Airports In Egypt

Airports in Egypt

Introduction

Airports in Egypt play a pivotal role in the travel dynamics of the country, as air travel is the preferred mode of transportation for most tourists visiting Egypt. The country is proud to have nine international airports, strategically located in major cities and serving as crucial hubs for domestic flights. These airports are not merely transit points but are gateways to Egypt’s historical and natural wonders. They provide easy access to iconic destinations including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and the stunning Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, making every journey through the airports in Egypt the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

The Role of Airports in Egyptian Tourism

Airports in Egypt: The Preferred Gateway for Tourists – Air travel is the preferred mode of transportation for most tourists visiting Egypt. The country is proud to boast nine international airports, strategically located in major cities and serving as hubs for domestic flights. These airports are not just transit points; they are gateways to Egypt’s historical and natural wonders. Travelers can easily access major destinations such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and the stunning Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, all through the convenience and efficiency of the airports in Egypt.

Egypt's Most Prominent Airports

Cairo International Airport: Established in 1963, this airport is Egypt’s largest and the second busiest in Africa. Located in Heliopolis, 15 km northeast of Cairo, it spans 37 square kilometers and has four terminals, each capable of handling 26 million passengers annually. Key features include hotels, restaurants, duty free shops, and the notable Hotel Novotel and Le Meridien on its premises.
Luxor International Airport: Situated 6 km east of Luxor city, this airport can accommodate up to 8 million passengers yearly through its 8 gates. It’s a vital hub for EgyptAir Cargo and various charter airlines, offering facilities like shops, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Aswan International Airport (Daraw Airport): Built in 1956 and upgraded between 19921999, it’s located 16 km southwest of Aswan. Handling around one million passengers from 15 different nationalities, it offers standard airport amenities like shops, bazaars, and restaurants.
Hurghada International Airport: Positioned 5 km southwest of downtown El Dahar in Hurghada, it’s the second busiest Egyptian airport. It caters primarily to leisure flights from Europe, handling up to 13 million passengers annually, with two terminals and a plethora of nearby worldclass resorts.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport: Among Egypt’s largest, located 18 km northeast of Sharm El Sheikh, this airport has the capacity for 10 million passengers per year. It’s surrounded by delightful resorts and serves both domestic and international flights.
Marsa Alam International Airport: A newer addition to the Red Sea region, situated 60 km north of Marsa Alam. Owned by M.A AlKharafi Group of Kuwait, it was established in 2003 to meet the growing demand of European tourists, with a capacity of ten million visitors annually.
Borg El Arab International Airport (Alexandria): Alexandria’s main airport is located 40 km southwest of the city, near the Nile delta. With a single terminal, it manages to handle 1.2 million passengers a year, mainly across the Middle East.
Sphinx International Airport: The newest in Egypt’s aviation landscape, opened in January 2019 on the Cairo Alexandria desert road. It started international operations in 2020 and is expected to grow in tandem with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Minor International Airports

Ah, planning a trip to Egypt? Fantastic choice! Let’s dive into the practical details of these airports to help you navigate your journey smoothly.

Assiut Airport (ATZ)

Location: Located in Assiut, a city in the Upper Egypt region.
Facilities: The airport is modest in size and offers basic facilities. You can expect a small selection of cafes and shops.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. It’s advisable to agree on the fare beforehand.
Nearby Attractions: Assiut is known for its ancient monasteries and proximity to archaeological sites like Meir and Dakhla Oasis.
Airlines and Destinations: Primarily domestic flights, with some international connections. EgyptAir is a frequent operator.

Marsa Matruh Airport (MUH)

Location: Located near Marsa Matruh on the Mediterranean coast.
Facilities: Similar to Assiut, this airport has basic amenities. During the summer, it’s busier due to the tourist influx.
Transportation: Taxis and sometimes shuttle services by hotels are available. The city center is not far.
Nearby Attractions: Stunning beaches, the WW2 El Alamein battle site, and the beautiful Siwa Oasis are within reach.
Airlines and Destinations: Seasonal increase in flights, mainly domestic, with some international routes during tourist season.

Sohag International Airport (HMB)

Location: Located near Sohag, in Southern Egypt.
Facilities: A relatively new airport with basic facilities. It’s smaller and less crowded.
Transportation: Taxis are the most convenient option. Ensure to negotiate the fare.
Nearby Attractions: Sohag is a gateway to ancient sites like Abydos and the city of Akhmim.
Airlines and Destinations: Focuses mainly on domestic flights, with some international flights, especially to Gulf countries.

Taba International Airport (TCP)

Location: Situated near the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Facilities: Small, with essential services. It caters mainly to tourists visiting the Sinai Peninsula.
Transportation: Taxis and hotel shuttles are the main modes of transport. It’s close to the Israel border, offering access to Eilat.
Nearby Attractions: The Red Sea beaches, Mount Sinai, and St. Catherine’s Monastery are major attractions.
Airlines and Destinations: Mainly serves charter flights and some regular flights, primarily from within Egypt and a few international locations.

Abu Simbel Airport (ABS)

Location: Situated in the village of Abu Simbel, in Southern Egypt. Key Feature: Primarily serves tourists visiting the famous Abu Simbel temples.

Facilities: It’s a small airport with basic amenities. Given its primary role in tourism, it’s geared towards handling international visitors.
Transportation: The airport is quite close to the temple complex. Taxis are readily available for the short trip. Some tourists may have prearranged tours or shuttle services through their travel agencies or hotels.
Nearby Attractions: The major attraction is the Abu Simbel temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These massive rock temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II and are famous for their grandeur and the historical significance of their relocation due to the Aswan High Dam construction.
Airlines and Destinations: The airport is mainly served by domestic flights, with the most common route being from Cairo. During peak tourist seasons, there might be an increase in the frequency of these flights.

El Kharga Airport

Location: Located in El Kharga, the capital of the New Valley Governorate in the western desert.
Facilities: This is a smaller regional airport with essential facilities to accommodate passengers.
Transportation: Taxi services are available for transit to the city and surrounding areas. It’s advisable to agree on the fare in advance.
Nearby Attractions: El Kharga is known for its rich archaeological sites, including ancient Christian cemeteries, Roman forts and temples, and the Kharga Oasis. The oasis itself is a tranquil retreat with palm groves and hot springs, offering a glimpse into the desert’s life and history.
Airlines and Destinations: The airport primarily handles domestic flights, Unscheduled Airports

Abu Rudeis Airport

Location: Situated in Abu Rudeis, a town on the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea coast.
Facilities: This is a smaller airport primarily catering to the local area. Basic amenities are available.
Transportation: Taxi services are usually the most convenient way to travel from the airport.
Nearby Attractions: Close to the Red Sea, it’s ideal for those interested in diving and exploring the Sinai region.

Dakhla Oasis Airport

Location: Located in the New Valley Governorate, serving the Dakhla Oasis.
Facilities: As a smaller regional airport, facilities are limited but adequate for travelers.
Transportation: Taxi and local transport services can take you to nearby towns and sites.
Nearby Attractions: Dakhla Oasis is known for its rich history, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

El Alamein Airport

Location: In the North Coast region of Egypt, near the town of El Alamein.
Facilities: It’s a small facility with basic amenities, primarily used during the summer months.
Transportation: Taxis are available; the airport is relatively close to popular North Coast resorts.
Nearby Attractions: Famous for WW2 battle sites, and close to Mediterranean beach resorts.

El Tor Airport

Location: Located in El Tor, the capital of South Sinai Governorate.
Facilities: A small airport with essential facilities, catering to tourists and local travelers.
Transportation: Taxis and local transport services are available for nearby destinations.
Nearby Attractions: The area is known for its beautiful beaches, diving spots, and proximity to Mount Sinai.

Port Said Airport

Location: Near the city of Port Said, at the northern end of the Suez Canal.
Facilities: A small airport with limited facilities, mainly serving domestic flights.
Transportation: Easily accessible by taxi or local transport from the city.
Nearby Attractions: Port Said is known for its unique Suez Canal views, historical buildings, and distinctive culture.

Sharq El Owainat Airport

Location: Located in the Western Desert, serving the Sharq El Owainat area.
Facilities: A basic facility, primarily used for regional and agricultural purposes.
Transportation: Limited transport options; it’s best to arrange transport in advance.
Nearby Attractions: It’s a gateway to exploring Egypt’s vast Western Desert region.

St. Catherine Airport

Location: In the Sinai Peninsula, serving St. Catherine and the surrounding area.
Facilities: A small airport with minimal facilities, mostly used by charter flights and for local travel.
Transportation: Taxi services are available; the airport is close to St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Nearby Attractions: Ideal for visiting the iconic St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.

Alexandria–El Nouzha Airport

Location: Previously located in Alexandria, one of Egypt’s major cities along the Mediterranean Sea.
Current Status: As of my last update, Alexandria–El Nouzha Airport had been closed for several years to allow for major redevelopment and expansion work. Most commercial flights were redirected to Borg El Arab Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers southwest of the city center.
Transportation: When operational, transportation options would typically include taxis, buses, and potentially a shuttle service to and from the city.
Nearby Attractions: Alexandria is a city steeped in history with attractions like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and Roman amphitheaters.

El Arish Airport

Location: Situated in El Arish, the capital of the North Sinai Governorate in the northeast of Egypt.
Facilities: A small airport that mainly serves the local population and the Sinai region.
Transportation: Transportation options are limited, typically consisting of taxis and local buses. As this is a more remote area, it’s advisable to arrange transportation in advance.
Nearby Attractions: El Arish is known for its beaches along the Mediterranean and is relatively close to the Gaza Strip border. The area has a rich Bedouin culture and is a starting point for excursions into the Sinai Peninsula.

New Developments

The new Capital International Airport, aimed at easing the load on Cairo International and Sphinx International Airports, is an exciting addition to Egypt’s aviation landscape.

Conclusion

Airports in Egypt: More Than Just Travel Hubs – Egypt’s airports are the starting points of what can be the vacation of a lifetime. They are not only vital connectors to the ancient and modern wonders of Egypt but also play a pivotal role in the country’s burgeoning tourism industry. As Egypt enters a new era of tourism, these airports stand ready to welcome the world to the timeless wonders of this historic land. The strategic importance and the welcoming atmosphere of the airports in Egypt underscore their role in introducing travelers to the unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Egypt has to offer.

Updated 24 Jan 2024