Summary

• The article highlights 19 major airports in Egypt, including Cairo International Airport (the largest and second busiest in Africa), Capital International Airport, Sphinx International Airport, Luxor International Airport, Aswan International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, Marsa Alam International Airport, Borg El Arab International Airport, El Alamein International Airport, Abu Simbel International Airport, Assiut International Airport, Sohag International Airport, El Arish International Airport, Marsa Matruh International Airport, Port Said International Airport, Taba International Airport, El Kharga Local Airport, and Tur Sinai Local Airport.
• The airports offer various facilities, including terminals, runways, amenities such as hotels, restaurants, duty-free shops, and services catering to both domestic and international travelers.
• Some airports play a crucial role in connecting specific regions, such as El Arish International Airport, which is significant in facilitating travel between Egypt and Palestine, while others, like Taba International Airport, primarily handle charter flights and provide visa-free access for tourists.

Airports in Egypt are many, offering travelers from all over the world the chance to live the vacation of a lifetime. The goal of this article is to provide every traveler with all the information and facts about the airports of Egypt. All the information and details in this article have been provided by a number of expert tour operators and tour guides. In the last four years, the number of foreign tourists to Egypt has increased exponentially, making it the 4th fastest-growing tourist destination in the world, as it welcomed about 18 million tourists in 2019 alone. In 2020, Egypt is about to enter a new age of tourism and is expected to achieve a number of world-breaking tourism numbers all due to the incredible media coverage, the safety & stability of the country, and the various archaeological discoveries all over the country.

For most visitors to Egypt, the ideal manner for traveling is by plane as there are nine international airports in Egypt across all the major cities that also serve as the center for all the domestic flights between the sites, but there are also other ways to travel like trains, cars or Nile river cruises. Egypt is the key to a number of millennia-old monuments in heavenly cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan, plus a number of majestic city resorts across the Red Sea like Hurghada and Sherm El Sheikh that makes them worthy of traveling across vast lands and seas. Here are the 19 most famous airports in Egypt:

1. Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport is the earliest and largest airport in all of Egypt and the second busiest airport in Africa. It is owned by the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation and operated by the Cairo Airport Company. The airport is the primary center for Egypt’s owned airlines such as Egyptair, Nile Air, Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, and a number of other international airlines. It was built in 1963 and is about 37 Sqm (14 sq mi), located in the city of Heliopolis, about 15 km (9.3 mi) away from the northeast of Cairo.

The airport has four massive terminals; each one is equipped with a number of gates that can carry up to 26 million passengers each year. The airport’s history started during World War II. It acted as John Payne Field Air Force Base for the USAAF, which was a significant hub connecting various global routes for cargo and passengers. After the war, it transitioned to civil aviation use under the Civil Aviation Authority and was managed by the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation. The airport has seen significant expansion and development over the years. It comprises four terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest, opened in 2009, followed by the Seasonal Flights Terminal in 2011. Terminal 2 underwent renovation and reopened in 2016. The airport boasts three runways, with the newest one measuring 3,999 meters.

Within its facilities is a luxurious 350-room Le Méridien hotel, the Hotel Novotel Cairo Airport, a five-star establishment that commenced operations in December 2013 in front of Terminal 3. It is linked to the terminal by a 230-meter-long skyway equipped with a moving walkway for convenient access. It also has several amazing and valuable services available to travelers, such as hotels, restaurants, and duty-free shops.

2. Capital International Airport (Egypt)

Capital International Airport is Egypt’s main hub serving the new capital of Egypt which is located about 28 miles east of Cairo. It was established alongside Sphinx International Airport and designed to alleviate pressure from Cairo International Airport. This newly added wonder is designed to be the sky bridge between the future economy of Egypt and the world. It was inaugurated in July 2019 by the Egyptian Airports Company, which underwent a trial period before starting commercial operations in 2020. Hassan Allam Holding led the construction, while the Egyptian Airports Company managed it, owned by the Egyptian Armed Forces.

The airport spans 16 square kilometers, the airport boasts an elevation of 833 feet, and a main building covering 54,000 square feet. It’s equipped to handle around 1 million passengers yearly with massive room for expansion and caters not just to the public but also to petroleum firms, private jets, and air taxi services. The terminal covers 38,000 square feet and can manage 300 passengers per hour. The facilities include eight aircraft parking spaces, 45 service and administrative buildings, an air control tower, and an 11,980-foot runway capable of accommodating large aircraft equipped with advanced lighting and automatic landing systems.

3. Sphinx International Airport

Sphinx International Airport was created to become more than a public airport found in Giza, near the magical Giza complex, which is located on the western side of Cairo but a magnificent marvel that offers a direct across to the mythical celestial milestones of the immortal ancient Egyptian civilization. It is found next to Cairo West Air Base, which lies along the Cairo-Alexandria desert road. The primary runway is situated 2 kilometers west of the Cairo West runway complex, with terminal facilities and aircraft parking on the west side.

Its development and operational timeline started with announcements in 2017 in the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, planning commercial flights for summer 2018, and testing operations in October 2018. EgyptAir Express initiated trial flights to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and Aswan in January 2019. The new airport comes in alliance with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to open in 2025. The airport welcomed its first international flight from Jordan in January 2020 by Fly Jordan. Scheduled flights from Sharm El Sheikh to Sphinx Airport commenced in November 2022. While operational, the airport is still undergoing final adjustments. The airport’s total area expand from 4,500 to 23,000 square meters. This expansion aims to accommodate a surge in passenger traffic expected due to the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The enhanced facilities will include various halls, passport offices, dining areas, duty-free shops, check-in counters, and extensive infrastructure to handle increased passenger capacity efficiently.

4. Luxor International Airport

The primary honorable Airport of Luxor is located exactly 6 km (4 mi) east of the golden city of ancient Egyptian gods, kings, and tales. It’s a favored destination for charter airlines due to its proximity to the renowned River Nile and the Valley of the Kings, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Luxor International Airport operates as both a public and military facility, maintaining a runway of 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) surfaced with asphalt. It can accommodate up to 8 million passengers each year through 8 gates and holds a number of facilities for travelers like shops, restaurants, travel agencies, and also for cargo.

The terminal operating agent for the entire airport is EgyptAir Cargo, and various charter airlines use the Luxor International Airport. Passenger amenities include 48 check-in desks, eight gates, five baggage claim belts, and a range of services such as a post office, bank, currency exchange, restaurants, VIP Lounge, duty-free shops, and more, catering to various traveler needs like car rental, medical facilities, and accessibility.

5. Aswan International Airport

With a history stretching back to 1956, Aswan International Airport, also known as Daraw Airport, has served as a gateway to this ancient Egyptian city for over 65 years. Upgraded in both 1992 and 1999, the airport’s 3.4-kilometer runway welcomes travelers from 15 different airlines, with a capacity exceeding one million passengers annually. Situated conveniently 16 kilometers southwest of Aswan, the airport boasts an array of amenities to cater to all needs.

From bustling shops and bazaars to travel agencies and restaurants, even banks and prayer rooms, Aswan International Airport ensures a smooth and comfortable travel experience. Whether exploring the majestic ruins of Abu Simbel or cruising the serene Nile, your journey begins at this vibrant hub, connecting you to the wonders of Aswan.

6. Hurghada International Airport

The international airport of Hurghada is located 5 km (3.1 MI) southwest of Hurghada’s downtown El Dahar. It has become the second busiest airport in Egypt after Cairo Airport due to a number of important destinations for leisure flights from Europe mainly, over 40 airlines performing seasonable charter flights to cities in both Eastern & Western Europe.

The airport can accommodate up to 13 million passengers a year. It has two terminals equipped with travel, plus just 15 minutes away, there is an abundance of world-class resorts just across the coastal lines of the Red Sea.

7. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

One of the largest and the third busiest airports in Egypt is the Sharm El Sheik International Airport, just across the coast of the Red Sea, which is able to accommodate 10 million passengers a year. The airport lies 18 km (11 miles) northeast of the city of Sharm Sheik and is surrounded by a number of delightful resorts.

The airport has two terminals equipped with every means of productivity and entertainment. The airport dispatches domestic flights all over Egypt and international flights to the Middle East and Europe.

8. Marsa Alam International Airport

One of the newest airports to be constructed across the Red Sea is the Marsa Alam airport, which is just 60 km north of the city resort of Marsa Alam and acts as a destination for leisure flights from Europe. It is the only privately owned airport in all of Egypt owned by the M.A Al-Kharafi Group of Kuwait.

It was built in 2003 as a response to the increasing needs of European travelers at the Red Sea southern destination. It can accommodate up to ten million tourists a year.

9. Borg El Arab International Airport (Alexandria)

Borg El Arab International Airport is the primary gateway to Alexandria and the surrounding Nile Delta areas. It is managed by the Egyptian Airports Company, which is situated about 40 kilometers southwest of Alexandria in Borg El Arab. It was inaugurated in June 2009 as part of the “New Alexandria” expansion plans; the airport became operational in February 2010. It replaced the El Nouzha Airport. It has an annual capacity of 1.2 million passengers and is known to have undergone a significant expansion to meet escalating demand. Borg El Arab remains one of Alexandria’s sole operational airports.

Its modern facilities include a distinct boat-shaped passenger terminal across three floors, house check-in, domestic & international arrivals, departures, immigration services, and commercial zones, such as duty-free shops, food courts, and travel-related services. It is equipped with essential infrastructure like boarding bridges, a control tower, and a fire station; the airport ensures smooth operations and emergency coverage. It has a parking area accommodating up to 350 vehicles that cater to passenger needs.

10. El Alamein International Airport

El Alamein International Airport is a marvelous gateway from the skies of Alexandria to the world it is situated in El Dabaa within the Matrouh Governorate of Egypt and serves as an international airport located on the northern coast, which is approximately 99 miles (160 kilometers) west of Alexandria. It covers an expansive area of 25 square miles (64 square kilometers) that features a solitary terminal capable of handling up to 600 passengers every hour.

The airport boasts a single runway stretching 11,480 feet (3,499 meters), designed to accommodate A380-800 aircraft operations. This runway is surfaced with asphalt to facilitate smooth takeoffs and landings. El Alamein International Airport is owned and operated by the International Airports Company, a subsidiary of KATO Investment. The airport’s history traces back to 1999 when a bid for a build–operate–transfer (BOT) project was secured by the International Airport Company, thus granting them a 50-year extendable concession. The airport holds significance for New Zealand war veterans who departed from this site after their service in World War II.

11. Abu Simbel International Airport

Abu Simbel Airport is a sky portal found in the majestic southern lands of Egypt located in Abu Simbel that operates as a regional airport. In 2011, the airport was able to accommodate 119,326 passengers, thus marking a decrease of 75.6% compared to 2010. The airport is an amazing public facility operated by the government, which stands at an elevation of 616 feet (188 meters) above mean sea level.

It features a runway with the designation 15/33, measuring 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) in length, paved with asphalt for aircraft operations. One of the airlines and their respective destinations served by the airport include Air Cairo, which carries flights to Aswan and Cairo, and Egyptair, which provides Flights to Aswan.

12. Assiut International Airport

Assiut Airport is a delightful airport located in Assiut in upper Egypt that serves as a pivotal air hub in the region. It is four hours away from Luxor and four & half hours from Hurghada. The airlines operating at Assiut Airport include Air Cairo, which has flights to Amman–Queen Alia, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Medina, Riyadh, and Dammam. Egyptair has Flights to Cairo. FlyEgypt has flights to Routes to Amman–Queen Alia, Jeddah, and Kuwait City. Jazeera Airways has Flights to Kuwait City.

This public airport is managed by the government and caters to the needs of Assiut and its surrounding areas. It is positioned at an elevation of 772 feet (231 meters) above mean sea level which features a single runway stretching 9,905 feet (3,019 meters) in length and surfaced with asphalt for efficient aircraft operations.

13. Sohag International Airport

Sohag International Airport is a true gem found in southern Egypt. Established in 2010 just 15 miles south of Sohag, it stands as a significant hub for the whole area. It’s inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture and is managed by the government. The airport features a runway, 7,707 feet long, surfaced with asphalt for smooth aircraft operations. Sohag International Airport serves as a pivotal air facility connecting Sohag and Upper Egypt with both domestic destinations and international links to the Persian Gulf states since it has the power to serve up to 311000 passengers.

It was made by Sohag International Airport for around US$80 million; the airport includes a terminal, control tower, aprons, runway, and service buildings. The terminal, with a Pharaonic theme, accommodates 3.5 million passengers yearly and offers various amenities like duty-free shops, VIP areas, and security facilities. Today, it is known to act primarily as domestic travel and as a crucial link between Sohag/Upper Egypt and Gulf states like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

14. El Arish International Airport

El Arish International Airport is an amazing airport situated south of El Arish, which has stood as a key air hub in the region and encompasses a site spanning 400 acres (160 hectares). El Arish International Airport’s location has made it vital for travel between Egypt and Palestine. Its terminal is equipped to handle 200 passengers every hour, while the tarmac stretches 9,905 feet (3,019 meters) in length, providing parking space for up to four aircraft. It has the power to carry about 6000 passengers in total.

The airport holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Gaza Strip, situated about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from the Rafah Border Crossing. This airport is operated by the government and serves El Arish in Egypt and the Gaza Strip in Palestine, sitting at an elevation of 121 feet (37 meters) above mean sea level. Its runway is paved with asphalt to facilitate smooth aircraft operations.

15. Marsa Matruh International Airport

Marsa Matruh International Airport stands as a significant international air facility that has accommodated 99,515 passengers since 2001. This airport operates as a public facility managed by the government and serves the city of Mersa Matruh in Egypt. It is positioned at an elevation of 94 feet (29 meters) above mean sea level; the airport boasts two runways, each spanning 9,843 feet (3,000 meters) in length, and surfaced with asphalt for efficient aircraft operations.

These runways play a crucial role in facilitating takeoffs and landings for incoming and outgoing flights that contribute to the airport’s functionality as a significant air gateway in the region.

16. Port Said International Airport

Port Said Airport serves as the primary air gateway to the free-trade city of Port Said, which is positioned at the northern terminus of the Suez Canal. The airport in 2011 facilitated travel for 36,962 passengers, which played an important role in the region’s development and led to a modernization program commencing a partial inauguration in February 2011. This upgrade is seen as crucial for the coastal city, aligning with its industrial expansion plans and cementing its role as a key transportation hub.

It operates under government management that caters to the needs of Port Said, which is situated at an elevation of 8 feet (2 meters) above mean sea level. Its sole runway spans 7,707 feet (2,349 meters) and is surfaced with asphalt to facilitate safe and efficient aircraft operations.

17. Taba International Airport

Taba International Airport perches on the Sinai Plateau, elevating 2,470 ft, catering to Taba, Egypt, primarily handling charter flights. Originally Israel’s Etzion Air Force Base post-Six-Day War, it demilitarized in 1979, reverting to Egyptian control. Positioned near the Israel and Jordan borders, the airport facilitates visa-free tourist access to select Egyptian areas for 14 days.

Located 13 km from Taba, with a 30 km proximity to Taba Heights, it was renamed in 2000 after substantial upgrades. However, passenger traffic dwindled significantly, from 41,142 in 2014 to 13,488 in 2015, prompting plans in 2016 by Thales Group for Air Traffic Management modernization.

18. El Kharga Local Airport

Kharga Airport is a local airport that was established in the New Valley Governorate in 1962 by the Desert Development Authority on an approximate area of about 850 acres. The airport was developed in 1989, where a small building was constructed to serve as a passenger terminal. It was further developed, adding a VIP lounge and extending the runway to 3500 meters. Kharga Airport is located approximately 7 km from the city of Kharga. The headquarters of the new administrative capital for Kharga was established next to the airport.

The passenger terminal at Kharga Airport has an annual capacity of 100 passengers. The airport features one main runway, designated as 18/36, with a length of 3500 meters and a width of 45 meters. There are two terminals to accommodate passenger services. The airport is equipped with lighting for both runways and terminals, with night lighting prepared for enhanced visibility.

19. Tur Sinai Local Airport

Tur Sinai Airport was established in 1949 with the purpose of serving pilgrims to the Holy Kaaba, where health quarantine procedures were carried out for those arriving from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, pilgrims were transported from Tor Sinai Airport to Almaza Airport in Cairo. The airport operated for general air traffic until its closure after the events of June 1967. Tor Sinai Airport was reopened in 1984, but exclusively for domestic air traffic. In 1996, the airport underwent development to lengthen the runways and expand the apron, officially reopening in 2000.

The passenger terminal has a capacity of 100 passengers annually. The airport features two runways: the main runway with a direction of 10/28, measuring 3 kilometers in length and 45 meters in width, and the auxiliary runway with the same direction, measuring 3 kilometers in length and 24 meters in width. There is one apron, and lighting is prepared for both runways and apron, with night lighting equipped.