Cairo International Airport

Discover Cairo International Airport, Egypt's busiest hub with four terminals, a history dating back to WWII, and a range of services and nearby hotels for travelers. Learn about its transportation options at Cairo International Airport!

Written by ETP TEAM

Published Sep 07, 2019 Updated Jun 20, 2024 8 min read

Summary

Cairo International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Egypt and Africa, serving as the main hub for airlines like Egypt Air, Egypt Air Express, and Nile Air. It is located in Heliopolis, northeast of Cairo's business area, and spans approximately 37 sq km.
The airport's origins date back to WWII when it was built by the United States Army Air Forces as Payne Airfield. After the war, it was taken over by the civil aviation authority and transformed into Cairo International Airport in 1963, now managed by the Egyptian holding company for airports and air navigation.
The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 3 being the largest, opened in 2009. Terminal 1 is known as the Old Airport, and Terminal 2, the New Airport, reopened in 2016 after renovations. A Seasonal Flight Terminal was introduced in 2011 to handle additional passenger capacity.
The airport offers various transportation options, including a mini metro people mover linking three terminals, limousines, shuttle buses, taxis, and public buses. Arrival procedures include filling out an arrival card, purchasing a visa if necessary, and passing through immigration control before collecting luggage.
Cairo International Airport provides a range of services such as lounges, medical clinics, information desks, dining options, currency exchange, duty-free shopping, and Wi-Fi. Nearby hotels like Le Méridien, Novotel, and Radisson Blu offer accommodation and amenities for travelers.

Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest and largest airports in Egypt and Africa. It serves as the main hub for the airlines Egypt Air, Egypt Air Express, and Nile Air, among others.

The airport is located in the city of Heliopolis in the northeast of Cairo, around 15 km "9.3 mi" for the city's business area, and the airport is about 37 sq km "14 sq mi". It is known for being the second busiest airport in Africa after the O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa, Johannesburg.

History of Cairo International Airport

The history of the Cairo airport goes back to WWII when the United States Army Air Forces built the Payne airfield, which is located 5 km "3.1 mi" away from north-eastern Cairo, to serve the Allied forces as an air transport command air cargo and passenger hub across the north and west of Africa. When the American forces left the base at the end of the war, the civil aviation authority took over the facility and started using it for international civil aviation, but in 1963; the Cairo International Airport was born to replace the old one.

The newly founded airport is under the administration of the Egyptian holding company for airports and air navigation that controls Cairo Airport company, the National Air Navigation Service, the Egyptian Airport Company, and aviation information technology.

Terminals of Cairo International Airport

The airport terminal is a building where passengers shift between ground transportation and facilities that allow them to board and get off the aircraft. It is also the place where passengers purchase tickets, transfer their luggage, and go through security. The airport has four terminals. The third terminal, which is the largest, opened on 27 April 2009, and Terminal 2 reopened on 28 September 2016 after renovation works.

In 2010, a third parallel runway replaced the crossing runway. The terminal facilities include departure hall 1, international hall 3, and hall 4, which are used for private and non-commercial aircraft services. Terminal 1 is known as the Old Airport even after being given a complete overhaul recently, and Terminal 2 is known as the New Airport.

Cairo Airport Terminal 1

Terminal One was used by EgyptAir and several Middle Eastern airlines, but in 2006, a number of foreign carriers, like Air France and KLM, transferred operations from Terminal 2. It has 12 gates, an array of services, and entertainment facilities for travelers. In 2010, with the renovation works, all the non-star airlines moved to the terminal. All the departures and arrivals of all the airlines departing from Terminal 1 Hall 1, except for Saudia, which is the sole tenant of Hall 2 of Terminal 1, because the Saudia visitors accounted for 65% of Terminal 2's traffic in 2009. Hall 3 is the arrival of most international airlines and the airmail. Hall 4 is dedicated to private jet services and operates independently of the commercial passenger terminal.

Cairo Airport Terminal 2

Terminal 2 serves European, Gulf, and East Asian airlines. It was under renovation for three years, from 2012 to 2015, and officially opened in February 2017 when Saudi Arabian Airlines launched its first international flight from Terminal 2. The terminal is 1.500 sq m and can hold 30 million passengers annually. It has 14 gates and an additional five remote stands.

Cairo Airport Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is the biggest terminal in the airport; it was opened in 2009 with the capacity to handle 11 million passengers annually, six million international and five domestic. Terminal three has 23 gates, 76 immigration counters, seven baggage carousels, and 50 moving walkways, and the retail space covers more than 5,000 sqm. It is connected by a bridge to terminal two. The Terminal's three landside roads include a bridge and fly-over serving the traffic to and from the main terminal building. It holds a multi-story parking garage capable of holding more than 3000 cars. Next to it is the 350-room luxury five-star Le Meridien hotel, which is linked to the terminal by 230 m (750 ft) long skyway.

Seasonal Flight Terminal

In 2011, the seasonal flight terminal west of Terminal 3 was opened. It has a capacity of 3.2 million passengers, 27 check-in counters, seven gates with a common gate and single security concept, and is the first of its kind in Cairo. It handles 1200 passengers per hour.

Cairo Airport Transportation

One of the terminal transfers is the mini metro people mover, which links three terminals, including the AirMall. It is located between terminals 2 and three.

The mini metro is an air-cushioned 1.85 km (1.15 mi) system with a top speed of 50 km/h "31 mph". Upon arrival, there are many ways to leave the airport, such as by limousine, shuttle bus, taxi, or public bus.

Arrival Procedures of Cairo Airport

There are things every traveler needs to know before landing at Cairo International Airport, such as filling out your arrival card, which will be handed to you by the flight attendants. Follow the luggage claim, which will take you straight to the immigration hall. If you need to buy your visa, which will cost about (25 $) or the equivalent amount in Euro, which are both acceptable, then you should head to the counter of the bank located just next to the passport control office.

When you have the visa, stick it to an empty page of your passport, then process it to police immigration control with the landing card you filled in previously so you can pass the police control. You will then head to the conveyor belt to collect your luggage and exit through the arrival hall, where You will find our employee carrying a sign with your name on it. Then, head to your A.C. private car, where you will begin your chosen tour.

Hotels Near Cairo International Airport

There are numerous hotels near Cairo International Airport that provide comprehensive services. Le Méridien Cairo Airport, connected to Terminal 3, features a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Novotel Cairo Airport offers tranquil outdoor pools, airport shuttle service, and diverse dining options. Le Passage Cairo, located in Heliopolis, boasts dining options, a discotheque, a casino, and a shuttle service. Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Heliopolis provides a rooftop pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and modern guest rooms. Hilton Cairo Heliopolis Hotel combines modern comfort with Egyptian heritage, offering pools, a casino, and multiple dining options.

Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo features eight restaurants, two outdoor pools, and private stables. Tulip El Galaa Hotel Cairo offers stylish accommodations, an outdoor pool, and proximity to popular attractions. Golden Park Hotel in Heliopolis provides contemporary rooms, Italian cuisine, and a rooftop bar. Ocean Blue Studios, near City Stars, offers 4-star accommodations with a restaurant and garden. Sun City Hotel - The Gabriel in Heliopolis, close to the Baron Palace, provides luxurious rooms and gourmet French cuisine at Salt Restaurant and Bar.

Services Inside Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport is a state-of-the-art establishment that is equipped with all the means and tools to assist with their easy transition from the moment of arrival to boarding and, of course, departure. These services may vary in availability and quality depending on the terminal and specific areas within Cairo International Airport. It's always a good idea to check with the airport's website or inquire upon arrival for the most up-to-date information. These services provided at Cairo International Airport include:

Airport Lounges are typically available for business class passengers or members of specific loyalty programs that offer comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers and business facilities. The airport offers special services that may be available for VIP passengers or those requiring special assistance, such as elderly passengers or passengers with disabilities. There are usually medical clinics or first aid stations to assist passengers in case of medical emergencies or minor health issues. Staffed information desks or information kiosks are available to assist passengers with inquiries about flights, airport facilities, and other related information.

Restaurants and Cafes offer various dining options that are available throughout the airport, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. The airport has a business center with facilities such as computers, printers, and fax machines, plus offices for car rentals. Currency Exchange and Banking Services such as Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available for travelers to exchange currency or withdraw cash. Duty-free Shopping across the airport allows passengers to purchase a variety of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There are other retail shops selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and more. Wi-Fi and Charging stations are free and are often available throughout the airport, along with charging stations for electronic devices. There are also Baggage handling services, including luggage carts and assistance for lost or damaged baggage, which are usually provided. If you need to find any belongings during your journey, there's typically a lost and found office where you can inquire about and retrieve lost items.

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Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

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H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

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Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

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"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

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