EgyptAir signs three-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona
EgyptAir has become the official airline of FC Barcelona under a three-year agreement running through the 2028/29 season, as the Egyptian carrier seeks to raise its global profile.
EgyptAir said on August 26, 2026 that it had agreed to a three-year sponsorship deal with FC Barcelona, making the Egyptian flag carrier the club's official airline through the 2028/29 season.
Under the agreement, EgyptAir becomes a "Global Partner" of the club and the exclusive official airline for its men's football, basketball, and handball teams. The handball team will carry the EgyptAir brand on its jerseys.
Captain Ahmed Adel, chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, described the deal as an unprecedented milestone for the national carrier, according to the airline. Captain Mohamed Elian, chairman of EgyptAir Airlines Company, said the partnership was expected to reinforce the carrier's role as a representative of Egypt abroad.
The move puts EgyptAir among a growing list of Middle Eastern carriers sponsoring major European football clubs. Emirates already backs Arsenal, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. Qatar Airways supports Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and AS Roma, and had previously sponsored Barcelona itself. Etihad sponsors Manchester City. Riyadh Air, a newer Saudi carrier, backs Atlético Madrid.
The sponsorship follows comments Captain Adel made earlier in 2026, in which he outlined EgyptAir's ambition to expand its role as an international connecting carrier. The airline has also been investing in its long-haul fleet, according to the report, as part of a broader push to grow its global presence.
Sources
- aerotime.aeroEgyptAir to sponsor FC Barcelona in drive to boost carrier’s global profile