Egypt has an extensive aviation network with over 25 airports connecting major cities and tourist destinations. Out of these, 11 are international airports. The most notable include:

• Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
• Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) in Alexandria
• Luxor International Airport (LXR)
• Aswan International Airport (ASW)
• Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)

Travelers can easily find both domestic and international airports on Egypt’s airport maps, making navigation simple.

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cairo International is Egypt’s busiest airport and a leading hub in Africa. Located about 22 km northeast of downtown, it is the main entry point for travelers heading to Cairo’s historic landmarks, the Pyramids, or a Nile cruise.

Terminals:

• Terminal 1 – Primarily for domestic and regional flights.
• Terminal 2 – Recently upgraded, serving both regional and international airlines.
• Terminal 3 – The largest and most modern, mainly for EgyptAir and Star Alliance partners.

Check your departure terminal online or via flight apps before traveling.

Visa on Arrival:
Yes, visas are available on arrival at Cairo Airport for around $25 USD (single-entry, 30 days). Payment is usually in USD or euros, so carrying exact change is recommended. This same process applies at other international airports, including Hurghada.

Airport Security:
Egyptian airport security is strict but efficient, with multiple checks for safety. Expect passport control, baggage screening, and random inspections, especially at Cairo Terminal 3.

Currency & Amenities:
Currency exchange counters are available in every terminal, though rates may be slightly higher than in the city.

Hotels Near Cairo Airport:

• Le Méridien Cairo Airport – Directly connected to Terminal 3.
• Radisson Blu Heliopolis – Around 10 minutes away.
• Novotel Cairo Airport – A budget option with shuttle service.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Studio Misr – Known for authentic Egyptian grills.
• Gad – Casual dining with local favorites like falafel and shawarma.
• Hotel restaurants (Le Méridien, Novotel) also provide good dining options.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG)

Hurghada Airport is the second-busiest in Egypt, serving millions of Red Sea tourists annually. The airport code is HRG.

• Visa on Arrival is available at the same $25 USD fee.
• Two modern terminals ensure smooth passenger flow.
• Transport options include taxis, hotel shuttles, and nearby resorts within 20 minutes.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Serving the Sinai Peninsula, SSH is the main airport for travelers heading to Sharm El Sheikh’s resorts and diving spots.

Though smaller than Cairo or Hurghada, it offers:

• Duty-free shopping
• Visa on arrival services for eligible travelers
• Efficient facilities tailored to international visitors

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), Alexandria

This is the main gateway to Alexandria and northern Egypt. Smaller in scale, HBE focuses on domestic and regional flights with growing international links, making it ideal for travelers exploring Alexandria’s Greco-Roman heritage.

Egypt’s Airport Network at a Glance

In total, Egypt has over 30 airports, with at least 10 handling international routes. Key ones include:

• Cairo (CAI)
• Hurghada (HRG)
• Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
• Luxor (LXR)
• Aswan (ASW)
• Marsa Alam (RMF)
• Borg El Arab (HBE)
• Sohag (HMB)
• Assiut (ATZ)
• Taba (TCP)

For easy planning, travelers should familiarize themselves with Egypt’s airport codes.

Ground Transport & Accessibility

Most airports in Egypt provide:

• Shuttle buses
• Fixed-rate taxis
• Ridesharing apps (like Uber in Cairo)
• Car rentals

Many nearby hotels also offer shuttle transfers to and from the terminals.

Travel Tips for Smooth Airport Experience

• Arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights.
• Keep visa and entry documents ready for immigration.
• Use ATMs or official counters for currency exchange.
• Always reconfirm your departure terminal and flight status.
• From Cairo Airport, expect a 45-minute drive to the Egyptian Museum (traffic-dependent).

FAQs: Airports in Egypt

1. How many airports are in Egypt?
   Over 30, with around 10 handling international flights.
2. Can I get a visa on arrival?
   Yes, most travelers can, for about $25 USD.
3. Is airport security strict?
   Yes, but professional and tourist-friendly.
4. What is the Cairo airport code?
   CAI.
5. Can I exchange money at the airport?
   Yes, exchange counters are available.
6. What’s the main airport in Egypt?
   Cairo International Airport (CAI).
7. What airport should I fly into?
   Cairo is the main gateway, but Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are also popular.
8. Does Cairo have more than one airport?
   Mainly one—Cairo International—though smaller airfields exist.
9. Which airport is best?
   Cairo for major attractions; Hurghada or Luxor for resorts and historical sites.
10. Which airport is cheapest to fly into?
    Hurghada often offers lower fares, especially from Europe.
11. Which airline is best for Egypt?
    EgyptAir is the national carrier, with a strong reputation, though many international airlines also serve Egypt.

Final Note

Whether arriving in Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s airports are modern, secure, and increasingly well-connected. With easy visa options, strong safety measures, and nearby hotels, they make travel smoother and stress-free.