The Chad and Egypt have taken a significant step in air transport cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding during the 4th Joint Cooperation Commission on July 6. This agreement grants three Egyptian airlines—two passenger carriers and one cargo operator—access to N’Djamena’s airspace. While the specific identities of the passenger airlines remain undisclosed, the move underscores a shared ambition to enhance mobility, trade, and bilateral ties.
Revitalising Chad’s aviation sector through strategic partnerships
The timing of this accord is crucial as Chad’s aviation landscape undergoes transformation following Air France’s withdrawal in 2025. By welcoming new carriers, N’Djamena aims to lower airfare costs and improve passenger transit experiences via Cairo. The agreement also positions EgyptAir—Egypt’s flagship airline—to potentially expand its footprint in Central Africa. A key beneficiary of these new routes is expected to be the Chadian student diaspora in North Africa, ensuring smoother academic and professional travel.
Beyond passenger travel, the inclusion of a dedicated cargo airline signals a strategic push to strengthen bilateral trade, which has historically been underdeveloped. While official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Demography shows Egypt as a minor trading partner for Chad, the move aligns with Chad’s broader economic diversification goals. By attracting mining investments to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, Chad could leverage these cargo routes to facilitate future extractive sector agreements with Egypt.
Regional implications for Central African air connectivity
This development also reinforces the presence of North African airlines in the Cemac region. With EgyptAir already operating in Cameroon, the addition of N’Djamena as a new destination would further solidify regional air networks. Such expansions are critical in fostering economic integration across Central Africa, where reliable logistics remain a cornerstone for growth.
