โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Nouzha Airport (ALY), historically known as Alexandria International Airport, is a significant aviation landmark situated just 7 kilometers southeast of Egypt's vibrant Mediterranean city of Alexandria. For many years, it served as the primary air gateway to this major port and cultural center, handling both domestic routes and international charters. However, in 2011, the airport ceased all commercial airline operations, a decision driven by the need to consolidate traffic and streamline services to the region's more modern facilities.
Following its closure to scheduled commercial flights, the airport's operations have been fundamentally altered. While the original terminal building remains standing, it is no longer accessible to the general public or commercial passengers. Instead, the airfield's infrastructure is now primarily utilized for private aviation, executive jet charters, and military or government flights. This limited access underscores its transition from a public transit point to a specialized facility catering to a select group of users, offering a discreet and direct entry into the Alexandria area for authorized personnel.
The operational focus of air travel to Alexandria has completely shifted to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE). Located about 40 kilometers southwest of the city, HBE is a modern, expansive airport equipped to handle a high volume of international and domestic traffic. It features multiple terminals, advanced passenger amenities, and serves as the sole destination for all scheduled commercial airlines flying into the Alexandria governorate, including EgyptAir and various international carriers.
For any traveler planning a trip to Alexandria, it is paramount to confirm that your flight booking is for Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) and not El Nouzha (ALY). Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing your travel itinerary. While ALY retains its historical presence and remains available for specific authorized operations, all public passenger services, including check-in, security, baggage claim, and onward transportation arrangements, are exclusively handled at HBE. This ensures a consistent and modern travel experience for the vast majority of visitors to the region.
๐ Connection Tips
El Nouzha Airport (ALY), historically serving as Alexandria International Airport, is officially closed to all scheduled commercial air traffic. For travelers, the most critical connection tip is to ensure your flight is booked to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), which now serves as the sole commercial gateway for the Alexandria region. ALY, which traces its history back to the Royal Air Force's RAF Maryut during World War II, transitioned to permanent closure for commercial operations in 2011 to consolidate regional traffic at the more modern HBE facility.\n\nWhile some private jet charter services may still reference ALY, all scheduled airlines, including EgyptAir and various international carriers, operate exclusively from Borg El Arab, located approximately 45 to 50 kilometers southwest of Alexandria's city center. If you are arriving in the region, the most reliable way to connect to central Alexandria from the active hub at HBE is via the hourly direct bus service to the Moharam Bek Bus Station, a journey of roughly 60 minutes. Alternatively, official airport taxis operate with fixed-rate fares ranging from 250 to 550 EGP depending on your final destination and the time of day. Pre-booking a private transfer through your hotel or a reputable ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem is highly recommended to avoid negotiation and ensure a timely arrival.\n\nFor those with onward international connections from Cairo (CAI), allow at least four to five hours for the road transfer between Alexandria and the capital's main hub. The road journey via the Desert Road is well-maintained but can be subject to significant traffic during peak hours. Always double-check your IATA airport codes before travel; if your itinerary mistakenly lists ALY, contact your airline immediately to rectify the booking to HBE to avoid being denied boarding or arriving at a defunct facility.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) is a compact, specialized regional airport located in Egypt, serving as the primary air gateway for tourists visiting the world-renowned Abu Simbel temples. The airport operates a single terminal building, designed for efficient processing of tour groups and individual travelers drawn to this iconic historical site. Its layout is straightforward and intuitive, ensuring quick navigation from arrival to the exit, and from check-in to the departure gate.
The terminal, though small, provides essential amenities for a comfortable travel experience. It features a waiting lounge with seating, a basic medical point, and several souvenir shops where travelers can purchase local crafts and gifts. A small cafรฉ or refreshment area offers drinks and light snacks. While not equipped with extensive dining facilities or duty-free complexes found in larger international airports, it caters to the immediate needs of its tourist clientele.
Security procedures at ABS are in line with national regulations for regional tourist airports. Passengers undergo standard screening protocols for both carry-on and checked baggage, along with personal checks. The airport is known for its efficiency, with quick processes for luggage retrieval and security, leading to minimal wait times. As ABS primarily handles domestic tourist flights, international immigration or customs facilities are not on-site; these functions are processed at larger international airports in Egypt.
๐ Connection Tips
Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) primarily facilitates domestic travel within Egypt, with its flight schedules often synchronized with the visits to the Abu Simbel temples. Direct flights are typically available to Aswan International Airport (ASW) and Cairo International Airport (CAI), operated by carriers such as EgyptAir and Air Cairo. These routes are crucial for connecting tourists from other parts of Egypt or from international arrivals to the temple complex.\n\nFor travelers connecting to ABS, particularly those arriving from international destinations, the typical itinerary involves flying into a major Egyptian international airport like Cairo (CAI) or Luxor (LXR), and then taking a connecting domestic flight to Aswan (ASW), from where most flights to Abu Simbel originate. It is highly recommended to book these flights as a single itinerary if possible to ensure baggage transfers and rebooking assistance in case of delays.\n\nGround transportation from Abu Simbel Airport is well-organized, primarily catering to tour groups. Taxis and hotel transfers are the most popular and convenient ways to reach the nearby temples and town. EgyptAir often provides a complimentary bus service between the airport and the temple complex for its passengers. Given the airport's specialized tourist role, most travel arrangements, including transfers, are often part of pre-booked tour packages.
โ Back to El Nouzha Airport