Egypt remains top tourist destination despite regional tensions

“Egypt remains a premier tourist destination despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” The Times reported.

In normal times, Egypt is a popular holiday destination. Tourists visit its Red Sea coast for year-round sun and water activities, and explore its cities for fascinating history that dates back millennia, the British newspaper said in a report published on Friday, 6/3/2026.

Following missile fire between Iran and Israel, airspace across the region has been shut, causing the cancellation of thousands of flights.

However, Egyptian airspace remains open, The Times added, noting that for the time being, "the UK Foreign Office considers it business as usual in Egypt, although visitors should use their common sense and be aware that the situation could change quickly."

Flights are still operating between the UK and Egypt but are subject to cancellations, delays, and longer routings due to the closure of airspace of neighboring countries (Iran, Israel, Iraq and parts of Syria).

Despite increased regional tensions, the UK government considers tourist destinations including Cairo and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Hurghada safe to visit, the newspaper said.