๐ช๐ฌ Alexandria, Egypt
Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), recently renamed Alexandria International Airport, is the primary aviation gateway for Alexandria and Egypt's northern coast. Located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Alexandria's city center, the airport replaced the older El Nouzha Airport in 2010 to become the region's main commercial hub. The original terminal, famous for its distinct boat-shaped design, has recently been supplemented by a massive new Terminal 2. This expansion has significantly increased the airport's capacity to 6 million passengers annually, reflecting its role as a vital link for international tourism and the growing industrial sectors of the Nile Delta. The airport complex is organized across two main terminal buildings. Terminal 1 features a three-story layout where the ground floor manages check-in and baggage, the second floor handles arrivals and airline offices, and the third floor is dedicated to international departures and passport control. The new Terminal 2 is a state-of-the-art facility covering 40,000 square meters, incorporating eco-friendly features such as solar energy and energy-efficient cooling systems. Both terminals are equipped with telescopic jet bridges and modern security screening, ensuring a streamlined flow for both domestic and international travelers navigating the boat-shaped architectural complex. Facilities at Borg El Arab are comprehensive and designed for international standards. Travelers can find a variety of dining options, including Abu Auf and Segafredo Cafรฉ, as well as several duty-free shops offering luxury cosmetics, tobacco, and traditional Egyptian souvenirs. For those seeking a quiet retreat, the Pearl Lounge in the international departure area provides comfortable seating and business amenities. The airport also offers essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi. With its expanded parking areas and modernized infrastructure, the airport provides a professional and efficient entry point to the historic "Bride of the Mediterranean."
Connecting through Borg El Arab International Airport is efficient due to its modern, integrated facilities. Domestic transfers typically take under 45 minutes within the same terminal. However, manual baggage handling is common, so always verify if your luggage is through-checked. With the addition of Terminal 2, ensure you know which terminal your next flight departs from. If you are on a single ticket, your airline will manage the transfer between gates, but those on separate bookings should allow at least 2.5 hours to account for terminal navigation and security re-entry. International connections require more buffer time for mandatory formalities. Arriving international passengers must clear immigration and customs at HBE before proceeding to domestic gates. It is recommended to allow at least 3 hours for these transfers, especially during peak travel seasons. If you are self-transferring between separate tickets, ensure a 4-hour window to reclaim baggage and re-check in. Security screening at Egyptian hubs is thorough and involves multiple checkpoints, so arriving 3 hours before an international departure is the standard recommendation. The airport is 40 kilometers from Alexandria city center, with the drive taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Pre-booking a private car or using the HYPER bus is highly advised, as local taxis can be unreliable. For layovers of 6 hours or more, a trip to the Library of Alexandria or the Mediterranean waterfront is feasible. Within the airport, several premium lounges and dining options like Abu Auf offer comfortable spaces to wait. Always carry your travel documents and a printed itinerary, as security staff frequently check these at various points throughout the terminal.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
60 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources