EgyptAir launches its first direct flight to Chad Saturday

The decision comes as part of the Egyptian government's desire to play a greater role in Africa

Egypt's main airline will launch its first direct flight from Cairo to Chad's capital N'Djamena on Saturday in an attempt to amplify the relations between both African nations, stated EgyptAir on Tuesday.

According to the statement, there will be three direct flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday  and Saturday and the ticket (included all taxes and charges) will be sold at LE4999 ($699).

The flights will be beneficial to Chadians who aim to receive treatment at Egyptian hospitals or those who desire to study at Al-Azhar.

Al-Azhar is considered to be among the oldest and most credible Sunni institutions of higher learning in the world and is highly regarded both in Africa as well the Islamic world.

In late April, Egypt's Premier Ibrahim Mahlab visited Chad signaling the keenness of Egypt to make a "strong return to Africa."