gateway linking Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Capacity peaked on 3 January 2026 at 118,960 seats, while the lowest daily level was recorded on 3 March 2026 at 69,708 seats. The March decline was largely attributed to operational disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran–Israel conflict, which constrained regional airspace and reduced flight frequencies.

Monthly distribution trends further highlight this performance pattern. January 2026 recorded the highest available capacity at 3,377,623 seats, with 2,996,606 passengers handled, up from 2,635,041 in January 2025, representing a 14% year-on-year increase and a load factor of 88.7%. This was followed by February, which recorded 3,012,697 available seats against 2,757,932 passengers, achieving a strong load factor of 91.5% and reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase. In contrast, March saw a relative decline, operating below the quarterly daily average with 2,853,620 available seats and 2,328,662 passengers, resulting in a load factor of 81.6%. Although slightly higher than the 2,298,547 passengers recorded in March 2025, the month reflected more cautious capacity deployment amid heightened uncertainty and schedule adjustments by airlines.