*Ready to go outside Aswan International Airport (ASW)!*

There are more than twenty airports in Egypt, from major international hubs like Cairo International Airport (CAI) all the way down to smaller, one-runway options like Aswan Airport (ASW). I'm going to share all of the airports in Egypt, highlighting the most common ones travelers use, and give some tips you should know about each of the busiest airports in Egypt.

*My name’s Gus, I’ve lived in Egypt off an on for 14 years, and I’ve traveled through every major Egyptian airport countless times.*

I've lived in Egypt off and on for 14 years, speak fluent Egyptian Arabic, and have traveled to all the main tourist destinations in the country. For the past 5 years I have planned hundreds of trips for travelers from all over the world, and I've flown in and out of various airports in Egypt over one hundred times.

Let me know if you want help with planning your trip to Egypt, or want to join me on one of my upcoming group tours!

In this guide to airports in Egypt, we'll cover:

1. The major airports in Egypt that most travelers use (with my tips for each one!)

2. The smaller regional airports Egypt has around the country

3. Airports that are inactive, military-only, or private charter only

4. Frequently asked questions about Egypt airports

Major Airports in Egypt

Let's start with the main airports in Egypt - these are the airports that 99% of travelers will use during their Egypt trip, and I'll go in-depth on each one. As you plan your route around Egypt, major airports like these will be the backbone of your itinerary. And of all the airports in Egypt, Cairo is where we have to begin!

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cairo International Airport is the biggest airport in Egypt, and chances are your Egypt adventure will start and end here. It's the country's main gateway, with international flights arriving from all over the world - North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. You'll sometimes see it listed on booking sites as Cairo Airport CAI. It's also the main hub for domestic flights within Egypt, and almost every domestic flight in the country transits through Cairo. If you want to fly from Luxor to Sharm el Sheikh, for example, you'll almost always connect through Cairo International.

(Quick note: if you're flying a budget carrier from Europe or the Middle East, Sphinx International Airport is also an option for the Cairo area - more on that below!)

Cairo International Airport's location is in Heliopolis, on the northeast side of Greater Cairo. It's about 20 - 25 kilometers from downtown Cairo, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on Cairo's famous traffic. The Pyramids of Giza are on the complete opposite side of the city, so plan on 1 to 1.5 hours to get from the airport to Giza.

The airport has three terminals:

Terminal 1 is the older terminal, and it handles a mix of international and domestic flights - mostly EgyptAir domestic routes and some regional carriers. The domestic and international areas are in separate sections of the terminal, so double check which hall you need.

Terminal 2 serves many international carriers, including a lot of European and Gulf airlines. If you're flying Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, or similar, you'll likely be here.

*Baggage claim at the international arrivals hall for Cairo International Airport Terminal 2*

Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, and it's the main home of EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners. Terminal 3 handles both international and domestic flights, with the domestic gates in their own separate area of the terminal - follow the signs carefully, because the walk between the international and domestic areas can be long!

My tips for Cairo International Airport:

You can take Uber to the airport, but getting an Uber from the airport is tricky. Pickup zones are confusing, drivers often cancel, and you may get hassled while you wait. I always recommend pre-arranging your airport transfer for arrival (this is something I set up for all of my travelers).

Visa on arrival, SIM cards, and currency exchange are available 24/7/365. I get this question constantly - travelers land at 2 AM or 3 AM and assume everything will be closed. It won't be! The visa on arrival counters, the SIM card kiosks, and the currency exchange desks are open around the clock, every single day of the year. Even in the middle of the night, you can get your visa, get connected, and get Egyptian pounds.

*You can buy a SIM card upon arrival at CAI as long as your phone takes a physical SIM card.*

Duty free upon arrival is limited. If you're hoping to stock up on duty-free (especially alcohol), the arrival selection at CAI is much more limited than what you'll find elsewhere. It's best to buy duty-free during a layover instead of after you land.

Baggage claim takes a while. Bags at Cairo International can take longer to come out than at other airports - sometimes 45 to 60 minutes. Don't panic if you're standing at the carousel for a while, this is completely normal!

You don't need to tip anyone at the airport. If someone asks for a tip, just ignore it. If someone tries to grab your bags or "help" you with a luggage cart, politely refuse. You do not need to pay anyone anything to get through Cairo Airport.

For domestic departures, arrive 2 hours before your flight. Domestic flights can be very busy, especially the morning flights to Luxor and Aswan, and the check-in and security lines back up quickly.

Luxor International Airport (LXR)

Along with Aswan, Luxor International Airport is one of the two main airports travelers use for a Nile Cruise and for exploring Upper Egypt. It's a small airport with domestic flights to and from Cairo, plus a handful of international flights from Europe and the Middle East (mostly seasonal charter flights bringing travelers straight to the Nile Valley).

Luxor Airport is located about 6 kilometers east of Luxor's city center, so it's a quick 15-minute drive into town. The Valley of the Kings and the rest of the West Bank sites are across the Nile, roughly 30 - 45 minutes from the airport depending on traffic and which bridge crossing you use.

Aswan International Airport (ASW)

Aswan International Airport is the other main airport for Nile Cruises and Upper Egypt. It's a small airport with domestic flights to and from Cairo. Unlike Luxor, there are no regular international flights - just occasional service to and from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

One thing to know: Aswan Airport is located quite far from the city - about 25 kilometers southwest of Aswan's city center, so plan on a 25 - 30 minute drive.

There are also daily flights between Aswan and Abu Simbel, but honestly, by the time you factor in getting to the airport, check-in, and the flight itself, it's often around the same total time to just drive to Abu Simbel from Aswan - and driving gives you more flexibility with your schedule.

My tips for Luxor and Aswan Airports (they're basically twins!):

*Don’t show up to ASW or LXR too early - the airports won’t let you in if you arrive more than 2 hours before your flight’s departure.*

Eat before you arrive if you're flying OUT of LXR or ASW. Both airports are very small, and there are no good food options inside. Have a nice lunch in town before you head to the airport.

There's a tiny Priority Pass lounge at each airport. If you have Priority Pass, you can get free coffee, water, and snacks. Don't expect a luxury lounge experience, but it's a nice perk!

Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before domestic departures. Both airports can get very busy, especially in high season when multiple flights depart close together. The good news is both airports are air-conditioned, so they're a comfortable place to wait!

The WiFi doesn't really work at either airport. If you need internet access, make sure you have an eSIM or Egyptian SIM card, because you likely won't get online otherwise.

Pre-arrange your transfer. There are no good taxi options at either airport - drivers heavily overcharge, and Uber and inDrive aren't reliable in Luxor or Aswan. Have your hotel, cruise, or tour operator arrange your pickup (this is included on all the trips I arrange!).

Sharm el Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

When travelers ask me about airports in Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh always comes up - When travelers ask me about airports in Egypt, Sharm el Sheikh always comes up. Sharm el Sheikh International Airport is the major airport of the Sinai Peninsula, and it mostly serves seasonal travelers heading to the Red Sea resorts. There are lots of domestic flights to and from Cairo, limited flights to other cities in Egypt (occasionally Luxor or Borg El Arab), and lots of international flights from Europe and the Middle East - especially charter and budget carriers in the winter high season.

The airport is located in the Nabq area, on the northeast side of Sharm. It's about 10 kilometers from Naama Bay and roughly 20 - 25 minutes from Sharm's city center. Several resorts in Nabq are just minutes from the airport. If you're heading to Dahab, plan on about a 1-hour drive up the coast.

Sharm el Sheikh Airport has two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 handling most of the traffic. International and domestic flights use separate areas, so check your ticket and the signs when you arrive.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG)

Hurghada International Airport is the biggest airport along the Red Sea Coast, and like Sharm, it mostly serves seasonal travelers heading to resorts. There are lots of domestic flights to and from Cairo, sometimes seasonal flights to Luxor and Alexandria, and tons of international flights from Europe and the Middle East. For many European travelers, their very first Egypt airport, Hurghada, is actually their first taste of Egypt!

The airport sits right at the edge of Hurghada, about 10 - 15 minutes from the city center and the marina. Sahl Hasheesh is about 20 - 25 minutes south, El Gouna is about 30 - 35 minutes north, and Soma Bay is roughly 45 minutes to an hour south of the airport.

*Hurghada International Airport (HRG) Domestic Terminal (departures)*

Hurghada International Airport has two terminals - the newer Terminal 1 handles international flights, while domestic flights use the older terminal.

My tips for Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada Airports:

Arrive 2.5 - 3 hours before international flights, and 60 minutes before domestic flights. International departure halls at both resorts airports can be chaotic when several European charter flights leave around the same time.

Eat before you get to the airport. Food options airside are limited at both airports, so have a meal at your resort before heading out.

Visa on arrival, SIM cards, and currency exchange are available 24/7/365 - just like Cairo! Many resort flights land in the middle of the night, and travelers always worry these services will be closed. They won't be - they're open around the clock, all year.

*All services in SSH and HRG like visa upon arrival, SIM cards, and currency exchange are available 24/7/365*

At Sharm, know about the Sinai Resorts Waiver. If you're staying only in the Sinai resort areas (Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days, you don't need the Egypt entry visa at all - you get a free Sinai stamp instead. But if you plan to leave the Sinai (like visiting Cairo or taking a trip to Luxor), you need the full visa.

At Hurghada, there is NO Sinai waiver. Hurghada is on the mainland Red Sea coast, not in the Sinai, so you must have the Egypt entry visa.

Getting a ride from Hurghada Airport is hard. Uber and rideshare drivers almost never come to the airport unless you pay a high rate, so pre-arrange your transfer through your hotel or tour operator.

At Sharm, taxis and inDrive exist, but negotiate. Drivers often won't honor the fare shown in the app, so be ready to agree on a price before you get in - or better yet, pre-arrange your ride.

Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)

Marsa Alam International Airport is a small airport along the southern Red Sea Coast, serving seasonal travelers heading to the resorts in the area. Domestic flights are very limited - just service to and from Cairo - along with seasonal international charter flights from Europe.

Here's the thing about Marsa Alam: it's a very spread out area, and most tourists never actually go into the city of Marsa Alam itself. They land at the airport and go straight to their resort, which could be anywhere along a 100+ kilometer stretch of coastline.

My tips for Marsa Alam International Airport:

*It’s a great idea to pre-arrange your transfer to and from Marsa Alam International Airport*

Definitely pre-arrange your transfer. The airport is very remote, and you cannot count on finding a taxi or rideshare.

Consider flying into Hurghada instead. Depending on where your resort is located, Hurghada International Airport may be a similar driving distance, and it has way more flight options and better schedules.

Visa on arrival, currency exchange, and SIM cards are available 24/7/365 - even for those middle-of-the-night charter arrivals!

Sphinx International Airport (SPX)

Sphinx International Airport is the newest airport in Egypt, and it's quickly becoming the go-to Egypt airport near the Pyramids! There are no domestic flights yet - all flights are international, mostly on budget-friendly carriers like EasyJet and Wizz Air flying to and from Europe and the Middle East.

Sphinx Airport is located west of Giza, about 20 - 25 minutes from the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Here's the catch though: SPX is FAR from downtown Cairo - about an hour or more depending on traffic. Flying into Sphinx makes the most sense if you found a great budget flight deal, or if your trip is focused on the Pyramids and the Giza side of the city.

*Sphinx Airport (SPX) has a Priority Pass Lounge that serves full meals and has non-alcoholic drinks*

There's a nice Priority Pass lounge at SPX that serves hot meals and non-alcoholic drinks - honestly better than what you'll find at some of the bigger airports in Egypt!

I've made two full YouTube videos about Sphinx International Airport, so you can see exactly what to expect:

And yes - visa on arrival, SIM cards, and currency exchange are all available 24/7/365 at Sphinx too, even for those late-night budget arrivals!

My tips for Sphinx International Airport:

Uber works well here. It's very easy to take an Uber TO Sphinx Airport, and you can usually get an Uber on arrival too, though you may need to negotiate with drivers. If you're landing very late at night or in the early morning, it's best to pre-arrange a transfer.

*There may be longer lines at SPX Airport, so arrive 3 hours before your international flight’s departure.*

Don't arrive more than 3 hours before your flight. This one surprises people - the airport won't let you inside more than 3 hours before your international flight's departure!

Expect some lines. Even though it's a smaller airport, staffing is limited, so security and check-in can take a while. Don't stress - if you arrive 3 hours before your flight, they will not let you miss it.

Watch this airport in the future. Sphinx keeps adding flights, and domestic options may be coming, which would make it even more useful for travelers.

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) - Alexandria and the North Coast

Borg El Arab Airport is the international airport that serves both Alexandria and Egypt's Mediterranean Coast (the North Coast, or "Sahel" as Egyptians call it). The airport is located roughly equidistant between Alexandria and El Alamein - about 45 - 50 kilometers southwest of Alexandria's city center, which means the transfer into Alexandria takes around 90 minutes. Heading the other direction, it's convenient for the Sahel resort areas, and it's a few hours' drive from Marsa Matruh further west.

Visa on arrival is available at Borg El Arab, along with currency exchange and SIM cards.

My tips for Borg El Arab Airport:

Most travelers don't need this airport. Unless you're getting a great deal on a budget international flight, or you're heading to the North Coast, HBE usually doesn't make sense - it's far from Cairo, and far(ish) from Alexandria itself.

Don't fly here just to visit Alexandria. The drive from Cairo to Alexandria only takes about 2.5 hours, and the airport transfer from Borg El Arab to Alexandria takes around 90 minutes anyway - so just drive from Cairo instead!

Pre-arrange your transfer if you can. The airport is remote and taxis are more limited, though you can bargain with drivers at the airport for a ride to Alexandria. Going the other way, you can take an Uber from Alexandria to the airport.

Smaller Airports in Egypt

Beyond the major international airports, Egypt has several smaller regional airports. Most travelers won't use these, but here's a quick rundown!

Abu Simbel Airport (ABS)

Abu Simbel Airport is just minutes from the magnificent Abu Simbel Temple, and that's its entire reason for existing! The airport is TINY - we're talking one gate. The only flights are to and from Aswan; if a flight continues from Abu Simbel to Cairo, it will stop in Aswan along the way. Honestly, it's usually just as fast (and more convenient) to drive to Abu Simbel from Aswan - the road is good, the drive is about 3 hours each way, and you control your own schedule.

El Alamein International Airport (DBB)

El Alamein International Airport only has seasonal flights, mostly to Europe and the Gulf. It's really only convenient for the North Coast, so it's best used in the summertime when the Sahel season is in full swing.

Mersa Matruh Airport (MUH)

Mersa Matruh Airport serves the far western Mediterranean coast, with very limited seasonal flights - mostly in summer when Egyptians flock to Marsa Matruh's turquoise beaches. Most international travelers won't use this one.

Assiut Airport (ATZ)

Assiut Airport, in Middle Egypt, has limited domestic flights to Cairo along with international flights to Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia - mostly serving Egyptians working in the Gulf.

Sohag International Airport (HMB)

Sohag International Airport has just 1 or 2 flights per week between Cairo and Sohag, plus international flights to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

El Kharga Airport (UVL)

El Kharga Airport, out in the Western Desert oases, has very limited domestic flights offered seasonally. For most travelers heading to the oases, it makes more sense to take a bus or arrange a driver.

Inactive, Military, and Private Charter Airports in Egypt

Egypt has a long list of airfields that show up on any airports in Egypt map - even an international airports in Egypt map - but that you'll never actually fly through as a regular traveler. Some are closed, some are military bases, some only handle private charters, and one is still under construction. Here's the full list so you're not confused when you see these airport names:

Alexandria Airport (ALY) - No longer in use. Borg El Arab (HBE) has replaced it as Alexandria's airport.

Capital International Airport (CCE) - The New Administrative Capital's airport, still under construction. One to watch in the coming years!

Taba International Airport (TCP) - Only chartered or private flights, in the far northeast Sinai near the Israeli border.

El Gouna Airport (HEGO) - Private charters only. Hurghada International Airport is very close to El Gouna, so everyone just uses HRG.

El Tor Airport (ELT) - No commercial flights. It's close to Sharm, so everyone uses Sharm el Sheikh International Airport instead.

St. Catherine International Airport (SKV) - Private charters only. SSH is the closest commercial airport to St. Catherine's Monastery.

Port Said Airport (PSD) - Occasionally has private charters, but travelers use Cairo International Airport since it's so close.

Taba, Dakhla Oasis (DAK), and Abu Rudeis (AUE) - Private or chartered flights only.

Bardawil International Airport (RDL) - Only supports local industrial zones in North Sinai.

El Arish International Airport (AAC) - Not used for commercial flights, and most foreigners cannot enter this area of North Sinai anyway.

El Gora Airport (EGH) - Used only by the military and the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), the organization established to supervise the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.

Military airfields - Almaza Air Base (HEAZ) (which also handles some private charters and helicopter flights within Egypt), Cairo West Air Base (CWE) right by Sphinx Airport, 6th October City Airport (HEOC), Helwan Air Base (HE15), and Minya Air Force Base (EMY) are all military-use airfields.

Sharq El Owainat Airport (GSQ) - Way out in the desert, mostly for military, government, and agricultural project use in Egypt's remote Western Desert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airports in Egypt

How many airports in Egypt are there?

There are more than twenty airports in Egypt, but only about eight of them are the major international airports that regular travelers use: Cairo (CAI), Sphinx (SPX), Luxor (LXR), Aswan (ASW), Sharm el Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG), Marsa Alam (RMF), and Borg El Arab (HBE).

What is the main Egypt international airport name?

Egypt's main international airport is Cairo International Airport, and the Cairo airport code is CAI. It's the biggest airport in the country, the main hub for domestic flights, and where most international travelers arrive.

Which Egypt airport is near the Pyramids?

If you're looking for an Egypt airport near Pyramids of Giza, it's Sphinx International Airport (SPX) - only about 20 - 25 minutes away! Cairo International Airport is on the opposite side of the city, about 1 - 1.5 hours from Giza.

Which airports in Egypt are open now?

If you're searching for airports in Egypt open now, here's the good news: all of the major airports are open and operating: Cairo, Sphinx, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Borg El Arab, plus the smaller regional airports like Abu Simbel, El Alamein, Assiut, and Sohag. Alexandria Airport (ALY) is permanently closed, and the New Capital's airport hasn't opened yet.

Can I get a visa on arrival at any airport in Egypt?

Yes! Visa on arrival is available at all the major international airports in Egypt - Cairo, Sphinx, Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Borg El Arab - and the visa counters, SIM card kiosks, and currency exchange desks are open 24/7/365. For everything you need to know, check out my full guide to the Egypt tourist visa!

Do I need a visa if I'm only visiting Sharm el Sheikh?

If you're staying only in the Sinai resort areas (Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days, you can enter with the free Sinai Resorts Waiver instead of a visa. If you'll travel anywhere else in Egypt - including Cairo, Luxor, or Hurghada - you need the full Egypt entry visa.

Planning your trip to Egypt and want everything handled - including all your airport transfers?

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Airports in Egypt: The complete guide to every Egyptian Airport