During the fourth joint cooperation commission held on July 6, officials from Chad and Egypt signed a landmark memorandum of understanding. The agreement clears the path for three Egyptian airlines to operate flights into N’Djamena, including two passenger carriers—whose names were not disclosed—and one dedicated cargo operator. Government sources framed the move as a strategic step to « foster dynamic air connectivity, enhance passenger mobility, streamline commercial exchanges, and deepen bilateral ties between the two nations. »
This development arrives at a pivotal moment for Chad’s aviation sector, now reshaping itself after Air France’s exit in 2025. While the memorandum aims to lower ticket prices and improve passenger handling at Cairo International Airport, it also positions EgyptAir—Egypt’s flagship carrier—as a potential gateway to Chad. The new routes are expected to serve a growing demographic, particularly Chadian students studying across North Africa. By introducing additional logistics partners, N’Djamena stands to safeguard its international connectivity and meet rising travel demand.
Rebalancing trade and logistics in central Africa
On a broader economic scale, the planned cargo flights signal a push to structure bilateral trade flows that currently remain modest. Official statistics from Chad’s National Institute of Statistics, Economics, and Demography (Inseed) show Egypt ranking outside the top tier of the country’s trade partners. Still, some analysts suggest that Chad’s push to diversify its economy—especially by courting mining investors to offset its reliance on oil—could align with Egypt’s expanding demand for extractive resources. The new cargo capacities may eventually serve as a logistical corridor for future mining and trade agreements.
Strengthening regional air networks
Regionally, the agreement reinforces North African carriers’ presence within the Cemac zone. The upcoming entry of carriers like EgyptAir into N’Djamena will reinforce an already expanding network in Central Africa, where the airline already maintains service to Cameroon.
